This is the first of many posts in a new series entitled Where are they now ... where we will follow the re-assignment of area fire department apparatus that finds new life in a new home.
From Bill Friedrich:
Palatine Fire Department Engine 14, a 1974 Seagrave PB Series with 500 gallons of water and a 1,500-GPM pump. Bill Friedrich photo
As it turns out, the whereabouts of this unit are as yet unknown.
The Community Fire Company, of New Ringgold, PA owns a Seagrave engine which was NOT originally from Palatine, IL.
Community Fire Company, New Ringgold, PA now runs this Seagrave engine. John Tobin photo
#1 by Harvey R. on November 4, 2012 - 4:09 PM
I know this isn’t my site, and if I don’t like it I can just leave….but:
This is such a valuable site and a great resource for firefighters and buffs alike. It has been disappointing to see false information thrown around several times as of late. The last thing I want to see is this site be thought of as unreliable.
#2 by Joe Caracappa Jr on November 4, 2012 - 1:58 PM
You are correct, these are two different trucks.The Community Fire Co New Ringgold’s 1973 seagrave was purchased new and has been in service with our department ever since.
#3 by Harvey R. on October 25, 2012 - 9:40 PM
Wait, so this isn’t the unit then, right? Because the one pictured is from Pennsylvania and doesn’t have a rescue body on it.
#4 by Bill Friedrich on October 25, 2012 - 7:20 PM
Let’s settle this once and for all. This info is direct from John Tobin. John is an engineer with the Elgin FD and used to drive the Palatine rig:
Bill,
After the rig was painted locally and then rusted very badly again, it was sent up to Pierce and a whole new body was put on it……a rescue body……..after a bunch of years, some of it in reserve, it went to the St.Louis area with a FD and then it was sold to a private owner……he actually had a web site called “palatine 704” I’ve lost contact now and the web page is not up anymore………he did say third gear was out of it…..it was a 5-speed manual.
The rig was sweet when it was new…..I remember going to a big apartment fire in Buffalo Grove (in 1977 I think) and to Elk Grove for a tanker farm fire where a driver was burned up…….sweet, I loved that engine before it was a “P GRAVE”!
#5 by Harvey R. on October 24, 2012 - 10:43 PM
Different year, different GPM pump, and different water tank size….got to be a different apparatus. Even if it was a complete refurb, they wouldn’t put a SMALLER pump and SMALLER water tank in it, I would think.
#6 by Drew Smith on October 24, 2012 - 10:03 PM
Found this on the web…
Community Fire Co New Ringgold, Pa Engine 563 1973 Seagrave PB 750/ 300
http://northjerseyfireimages.smugmug.com/Pennsylvania-Fire-Apparatus/Apparatus-of-Berks-County-Pa/12704913_XX35qp/5/914454048_Kb9gE#!i=915675198&k=h4LsmN4
#7 by Josh B on October 24, 2012 - 7:09 PM
It looks like McCooks old seagrave.
#8 by Bill Friedrich on October 24, 2012 - 6:46 PM
Let me check on this guys. John Tobin from Elgin used to drive the Palatine rig and swears it is the same one. Maybe it went through a complete rehab????
#9 by Martin on October 24, 2012 - 8:00 AM
Maybe, It’s the same department just another rig. We are human after all.
#10 by Harvey R. on October 24, 2012 - 12:46 AM
Not only are the crosslays missing, it looks like a completely different pump pannel configuration. Also the NJ unit doesn’t have an extended bumper; all this in addition to a multitude of other small differences. I’ve got to bet on this being a different apparatus.
#11 by Drew Smith on October 23, 2012 - 7:21 PM
The NJ rig also lacks the Mattydales or cross lays and who would remove a Federal Q and cover that hole?
#12 by Drew Smith on October 23, 2012 - 6:15 PM
How can this be correct? The NJ rig has hard suction vs high side compartments, no front suction and dual instead of a single booster reel? Did they really do that much of a refurb?