By:  Mike "FortunateSon" Chrvala

Another picture of the Squad, this one taken at the Training Center on Mill Road.

Engine 2 was identical to the Squad, and was at Station 2 on Coit Street.

Both of these Mack CF engines served the department and city well into the 1990’s, the last one being retired in 2001.

One of Engine 2 and Truck 2, (The 1955 Pirsch) at a box on Grove Street. (Courtesy of Ron Malloy)

Engine 2 and RE-2 at Station 2; Looks like its cleaning day:

In 1974, the department replaced the ALF ladder with an 85’ Pierce/Pittman Snorkel that went into service as Truck 1. The department was experimenting with a new lime yellow paint scheme and purchased several pieces of apparatus in this color. Eventually it was decided to return to red as the primary color for the department.

Another picture of Truck 1 in front of Station 1 that also shows Engine 3, a 1974 WLF which we will see more of later. Notice the lens of the lights have changed from blue to red.

Here’s Truck 1 in action at the Training Tower, with Rescue 1 in the right corner.

Another set of shots from a drill:

This was Rescue 1, a 1973 Diamond Reo/Wendel. First picture is at the Training Tower, second at Station 1.

By the mid-70’s, it was time to replace the Mack L engines, and the IFD got several Ward LaFrance engines in the new white & lime paint scheme. Here is the replacement for Engine 3, a 1974 Ward with a 1250 GPM capacity pump and 500 gallon tank.

Another shot at a job:

And here is Engine 4 on the apron at Station 4.  This rig was identical to E3:

In 1973, the department received a new Pirsch 100’ rearmount and designated it as Truck 2:

Truck 2 at the Tower:

In 1978, a new Hahn engine was purchased. Painted white over red, it marked the end of the experiment with lime green and restored the department to its traditional, classic look. This engine had a capacity of 1250 GPM and carried a 500 gallon tank. It was a beautiful rig!

The new Hahn was designated Engine 4, and the 1974 WLF previously designated E4 shifted to replace Engine 2

Eventually the lime Wards were repainted red and renumbered with an Essex County prefix of 4. Even the less than good looking Ward looks quite nice in red!

Fellow enthusiast and former Irvington resident Ron Malloy has kindly forwarded to me some photographs in his collection: 

Truck 2, the 1955 Pirsch TDA on Springfield Avenue

An overhead shot of Engine 1 at a car fire

Truck 2 on the road

This concludes part 3 of my retrospective on the Irvington Fire Department. The Mack and Ward engines are gone now, originally replaced by E-Ones in the 80’s, which were replaced by 2001 edition Spartans. Truck 1 is once again an American LaFrance rig, this time a 1999 100’ rearmount, and there is a sharp looking new E-One 100’ rearmount for Truck 2.  At this time, I am attempting to get Code 3 Collectibles to make a set of an Irvington engine and ladder—any support you can add would be greatly appreciated!

While the equipment has changed since my father’s time on the job, the job of saving lives and protecting property has not, nor has the character and makeup of the men who work to protect the city from fire. In my visits, conversations, and correspondence with the current members of the department, the dedication, good humor, and generosity of everyone from fireman to chief was readily apparent and brought back terrific memories of my frequent visits to the firehouses and time spent with my Dad and the other firefighters. Obviously the traditions and history of the department have been passed to a new generation of firefighters for the Irvington Fire Department.  

If you have enjoyed this article, please e-mail me your pictures and information and we will continue to sound a “Second Alarm”.

Part 1  |  Part 2  |  Part 3  |  Part 4