Malta Ridge’s Past Fire Trucks
1928 American lafrance pumper
The 1928 American LaFrance pumper was purchased in 1948 from Schenectady, New York. This was the first fire truck of the Malta Ridge Volunteer Fire Company. This truck was an open cab truck and carried very little water. The truck was designed to work off of fire hydrants for the City of Schenectady, New York.
1932 Chevrolet Fire Truck
This was Malta Ridge Volunteer Fire Company’s second truck. This truck contained a 600 gallon tank. This was Chevy truck that was reconditioned to support the needs of the fire company. This included, but was limited to adding a 600 gallon water tank, a pump and a ladder rack. This truck was purchased in 1950 and the reconditioning was completed in 1953.
1944 chevrolet Army surplus
Our 1944 Chevrolet 4 wheel drive, Army surplus, complete and ready to go with American Marsh 500 gpm front end pump, two booster reels, 300 gal. booster tank, hose beds, Indian tank racks, red flashers, etc. Body and tank by Howe, all painted red.
1957 ford tanker
This 1957 Ford Tanker responded to many emergency’s as well as, parades and competitions. It was used to fight fires and haul water. The trucks main job was to supply water to a pumper. The booster reel was located in the back rear compartment. It was a well designed truck for it time. When the truck first arrived it was given the number No 3. The original county radio call number was TA-69. Later, the call number assigned was Malta Ridge 382.
1964 Ford Howe Pumper
This truck was a 1964 Ford, built by Howe Fire Apparatus Co. It had a 3 stage watrous pump with high pressure fog, 750 gallon tank, and two enclosed booster reels. Total cost to the company $18,869.63. The company obtained a loan for $16,000.00 from the Adirondack Bank. At the February 11, 1964 they had a signed contract with Howe Fire Equipment. (The representative for Howe Fire Equipment was Robert Criefield of Ballston Spa.) This truck arrived July 3, 1964 and was tested July 4, 1964.
1972 International Brush Fire Truck
Malta, before 1990, was rural and had forest areas. Grass and forest fires occurred mostly in the summer and fall season. The 1972 brush truck was a well designed vehicle. The pump panel was enclosed in a compartment on the truck's right side. It was able to maneuver through woods and fields. The PTO pump would operate in low range. Firemen were able to crouch in the guarded area of the front bumper and put fire out as we drove along. Others would stand on the rear bumper and do the same. What the front firemen missed, the rear firemen would get.
The next picture was a mutual aid grass fire call just off route 50 in Saratoga Springs area. The fire was on the White’s farm near the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The brush truck is on a rescue mission with a full crew and full water tank. Saratoga Springs fire truck was stuck in the middle of the fire with no water. That is why the truck was driven through the fire.
1959 GMC Pumper
The truck was a 1959 GMC-Howe pumper. The bid was placed on August 31, 1975 for $5029.00. It was accepted and the fire truck was delivered to Malta Ridge Volunteer Fire Company on September 2, 1975. This fire truck was given call number E-384. The fire truck was station at the fire company’s south station, located at the Malta Corners-Dunning Street and Route 9. There was a special meeting call July 20, 1978 to discuss the blown engine on this truck, E-384. The pumper was on it way to Halfmoon for a pump test, driven by fire fighter Lee VanArsdale, when the piston let go, at the red light, in Clifton Park. Motion passed at the October 4, 1978 meeting that the 1959 GMC fire truck be repowered with Cummins turbo charged diesel engine, with one year guarantee, at Goebels Garage.
This fire truck was totaled in a roll over accident, across from the Albany- Saratoga Speedway, on route 9, prior to the January 11, 1983 meeting. A newspaper article states it happen on December 29, 1982. Treasurer records indicate January 12, 1983 received from Insurance Company for destroyed pumper $17,950.00 and January 12, 1983 received form insurance company for towing $525.00. The newspaper article also says we are holding a special benefit dinner at Mangino’s Restaurant on Saratoga Lake to raise funds for a new pumper.
Twelve Foot Wards Row Boat
This twelve foot row boat was donated to the fire company by fireperson Oswald V. Blow around the year 1980. It was returned to Ozzie in 1995. It is presently located at a camp on Raquette Lake, New York.
1945 Mack Model 85 Pumper
In the late 1970s and early 1980s when the fire company was short a fire truck Saratoga Fire Department would loan us this 1945 Mack. Examples would be when the 1959 GMC had a blown engine and was sent to be repowered. Another was when the 1959 GMC was totaled in a roll over accident.
Army Duck
In the 1970s the fire company housed for Saratoga County Civil Defense an Army Duck. The Army Ducks were a vehicle that can operate on both land and water. Dolores and Ozzie Blow took this picture after riding and driving this Army Duck on a tourist ride in the lake at Branson, Missouri. The one housed by the fire company did not have the canopy or railing, and was gray.
