For those out there waiting for this shoe to drop...finally as many have speculated, the Ocean City FD has re-numbered its apparatus. As expected the OCFD now uses a station specific format but with a minor twist. All units now identify on the radio using a "7" prefix with extra sequential number suffixes for 2nd or 3rd out. This differs slightly from the "700" company designation of pre 800 radio system days. A run down of changes follows. The Lower Shore Apparatus Roster available on the storefront has also been updated accordingly.
Engine 1 (old) '01 Saber @ 5 is now Engine 7-5
Engine 1 (new) '11 KME @ HQ is Engine 7-1
Engine 2 (old) '85 Arrow @ HQ a reserve is now Engine 7-1-2
Engine 2 (new) '11 KME @ 2 is Engine 7-2
Engine 3 '05 Dash @ HQ is Engine 7-1-1
Engine 4 '09 KME @ 4 is Engine 7-4
Tower 5 '01 Hurricane @ HQ is Tower 7-1
Tower 6 '97 Hurricane @ 3 is Tower 7-3
Rescue 7 '98 Freightliner '82 Saulsbury @ HQ is Rescue 7-1
Engine 8 '53 Ford, American parade piece @ 4 remains
Engine 9 sold to collector
Snorkel 11 '83 Arrow '66 Pitman @ 5 is Snorkel 7-5
Engine 12 '09 KME @ 3 is Engine 7-3
Brush 15 '86 Chevy @ HQ is Brush 7-1
Rescue 18 @ 5 is Rescue 7-5
Tanker 19 @ 5 is Tanker 7-5
Tanker 20 @ 5 is Tanker 7-5-1
Sp Hazards 23 @ HQ (was at 5) is Sp Hazards 7-1
The Medics use as before the station number w/ "7" prefix and yes Medic 1-1 is now Medic 7-1-1. The utility trucks are thus far the same with "7" prefix (710, 714, 780 etc) as are the chiefs (750, 751 etc). All the KME engines have new number plates (without the 7) on their front bumpers however no other re-lettering has as yet been seen. And yes just as with various localities under the COG fog of the Washington DC Metro, an OC box now brings a lot of "sevens" over the radio. In other news the City Council also just approved an expansion of Station 4 at 130th Street plus roof and facade upgrade to HQ on 15th Street.
