Indiana Fire Trucks: Indianapolis Fire Department

	Indianapolis Fire Department Retired Rigs Stations 19-22


Engine 19 - 1969 Maxim F Pumper - 1000gpm/500gal - Maxim #2737 This rig entered service at the 14's on May 14, 1969. It moved to the 19's in 1976, to reserve 1986. Sold at auction on June 5, 1993 for $1,900. In Septmeber 1993, it was sold to Dorsey Paving in Indianapolis by an individual who bought it at the auction. 1978 Photo by Duane Troxel


Truck 19 - 1966 GMC 5000/IFD Custom - City Service Truck Service Truck 19 began it's life at IFD on January 1, 1966. It was reassigned to the 19's in 1975 and eventually became a reserve. Photo by Steve Skaar


Truck 19 - 1966 GMC 5000/IFD Custom - City Service Truck 1978 photo by Duane Troxel
Like many larger metropolitan areas, IFD ran several "City Service Trucks" instead of today's Aerial Ladder/Truck companies. Each of these trucks carried ground ladders that would allow quick access to most homes and shorter buildings in Indianapolis. Back then, there were far fewer "aerial" truck companies due to cost and maintenance. However, you will notice that many of these apparatus lasted nearly 20 years as proven by these photos. To qualify as a ladder truck, a vehicle only needs 163 feet / 115 feet (pre/post 1999 NFPA standard) of ground ladders. Most modern apparatus carry more, but that is the minimum. There is no requirement for an aerial device although that is common. These simple ladder trucks are typically called City Service Trucks or simply Service Trucks.


Aerial Truck 19 - 1986 Duplex/Thibault 100' Aerial Tower #4556-86 Photo by Matt Woods
Aerial Truck #19 entered service at the 13's in 1987. It was reassigned to the 29's (as Truck 4) on May 13, 1991. It moved to the 19's (as Truck 4, at their new station) on March 31, 1992. It was briefly assigned as a reserve in April 1995 before heading to the 22's in August 1995. It moved back to the 19's (as Truck 19) on September 16, 1997. With the aerial bucket missing, it was sold at auction, in November 2002 for a mere $2,800!.


Engine 20 - 1969 Maxim F Pumper - 1000gpm/500gal - IFD #2488, Maxim #2733 This pumper entered service at the 20's on January 8th, 1969. It was reassigned to Engine 16 in 1986 and then to reserve in 1990. After the engine and transmission locked up, it was sold to G.W. Pierce in October 1990 for its' scrap value. Photo by Bruce Neal


Engine 20 - 1969 Maxim F Pumper - 1000gpm/500gal - IFD #2488, Maxim #2733 1978 Photo by Duane Troxel


Engine 21 - 1952 Maxim S Pumper - 750gpm/100gal - #1794 The rig above was IFD's very first Maxim apparatus. It was purchased for $17,249.28 and started it's service as Engine 1 on January 15th, 1952. It moved to the 21's on 1-13-1958. After more than 17 years of frontline service it was reassigned as Reserve Engine 3 on September 12, 1969. This well-seasoned rig was finally sold at auction Febuary 18, 1976. Photographer unknown (initials CM)


Truck 22 - 1959 Maxim City Service Truck #2154 Truck 22 is seen here using a 1959 Maxim City Service Truck. It originally entered service as Truck 29 on June 1st, 1959. It then moved to the 22's in 1973 and served there until it being reassigned to reserve status in 1980. 1978 photo by Duane Troxel


Special Thanks for excellent photos from Bruce Neal, Bill Friedrich and Steve Hagy. Also thanks to Steve Skaar for providing these great pictures from Duane Troxel, as well as his own slide collection from years past. Finally, special thanks to Jack Finney for providing great details and history for many of these IFD historical apparatus!

	Indianapolis Fire Department Indianapolis Metropolitan Professional Firefighters Local 416