This past June a lifelong dream of mine was realized when I drove home a 1968 Young Crusader from the Kenilworth Fire District in Tonawanda, NY. Having loved the look of the Crusader (a look that you either love or hate) since seeing Ardsley, NY's in the early 80's at a parade I knew at age 5 I would eventually own one (product of a mis-spent youth). Growing up ( or so they called it ) and becoming more educated about fire apparatus I found myself even more enthralled by the design nuances of the Crusader- the things incorporated into a design that was truly built for a firefighter in mind. The rest is history, and shop number 68-243 is proudly owned and maintained by me (with a little help from my cadre of mechanic friends).
Life stories aside, years before I purchased my engine, I had run into a good friend and apparatus historian and happened to mention the fact that I loved the rigs- a week later he showed up while I was on shift with a manilla envelope that I had since forgotten about. A few weeks back while rifleing through some paperwork I found it- 'ya know that feeling when you find a twenty in a pair of old jeans? I found 13 of 'em.
West Islip, NY - Vanguard Engine - One of two, and one of five ever produced with the "Kenilworth style" rescue pumper bodies- I wonder who was the first!?!
Ardsley, NY - The one that started it all for me - was sold to Monserrat (an island with better weather than us) and was seen in news footage during a volcanic eruption that decimated the entire southern end of the island (forget that last statement, I'll keep the snow)- sure hope she lives!
Kempsville Volunteers - Virginia Beach, VA - another classy white with gold leaf. I may be mistaken, but I believe this was the first engine ever produced. It WAS red- then painted white. After she served Kempsville I believe she went out west- where she was painted lime at some point.. .... ... but is now back to a private collector in VA to receive a makeover. Correct me if I'm wrong..
Aaaaand a Crusader II from Wayne Township - after all, it is a topic on Young Crusaders! I'm spent - keep it going![/quote]
Actually Wayne Township had 6 young engines.
Engine 1 was Pearl White, Engines 2 and 10 were Fluorescent Yellow, Engine 21 was John Deere Green, Engine 4 and 9 were Fluorescent Red (looked Orange)
Quote:Aaaaand a Crusader II from Wayne Township - after all, it is a topic on Young Crusaders! I'm spent - keep it going!
Actually Wayne Township had 6 young engines.
Engine 1 was Pearl White, Engines 2 and 10 were Fluorescent Yellow, Engine 21 was John Deere Green, Engine 4 and 9 were Fluorescent Red (looked Orange)
Engine 2 was totaled on the way to an alarm call.
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On Tuesday may 23 1995 Engine 2 was totaled in an accident. It was a LODD 1 firefighter killed and the another was paralyzed. I believe they blew a tire on the way to a fire alarm (which turned out false) on interstate 465 and it rolled over.
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