Ex Wilson, NC Truck 1

[MFD76]

For approximately 2 months, Wilmington, DE has leased the former Wilson, NC Truck 1 from Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus.  We were using this truck while our Ladder 1, 2006 Pierce TDA, was out for repairs to damage caused by an accident when a stolen vehicle being pursued by police crashed into the trailer of Ladder 1 in the area of the Officer's side tiller wheel.  The tillerman suffered a shoulder injury when he was thrown into the door of the cab, he is still off on injured leave.  Thankfully he, and the other 3 crew members were all wearing their seatbelts.  Ladder 1 used Reserve Ladder 3, a 1998 KME TDA, which has seen much better days and is hanging on by a thread right now.  During the time Ladder 1 was out of service, Tower 2, 2006 Pierce 95' mid-mount tower, experienced major engine problems and had to also be taken out of service, leaving the department with no ladder apparatus to put the company in.  Enter Ex Wilson Truck 1, a 1998 HME/Central/RK Aerials 109' aerial.  This truck was used for the 1 month plus that Tower 2 was out of serivce.

 

These photos were taken the other day at the city motor vehicle shops just before the truck was to be returned to Brindlee.

I remember this was built with a tag axle. Did you ever use it? It is interesting. Thanks for sharing. Rick