~ THE 1970's ~ The first rescue truck arrived in 1970 equipped with many items such as the "Jaws of Life" hydraulic spreading tool, made by the Hurst Tool Company. The east section had a temporary fire station until 1973 when the present facility was built.
Firefighter's uniforms changed from dungarees to all blue, military style. Contract disagreements sparked an informal picket line in front of City Hall in 1973-74. A large fire on Main Street captures a large audience in 1975 as it destroys two historic blocks. A new ladder truck was purchased in 1975. It was a 100 foot Mack Aerial truck. There were 49 permanent men and 26 call men. Average age of the department was about 35 years old. Three stations were operating and apparatus was in good shape. The Pleasant St. Station received a new cement floor as the old one was sagging under the weight of the. equipment.
There was a trend to yellow trucks, possibly because of visibility or insurance reasons. They looked strange after years of identifying with the red trucks.
Over the next ten years many hours were used in training the firefighters in handling new life threatening hazards as toxic gases from new building materials. New SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) would be updated every 3-5 years.
A new pumper (yellow) is received. Under Chief Maroney, 24 men are added and four new pieces of apparatus acquired. Maroney retired in 1979.
Note: The following updated information was received from Herbert B. Thorp Sr. on 8/28/00. Thank you.
..........johnI was oppointed permanent Fire Fighter February 4, 1958 by Mayor Frank Kelleher. -Civil Service- Permanent Fire Captain May 11, 1962 by Mayor Kusson Haddad-Civil Service-. Permanent Assistant Fire Chief June 5, 1972 by Mayor Edgar Gadboise -Civil Service-. Ten months Acting Fire Chief-political appointment soon to be made. Returned to Assistant Fire Chief until retirement. Retired June 6, 1982.
HERBERT B. THORPE SR.
My note: 26 years in the Fire Department. .... john
Robert McCarthy was appointed Chief, less than a year later. Thorpe became Assistant Chief and retired in 1981.
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