1981 Ford L900 Engine Tanker
This 1981 tanker carried 1750 gallons of water. It was classified as an engine tank with ID number ETA-385. It was equipped with 534 V-8 engine, 5 speed standard transmission, 1000 gallon per minute front mounted pump, quick dump tank installed in 1989, 3500 watt generator, and scene lights. The front mounted pump performed very well, requiring vary little maintenance and was easy to operate.
This vehicle was sold in September, 1997 to a Fire Department in Kansas for $30,000.00.
1970 Maxim Pumper
This vehicle replaced E-384, the 1959 GMC that was rolled over on route 9, near the Albany-Saratoga Speedway. This fire truck was in service at the May 10, 1983 meeting with call number E-384. At the April meeting a motion passed to send this vehicle to Roberts Company for diamond plating and repainting. Treasurer record indicate payment August 13, 1985 $5,265.00 to Roberts Body Shop for rebuilding and refinish E-384. This in expensive fire truck served the Malta Ridge Fire company very well for ten years
1988 Ford C8000 Cab Over Pumper Tanker
AT the September 8, 1987 meeting a motion passed unanimously to purchases a 1988 Ford C-8000 engine tanker from Quality Manufacture Company in Alabama for $99,258.00. The vehicle was a 5 man cab, had 1000 gallon per minute pump and carried 1000 gallon of water. The treasurer records indicate payment to Quality Manufacture Company February 20, 1988 $37,499.00 with final payment March 29, 1988 $61,759.00 totaling 99,258.00. Because the minutes are missing for 1988 the treasurer records indicates this vehicle was delivered in March, 1988.
1988 Ford F-350 Rescue Truck
At the December 8, 1987 meeting a motion passed to purchase a new 1988 Ford F350 Rescue vehicle, four wheel drive, diesel engine, automatic transmission, non-walk in storage with generator, task lights, and fifteen Scott air tanks for $39,043,00. Treasurer books indicate payment to Quality Manufacture Company August 4, 1988 $15,587.00 and Nov 2, 1988 $23,456.00 for rescue truck. Because the minutes are missing for 1988 the treasurer records indicates this vehicle was delivered in September or October of 1988. At the February 2, 1997 special meeting it was vote to have this vehicle body converted to a 4 door cab. At the April 9, 2002 meeting a motion was passed to sell the fire rescue truck, R-382 to Newfield rescue squad of Newfield, Maine.
1989 ford diesel 4x4 f-350 brush truck
This vehicle is equipped with slide in Pro-trac skid unit for fighting brush fires, 9K winch, 250 gallons of water and 300 feet of booster line. As of 2007 this vehicle is still in service at Malta Ridge Fire Company.
1993 pierce dash engine tanker
This vehicle was given call number ETA-384. It was a 1993 Pierce Dash powered with a Cummins 8.3 liter turbo engine, Allison MT643 transmission, 5 man aluminum enclosed cab, stainless steel body, Waterous 1000 gallon per minute pump two stage pump with side-mount panel, 1000 gallon UPF polypropylene water tank and 4,400 watt generator. This fire truck was sold to South Brownsville Fire Department located Brownsville, Pennsylvania for $118,000 on May 13, 2004
1996 Fire Rescue Pontoon boat
This boat has call number MR-386. The unit was purchase in 1996. It is a 25 foot pontoon fire/rescue boat with 115 horse power Mercursier engine. The boat is docked, in the summer, at charter member Ernest Kunz Riley Cove boat launch. Its purpose is fire and water rescue on Saratoga Lake.
1947 fire truck
In 1996 the fire company won, on a chance ticket, a 1947 fire truck. At the April 18 meeting a motion was approved to trade even the 1947 fire truck for a 1978 American LaFrance pumper with France Richmond of Saratoga Springs. The motion was than to sell the American LaFrance pumper.
1978 American LaFrance Pumper
This American LaFrance pumper shows at the August 12, 1997 meeting, as being listed in Fire Tec Magazine. In September 23, 1997 meeting it states the fire truck was sold to Brian King for $2,500.00.
1997 Spartan/Central States Engine Tanker
This fire truck was given call number ETA-385. (The new truck will replace the 1981 Ford ETA-385.) This truck is a 1997 Spartan/Central States with 1250 gallon per minute pump, 1500 gallon tank with Tri-dump. As of 2007 the fire company still operates this truck, mostly hauling water and it goes to all motor vehicle accidents
1965 Duplex/Sanford Pierce with 50 foot TELE-SQUIRT
In February, 1998 the company purchase a used 1965 Duplex/Sanford Pierce pumper, 1000 gallon per minute pump, 500 gallon water tank, 5 man cab, repowered in 1983 by Pierce along with a 50 foot water tower Telesquirt installed at Pierce. This truck was completely overhauled, equipped and repainted for an additional $30,000.00. Malta Ridge Fire Company applied for and received a $25,000.00 state grant to refurbish the truck from State Senator Bruno office.
1989 MR Mack Pumper with Telesquirt
At the April 13, 1999 the fire company voted to purchase this 1989 MR Mack with Telesquirt, built in Almonte, Canada. This truck was purchase October 29, 1999 for $135,698.53. It has a four man cab. This fire truck was used for five years than removed from service for re-chasseing in 2004.
