Monday, August 25, 2008

Chambersburg Firemen Prohibited From Riding Running Boards

On August 25, 1927 the drivers of the Chambersburg Fire Department were instructed by Fire Marshall Howard Forbes to prohibit firemen from riding on the running boards and fenders of the fire apparatus while en route to and returning from calls. The fire marshal explained that there is a state law-forbidding firemen to ride on the sides of fire trucks.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can remember in the late 1960`s guys riding on the sides of the 63 Seagrave also on ladder 52 that was the only place we had to ride was on the sides and on the hose bed. We were quick to get off when we were hitting the hydrant. Can remember one night Bink going off the hose bed off the back as we were hitting a hydrant.Pretty good drop to the ground.

Brad Myers said...

I never found anything stating that Shippensburg firemen could not ride the tailboards or running boards like this one in Chambersburg. I also never checked the Chambersburg paper or followed up on this article to see what the outcome was.

I know at WEFR we road the tailboards until some time between 1987 and 1989, my memory is not what it used to be.

Those were the days, I miss riding the tailborads in the summer but not the winter.

Anonymous said...

Brad, the state out lawed riding the backstep in 1992. That was the year I turned 16. Brad, what do you liek better riding the backstep of the wagon or riding the side of the truck?

WMIT

Brad Myers said...

At WEFR we stopped riding the taolboards before the law was made. I never rode the side of a truck, the Quad was OOS before I was old enough to ride.

BUT since I can tell where you are going it depends on if I want to be lazy and not do anything I would ride the Wagon, if I wanted to use brain and muscle I would ride the truck, LOL. Is that what you were looking for.

By the way I seen in today's Patriot News your family changed your name to Myers. When did you do that?

Anonymous said...

I didn't know that we changed our name. I really don't read the paper. I would rather look at your blogs instead. They are more up beat. As for the question, I think that you got the wagon and the truck mixed up. Yeah, you posted what I was looking for. There is nothing like a good ole discussion about what is better to ride the wagon, truck or squad. I will point out that the best position to ride in the fire service is Tillering. Then right after that is riding Lead Emt on the Ambo, Right Jonesy!

Brad Myers said...

Yesterday's Patriot had an article about the hotel and the Vigilant's getting the land and building a station, they referred to your father as Dan Myers and after that Mr. Myers. I was tempted to call and point out the mistake but I know how much you guys wanted to be related to me, LOL.

As for rigs to ride or drive, I am glad I never had to work a bus and even more happy that I am down to 4 years, 5 months and 23 days until retirement. And I do plan on spending my last couple of years driving a Wagon. But who is counting.

Anonymous said...

Don't be jealous WMIT. Remember, you choose to drive that over-sized, parmedic-hauling ambo every tour at work!

Jonesy said...

ACIC baby, it don't get any better than that!!!!!!

Brad Myers said...

Since I don't know half of what you guys are talking about and it is a DC thing I will stay out of it, unless I think the Wagon is beating the truck, then I am bringing the posse, hehe.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I do sometimes drive an oversizes medic unit. I will admit that, beleive me my medic knows how I feel about medical box alarms. Brad, I will explain that term in person. I would like to point out that, I have ridden the Ambo 12 hrs since I have been made a wagon driver. Needless to say I don't miss it. Brad, you will be recieving a phone call from a older gent about the International that West End. I think that he was looking for some info on it.

WMIT

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys,

Riding the side of the Viggies Quad was a blast. Remember that rig had no back step. Everyone had to ride the sides or on top. It was not uncommon to have 5 or 6 guys on either side going down through town.
Glen Bitner could make that Rig Haul ---.

CW

Anonymous said...

Can you post a picture of the Quad ???? I can't picture it, and the old man is laughing at me. And yes,I am a little behind on the posts..

Brad Myers said...

You will have to wait awhile for a photo of the old quad, but I will get around to it. By the way when you say old man are you referring to your Dad? If so he has a right to laugh at you.