Reader Rides 001: 1981 American LaFrance Water Chief
By Tyler R. Jan 22, 2021
Not the typical project one might expect to see, this 1981 American LaFrance Water Chief was submitted to us by Cameron of Bossier City, LA. Originally purchased brand new by the City of Ruston, LA, this apparatus served it's twenty-five-year career with Ruston Fire Department as Ladder No. 1. Cameron is quite the buff when it comes to retired fire apparatus, this example being one of several in what he describes as his own personal fleet of fire trucks.
When he got his hands on this apparatus in April of 2017, it was in decent mechanical condition. However, thanks to the sweltering outdoor conditions of the South, the exterior needed a complete overhaul. From bumper to bumper, everything was looked over and either polished or replaced. Cameron estimates he has at least two hundred work hours in on this old beast, and it certainly shows.
Before going about restoring the patina, the old reserve ladder needed a mechanical “once over”. Basic service was performed including oil, fluids, and filters. But then the real work started. All painted surfaces were buffed and waxed to the best condition they had seen in years. Not a major job for your average vehicle, but certainly a massive undertaking on any fire apparatus. Badges and other emblems that had been lost to time were also sourced and replaced.
But what is any fire truck without that wailing sound attributed to these hulking beauties? Cameron, like myself, wouldn’t have it any other way. He outfitted Ladder No.1 with a Federal Q siren along with standard electronic sirens to give that classic fire truck sound. He updated the emergency lighting and even procured a Mars ``888” light for the front bumper which he sourced from Chicago Fire Department; “genuine parts” as he explained.
Now, our friend Cameron is not just some guy with a bunch of Fire trucks. Cameron himself is a FireFighter and puts his fleet of apparatus to good use. In conjunction with the non-profit Northwest Louisiana Fire Buffs Association; Cameron brings his ladder out for community events. This includes displaying the truck for education, parades, and even participating in fundraisers for charitable causes.
A true custodian of fire protection history; he goes on to explain his passion for preserving the heritage of these old fire trucks. The fire service has evolved so greatly since the days of horse-drawn steam pumpers. It is important for anyone interested in vehicles to see just how far we have come in terms of motorized technology. Cameron considers Ladder No. 1 to be the pride of his fleet. Having been given several offers, he says that he will never part ways with the old truck. Rightfully so, after seeing the time he has put into this project.
Cameron is a shining example of what it means to be passionate about restoring vehicles and preserving their history. His ability to take a retired fire truck that was parked in a field and left to rust; only to bring it back into the limelight and continue to serve its community is enviable. While the Water Chief is not yet completely restored, it surely is a work of art. Last, before anyone has the chance to ask; yes, it does still flow water.
