City of Portsmouth NH Fire Department Receives Antique 1920s Fire Truck
October 20, 2023
Portsmouth Fire Chief William McQuillen announced that the Portsmouth Fire Department has received the gift of a 1920 American LaFrance Chemical Fire Truck from James Dunaway, owner of Bayberry Vintage Autos, LLC in Hampton, NH. Chief McQuillen commented, "We are excited to have this historic 1920 American LaFrance fire truck. We're looking forward to getting it out in the public. Something like this, that has been so well-maintained for over 100 years, people want to see it, and we are so happy to do that.”
With its roots going back to 1832, America LaFrance is perhaps the oldest and most recognized of all manufacturers of fire trucks. From the dawn of fire protection American LaFrance was there employing horse drawn and later steam powered fire trucks. In 1907 the first motorized trucks were hitting the streets of America in multiple capacities. Some were ladder trucks, some were hose trucks, and combination pumpers, and many were purpose built chemical trucks like this example, for extinguishing oil, electrical and aircraft fires.
On its website, Bayberry Vintage Auto reports that” the beautiful chemical engine is powered by the T-head four-cylinder engine with dual ignition and two spark plugs per cylinder. It was first purchased by an Iowa fire company and was used for many years before being retired by a more modern and powerful unit. It is still complete with the original order documents and manuals from date of delivery and remains as capable as ever.
The Fire Commission voted to accept the gift at their October 10, 2023 meeting. Then the City Council voted to accept it at their meeting on October 16, 2023. Fire Chief McQuillen reported that the Portsmouth Fire Department expects to use the antique fire truck in future parades and special educational events.
