In previous posts we covered the evolution of the rescue wagons serving the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in Montgomery County. As is often the case, new info is discovered or the story otherwise changes. Here's a few updates and changes.
The second rescue truck with B-CC is not as noted before. It is (as shown in the photo) a 1949 or 1950 Ford F-series COE with an unknown partially covered walk-in body (more about this later).This was apparently replaced by the 1955 GMC with a very similar looking body. So similar it is believed this was a remount from the Ford minus the rear fender skirts.
The
GMC is remains in service until at least replaced by the Mack "N",
Bruco as it now seems this was in early 1961 that truck a '60 build. The
'55 GMC may have remained briefly as a second-out or not as it went by
1964 to the Manoa Fire Co of Haverford Township, Delaware County
Pennsylvania. From there it goes about 1970 to Upper Darby's believed
Highland Park Station also of Delaware County Pennsylvania.
Some photos of it in later life have surfaced and the body identified as built by Approved Fire Equipment Co. This outfit I believe was out of somewhere in New York and built bodies (larger ones) for rescue wagons serving the Philadelphia FD and FDNY as well as others. In comparing photos of those to the above there are some aspects that makes one doubt Approved as the builder. Then again I was not around then and have no idea who the builder actually was. Anyone wishing to comment or correct please do so.
As for another of the B-CC squad trucks, the recently replaced 1994 Simon-Duplex, Saulsbury has gone to Aurelius New York. [Photo credits for above to unknown photographer posted on Facebook.com/Unofficial History of Montgomery County Fire Rescue Services Maryland.]