1985 Chevrolet 2500
At the September 8, 1998 meeting it states Wantagh fire District (located on Long Island, New York) is giving Malta Ridge for $1.00 a 1985 Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck.
The October 13, 1998 states the Chevrolet pickup truck has been given call number MR-388. The vehicle is a 1985, 2500, automatic transmission, two door, four wheel drive. It was sold Dan Little on May 22, 2001 for $2400.00.
1998 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
At the December, 1999 meeting a motion passed to purchase one S-10 Chevrolet Blazer. It was reported at January 8, 2000 meeting the blazer was at the fire company. Treasurer record indicates payment to All Star Motors, December 17, 1999, of $20,908.
utility van
The March 14, 2000 meeting states Wantagh Fire Department donated a step-van to Malta Ridge. April 11, 2000 states the van is here. The treasurer records state March 14, 2000 paid Wantagh fire District $1.00 for panel truck. This van was set up for traffic control, water and ice rescue.
2001 Chevrolet 2500 4X4
This 2001 Chevrolet HD 2500 4X4 was purchase from All-Star Chevrolet, August, 2001 for a total finish cost of $36,000.00 after compartment body was added. This vehicle is used mostly by a chief officer, hauls the boat, and plowing around the fire house.
1989 GMC Lo-Profile 6500 Ambulance
This ambulance was converted for use as rescue vehicle, in place of R-382, while our new rescue truck was being manufactured. This vehicle was given call number M-388. When the new rescue truck arrived this vehicle assumed duties for traffic control, water and ice rescue, manpower transportation and command post. At the November 8, 2005 meeting a motion passed to sell M-388 to Providence Fire Department for $9,500.00.
ARC Bus
In 2001 the fire company was given a bus from Mathew’s Bus Company. The fire company used it for a few trips. At the March 11, 2003 meeting a motion passed to trade the bus to the Waterford General Electric Fire Brigade for an appropriate amount of fire fighting equipment.
1989 Dodge Ram Charger 4x4
The vehicle 318 gas engine, 4X4, automatic transmission, and came with a snow plow. At the July 8, 2003 meeting motion was passed to sell the chiefs Ram Charger. At the August 12, 2003 meeting a motion passed to sell the Ram Charger with plow.
1996 Ford Branco
At the August 12, 2003 meeting a motion passed to purchase one 1996 full size Ford Bronco 4X4, automatic, from Matt’s Auto Sales, Saratoga Springs with 37,000 miles to replace the Ram Charger at a cost of $8,500.00. This vehicle was used by the chief as a first responder and by the fire people when needed. On September 2, 2005 the Bronco was sold to J. Galluppi for $6,000.00.
2004 Dodge 2500 4x4
At the June 8, 2004 meeting a motion was passed to purchase a pickup truck on state contract at a cost of $22,000.00 of which $16,000.00 would come from the state grant we received and the balance to be paid by the fire company. The fire company received this grant money before June 10, 2004 meeting. The vehicle was purchase from Albany Dodge, at a cost of $21.867.90. This vehicle is 2004, 2500, Heavy Duty, Dodge 4X4 and Hemi V-8 with automatic. The fire company installed the truck cap and exten-o-bed. Its call number is M-387. It is house at our south station.
2003 Rosenbauer Commander/Centurion
Fire tuck was placed in service at the February 11, 2003 meeting. The assigned vehicle call number is ER-382. It has a Cummins diesel engine, equipped with stainless steel rescue/pumper body, 1000 gallon per minute pump, 500 gallon tank, dual foam system, 8K hdy-generator, 3000watt light tower, front bumper combination tool and hose reel type pre connect, 8 man cab, dual foam system, Hurst preconnected front bumper and side compartment jaws system, slide out systems in compartments, and foam poured cab is manufactured with a glass fiber reinforced polyester material. Pump panel is located on the rear passenger side of the fire truck for I-87 fire and accident calls. The panel is curbside operation control system. The total cost for this vehicle was $225,000.00. This is a very quit and quick moving vehicle.
2005 HME P2 Telesquirt New Chassis and Repowered
The fire truck has eight man cab, 400 Horse Power Cummins Turbo diesel engine, 1750 gallon per minute Waterous pump, 1300 gallon booster tank, refurbished teleboom aerial device and body. It is housed mostly at our north station.
2005 GMC 4x4 Sierra
Motion to buy this vehicle was made at the June 10, 2005 meeting. The call number assigned is car 380. This vehicle was used mostly by the 1st Assistant Chief. The vehicle was purchase from Condor Motors for $23,968.00.
2005 Ford Explorer 4X4
Motion to buy this vehicle was made at the June 10, 2005 meeting. This vehicle with call number car 38 is used mostly by the chief for first responding to calls. Treasurer report shows this vehicle was purchase from New Country Ford on June 23, 2005 at a cost of $22,000.00.