Innovation of the Era!
Mid to Late 1900s

Firefighting Becomes Special

Specialized fire apparatus became popular in the mid 1900's. These trucks carry everything firefighters need to deal with a specific problem or situation. Examples of specialized apparatus include HAZMAT (hazardous materials) units, brush units, air units, water rescue units and cave-in rescue units.
This 1957 truck on a Chevrolet chassis was originally built as a pumper, but was converted to become the first compressed-air breathing supply truck in New York State.
This 1966 custom built brush truck on an International Harvester chassis is made to be able to go off-road to fight brush fires. It would have carried tools that the firefighters would use to put out such a fire, such as shovels, rakes and brooms. Circa 1969.