Chassis Year: 1948
Chassis Manufacturer: GMC Truck Division of General Motors, Pontiac, MI Assembly Plant
Chassis Model: Series 250 Panel
Chassis VIN: FC2531698
Vehicle GVW Rating: 8,800 Pounds
Wheelbase: 137 inches
Engine Type: GMC 228CID (3.7L) 6-cylinder inline, Gasoline, 100 HP
Transmission Type: GM SM-420 Synchromesh Four-speed manual
Apparatus Type: Combination Ambulance and Squad (pre-GSA specification)
Apparatus Manufacturer: (none)
Apparatus Model: (none)
Builder's Number: (none)
Date Delivered: April 9, 1954
Purchase Price: $0
Purchased From: Donated by Pennsylvania Boys Reformatory, South Fayette, PA
Current Status: Retired, June 1, 1960
Disposition: Traded June 1, 1960 to William Clancy GMC, Scott Township, PA, for credit of $650.00
In 1954, the department moved into its new quarters at 161 Vanadium Road. There was now room for a second piece of equipment. The Pennsylvania Boys Reformatory in South Fayette (commonly called the "Oakdale Boys Home") donated a well-used 1948 GMC Panel Truck to the department for use as a Squad. Now, more than two firefighters could ride in safety to the fire scene. A few years later, the Scott Township Police announced their intention to stop providing ambulance service. Both Glendale Hose Company No. 1 and East Carnegie VFD still had ambulances, but if multiple calls came in, the response time to Bower Hill would be very long indeed. So, in 1956, Bower Hill began to use this vehicle as an ambulance. Mounting for a wheeled cot was installed, and first aid supplies were added. By 1959, Bower Hill was responding to more ambulance calls than fire calls, and decided to replace this vehicle with one better suited for the purpose.
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