Retired firefighters in Arizona are working to create an appropriate vehicle for firefighter funerals. Traditionally, a firefighter has apparatus in attendance at their funeral. In some cases, the truck is still used to carry the casket to the cemetery. But these days, with trucks costing over $500,000, and carrying much specialized equipment, it’s no longer as practical to use apparatus as a hearse. Pallbearers may not be able to lift the casket as high as needed as well; hose beds (where the hoses and casket ride) are higher than they used to be.
Retired firefighters in Tuscon, led by Frank Tamayo, a 25-year veteran of the Tuscon Fire Department, have come up with the Last Alarm Foundation. Their plan is to restore a 1954 Mack L Sedan Pumper as a firefighter’s hearse. Check them out, and see if you can help.
