The 9 Ford/ Ward LaFrances delivered in 1971, such as E-28’s wagon seen here, had so severe metal fatigue and rust problem that they were phased out of service as early as 1978! With Ward LaFrance in bankruptcy, the only chance of salvaging the Department’s investment was to save the chassis and pump, and have the rigs completely rebuilt. The job was handled by Young Fire Apparatus for $20,000 per piece.
Kevin Byrne