Antique - 1937 American LaFrance 500 gpm/150 gal.

Purchased by Westwood in 1960 from the Brandywine FC of Coatesville, this rig “blew a rod” in 1973 and was removed from service in 1978 after breaking down during a parade. Upon being removed from service, it was given to Dr. Brentt Foweiller, a local anesthesiologist and fire apparatus buff who completed apparatus restorations. After a 31 year period & a cost of $110,000, the rig was returned to Westwood in 2009 in the pristine condition seen here.

TAC 44 - 1995 Ford F-450 Super Duty/American Rural 300 gpm/150 gal.

This 4WD rig is equipped with 7.5 kw generator, 6,000 watt light tower, 200’ of 3” supply line, 200’ of forestry hose and a small complement of Hurst extrication tools (for a standard “door pop”).

Westwood operates their entire fleet from this firehouse which was recently renovated & expanded.

Traffic 44 - 2007 Ford F-350/Reading

Equipped for traffic control, this rig features a pop-up directional arrow board mounted in the bed.

Engine 44-5 - 2012 Spartan Gladiator/4 Guys 2000 gpm/3000 gal.

This rig replaced a 1990 Spartan Gladiator/FMC 2000/3000 pumper tanker which was Westwood’s first four door apparatus.

Special thanks to Chief Randy Scott for his hospitality & assistance during my visit to Westwood.

Rescue 44 - 2006 Pierce Dash 2000 gpm/750 gal./30 gal. A & B foam

Having replaced both a pumper-tanker & heavy rescue, Rescue 44 is equipped with an 8 man cab (6 SCBA seats), Husky CAFS that can be discharged through 3 outlets, stainless steel plumbing, a 35KW PTO generator, (24) 1,000 watt floodlights, a 9,000 watt light tower, dual roll-off awnings, two 200’ cord reels, nine Hurst reels, 3 Hurst Trimo pumps & On-Spot tire chains. Its’ equipment complement includes 200’ crosslays, a 150’ “blitz line”, 400’ of 3” supply line, thermal imager, gas & multi-meters. For rescue, it features a 32” spreader & combi tool in the front bumper with dual equipment set-up on both sides of the rig (Hurst extrication/Dewalt cordless tools, a 170 ton air bag system & rescue struts). The rig is state certified for water rescue & EMS Quick Response as well as the Voluntary Rescue Service program at the advanced level which mandates minimum manpower, training & tool requirements.

Westwood Fire Co.

Chester County Station 44

Organized in 1947, Westwood’s 25 volunteers serve Valley Township providing Fire, Technical Rescue & BLS level EMS protection. The company holds several distinctions including being the only remaining 100% volunteer EMS agency in the county, having 75% of their firefighters trained to the FF1 level & being certified at the advanced level through the Voluntary Rescue Service program of the State Fire Commissioner.

So, why powder blue rigs? In 1984, the company decided to order a rig in midnight blue after seeing one in a calendar. After 3 tie votes, a member who voted to keep the rigs red changed his vote after his request for a top mount pump panel was denied. When delivered, the rig was painted powder blue.