I've scanned some of my old snapshots for you.
In 1971, the Department specified a rig that, with revisions, would become the most prevalent pumping apparatus in the DCFD history - the Ford crew-box.
Nine Ford/Ward LaFrances were delivered that year. These were the first DC rigs to have all enclosed seating for the firefighters. They had Hale QSD 75-3 pumps (750 gpm), whose 9 ½” impeller was single stage – another first (I believe) for the department. With a length of nearly 27 ½’ and a 175” wheelbase, the Ford C-8000 had a few critics. The shop numbers were S-116 thru 124.
Note the battery box on the running board. Members sat facing forward on a bench seat that was removable for storage. Crew boxes had both forward and rear facing windows up thru 1980.
This is E-8 in 1975. Fire is at the Metro tunnel under construction, 15th & Pennsylvania Ave SE.
Kevin Byrne


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