American LaFrance 1

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SPECIAL FEATURE PRESENTATION
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Fire Engines built by

AMERICAN

LAFRANCE

Page 1 - "THE AMERICAN LAFRANCE LOGO"
By Britton Crosby
March 11, 2005 - Feature Updated September 19, 2010

Early American LaFrance radiator.
Hudson, NY 1992

American LaFrance Fire Engine Company

     One of the oldest and most famous fire apparatus manufacturers in America is the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company. With roots that go back to approximately 1832, the companies that went on to become American LaFrance built hand drawn, horse drawn, and steam powered fire engines. The International Fire Engine Company, corporate predecessor of American LaFrance, built some steam power fire engines between 1903-1907. Apparatus built by International included everything from horse drawn steamers, hose wagons, and hook & ladders to chemical engines, water towers and combinations. The American LaFrance Fire Engine Company was officially formed in 1903. Its corporate offices and manufacturing plant were located in Elmira, New York. ALF delivered its first motorized fire engine in 1907. Over the years, American LaFrance built thousands of fire trucks including chemical engines, combination pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, Aero Chief snorkle trucks, and even airport crash trucks. The classical style of the American LaFrance apparatus is easily recognized. Some of the company's innovations led to changes in the industry, most notably the cab forward style cab. The company has recently undergone a major rebirth and is once again turning out distinct custom fire trucks and other emergency vehicles.

     The American LaFrance name is among the most recognized among all fire apparatus manufacturers. A variety of Logos and name styles have appeared over the years on apparatus. Some samples are on this page. Most prominent in the ALF logo is the wings spread eagle over the Maltese cross and American LaFrance name.

This Special Feature by CapeCodFD.com is an opportunity to display some of my photographs of these beautiful American Lafrance fire trucks. I know you will enjoy them.

For more information on the history of American LaFrance and the company today, check the following web links.

     American LaFrance Company
     American LaFrance Company History
     American LaFrance Diversions   - Apparatus photos, etc
     American LaFrance Museum
     American LaFrance document
     American LaFrance - information and additional photos Ed Hass

Classic American LaFrance 700 Series nose.
Planned approx 1945 - first deliveries 1947.

Newark, New Jersey 1000 Series American LaFrance.
900 Series were built approx 1958 - 1973
1000 Series began in 1973 had metal along bottom of cab front.