Lancaster, PA. Saving LFC Mack

[KGaskill]

The LFC Receives an Incredible Gift from FleetPride​

March 14, 2022
In 2021, the Lafayette Fire Company received the delivery of our brand new Pierce Enforcer pumper which is designated as Engine 63-2. Years of research and development culminated in the addition of this new unit to bolster our fleet. We held a new engine housing and parade for the community and our members. At the same time that we celebrated this new pumper, we also acknowledged the front-line service life of our 1978 Mack pumper which was officially being retired from running calls.
For decades, the ‘78 Mack ran as our first out engine. As a veteran of thousands of responses to serve our community, this engine has outlived many apparatus that were built at the same time. The typical lifespan of a brand new unit with its original agency is about 20 years. The Mack faithfully served our department for 43 years!
In the fire service, Mack Fire Apparatus has always been held in extremely high regard because of the quality of their craftsmanship and the longevity these apparatus can provide their owners. Mack fire trucks were a common sight in the FDNY during the “War Years,” where these rigs took an absolute beating and kept answering alarm after alarm, sometimes pumping for days without an issue. We can attest to their quality as our Mack has not had a major mechanical problem for the duration of its life with us.
Throughout the years, fire apparatus fanatics have cherished the chance to see or get a photo of Mack fire apparatus because of their historic and storied history in some of this nation’s busiest fire departments. Lafayette has always been a favorite stop of many fire apparatus photographers from around the world. They come to get a personal picture of our Mack with its beautiful orange paint scheme and pristine working condition.
As the planning process for our new Pierce pumper moved through its phases, our members and people familiar with the Mack began to ask what the future would hold for our beloved Mack pumper?
Once the new engine arrived, our focus was on getting the new unit ready for service by mounting equipment and training drivers on its operation. We knew at some point, the future of our retiring pumper would need to be addressed.
The Board of Directors began to mull over the options. It was agreed by all representatives that the unit absolutely needed to be removed from service, but there was a lot of discussion on options of whether to keep it or sell it. This engine had been such a large part of our company’s history and such a staple in the community, that the thought of selling it did not sit well with some. Others pointed out that due to its age, the resale value would be minimal at best. The previous apparatus that we have sold have ended up at various places throughout the United States. We know where some former rigs are, but others have been lost. The biggest issue we faced was that we did not feel it was appropriate to continue to maintain the unit with company funds since the unit would no longer be answering calls for service.
Enter FleetPride, formerly known locally as Garden Spot Frame & Alignment Services, Inc., a heavy-duty truck towing and repair business that has a shop in our first due area. Lafayette has used FleetPride to service and repair our apparatus for several years, and we have had a wonderful working relationship with them through several events and projects.
The staff of FleetPride is no stranger to trucks. That’s what they do. With 280+ stores and 60+ service centers across 46 states, their 3,700 associates are heavy-duty truck and trailer experts that do what they say they’ll do, value their customers, and have the knowledge and skill to troubleshoot issues and find the part customers need faster than anyone else in heavy-duty. They keep America’s trucks moving.
FleetPride knew of our dilemma with what to do over the “Pride of our Fleet.” They stepped up in a huge way to secure its short-term future and keep the Mack where it started and ended its career. FleetPride offered us a contract that would cover maintenance and insurance on the Mack for five years. The LFC would maintain ownership of the unit without having to spend any company funds to do so.
“FleetPride is honored to come alongside and partner with the Lafayette Fire Company in keeping their iconic Mack maintained so the community can continue to enjoy it for years to come,” said Rob Sample, FleetPride’s local outside sales representative. “Our service centers in Lancaster and the surrounding area are well versed in repairing and maintaining fire apparatus such as this, combined with unparalleled service that includes free towing to first responders in the area. We look forward to continuing to see The Mack at events here in the local community, just as we know so many of our friends and family do as well.”
To say members who love the Mack were elated would be an understatement. At the February 2022 business meeting, a vote was held to decide whether to accept the contract or dispose of the Mack. The vote passed and the Mack will be remaining with the LFC through at least 2026-2027, with the option to renew the contract at that time.
Words cannot describe how grateful we are for FleetPride’s unbelievable donation to our company. Without them, it is unclear where the Mack would be headed, or if we would ever see it again. FleetPride has always been a proud supporter of our company and the community. This is yet another example of their generosity and unselfish acts to support the volunteer fire service. Not just for Lafayette and other local fire companies, but for the legendary Mack fire apparatus that is so passionately appreciated throughout the world.