San Francisco Fire Department

[MFD76]

What type of valve is on the officer's side intake on the engines?  Odd looking, something unique to San Fran?

They have their own fire department foundry and ladder shop. They cast their own intake valves, appliances, hose tools, and bells. At one time although not the case on this engine, they also cast their own deck pipes. The bells have SFFD cast in raised letters on the top. It is an extremely traditional fire department. Everything from Leather Lids to uniform shirts with large silver buttons reflects a deep fire service tradition.