Ladder 1 was organized in 1949, operating a 1930 Sanford ‘city service’ truck formerly from Ipswich, MA.  This truck had no aerial device but carried a large assortment of portable ladders.  Photo above courtesy of Don Simonini.

In 1973, Ladder 1 took delivery of a 1949 Seagrave 65-foot aerial ladder.  This classic had a V-12 engine, semi-cab, and no power steering.

1984 brought a newer, larger ladder.  The 1965 American LaFrance, shown at the left, originally served in Port Jefferson, Long Island, NY.  It was the first RFD apparatus to feature a 100-foot ladder, 5-man canopy cab, or air brakes.

Ladder 1’s third apparatus was delivered in 1990.  It was a 1967 American LaFrance 100 -foot ladder.  The ’67 featured a Detroit diesel and more compartments.  It was retired from service in 2005 after failing its Underwriters Laboratories safety inspection.