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1976 Dodge Tactical Unit

Manufacturer: Dodge / Pierce Manufacturing, Appleton, WI

Year of Manufacturer: 1975 - Chassis, 1976 - Pierce Body Work

Cost:

Years of Service: 10 years (1976-1985)

Sold to: Lenni Heights Fire Company (see below)

Pump Size: 250 GPM Waterous PTO

Water Tank Size: 250 Gallons

Generator: 2500 Watt Onan

Ladders: 24 Extension Ladder, 14 Ground / Roof Ladder

This was the only non-maroon piece of fire apparatus in Springfield Fire Company. The 1976 Tactical Unit was designed as a quick response vehicle, modeled after the Tactical Unit on the popular television show of that day, Emergency. This piece of apparatus was designed to handle the smaller fires: brush, trash, vehicles and field fires, although the vehicle happened to be the first piece on the scene of some major fires during its years of service. This truck replaced the 1961 Pirsch pumper in the run schedule.

Set-up as a two person quick response unit, the vehicle was retrofitted with a larger rear-step a year or two after being purchased to allow the truck to have a crew of four firefighters. Springfield Fire Company had firefighters riding the rear step of the apparatus until 1986, when an accident involving this truck made the company change it riding procedures for firefighters.

The truck was painted chrome yellow with the top of the cab being painted white. The reason for the change in color was for safety and visibility of the apparatus. The company quickly went back to the traditional maroon color after this piece of equipment. The color of the apparatus does not always effect safety, but there are many other safety devices that can be added to help with visibility.

The truck was built on a Dodge Chassis with a 440 Magnum Gasoline Engine and 4 Speed Manual Transmission. The truck was also equipped with 4-Wheel Drive to help when fighting fires in the many fields of Springfield in the 1970's and early 1980's. The truck also had a Front-Mounted Winch rated at 8,000 lb.

On December 10, 1985 the years of service that this truck gave to Springfield Fire Company came to an end. While responding to a trash fire in the Beatty Road area of Springfield Township, the Tactical Unit was broadsided was proceeding through the intersection of West Sproul Road and West Woodland Avenue. The Driver of the apparatus, James Vlassapoulos and the Officer Mark Casey were not injured. The lone firefighter on the rear-step, Michael Nazzario, received only minor injuries. He was wearing the safety belt attached to the rear of truck that helped save him from serious injuries.

The apparatus sustained heavy damage from this accident and was replaced with the purchase of the 1989 Tactical Unit. The 1971 Pirsch Pumper ran in place of the 1976 Tactical Unit until the new unit was placed into service. The Pierce body on the Tactical Unit was purchased by the Lenni Heights Fire Company which they used to build a unit for their company's needs.

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Springfield Fire Company

5 months ago

Springfield Fire Company

A huge thank you to Girl Scout troop 57 for dropping off a basket of goodies for the staff today. ๏ฟผ ... See MoreSee Less

A huge thank you to Girl Scout troop 57 for dropping off a basket of goodies for the staff today. ๏ฟผ
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Springfield Fire Company

5 months ago

Springfield Fire Company

Shout out to Steve Halko and his girlfriend Genesis, for making the Fire Company a new Duty/Assignment Board.
Turned out great!
Thank you from the Officers & Members.
... See MoreSee Less

Shout out to Steve Halko and his girlfriend Genesis, for making the Fire Company a new Duty/Assignment Board.
Turned out great!
Thank you from the Officers & Members.
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  • Likes: 89
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Good job Steve. Chief Green would be proud.

That is fantastic! A work of a great deal of thought and time... And love! Great job, Steve and Genesis!

Jack Redding the chauffeur

Becky Green Halko

๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

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Springfield Fire Company

6 months ago

Springfield Fire Company

It is with a heavy heart that the Springfield Fire Company announces the passing of life time member Richard "Richie" Gildea.

Richie joined the Fire Company on April 24, 1957 and held numerous Company positions, including Captain of the Fire Police Unit.

Richie became a Life Member in 1980. He received the 50 year "Blue Flame" Award in 2007. Most recently he was added as an exemplary volunteer to the Volunteer Memorial Wall at the corner of Saxer Ave and Powell Rd on July 4th, 2005

In his honor our flag will be flown at half-staff until the day of his funeral.

Richie's funeral details will be posted, when they become known.

The Springfield Fire Company wishes to express their condolences to the Gildea family.
... See MoreSee Less

It is with a heavy heart that the Springfield Fire Company announces the passing of life time member Richard Richie Gildea. 

Richie joined the Fire Company on April 24, 1957 and held numerous Company positions, including Captain of the Fire Police Unit. 

Richie became a Life Member in 1980. He received the 50 year Blue Flame Award in 2007. Most recently he was added as an exemplary volunteer to the Volunteer Memorial Wall at the corner of Saxer Ave and Powell Rd on July 4th, 2005

In his honor our flag will be flown at half-staff until the day of his funeral. 

Richies funeral details will be posted, when they become known. 

The Springfield Fire Company wishes to express their condolences to the Gildea family.Image attachmentImage attachment+6Image attachment
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  • Likes: 79
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  • Comments: 44

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Rest in Peace! Thank you for your service! Prayers to his family!

Such a nice guy. Prayers to his family and friends

Prayers for Richie and his family.. Our condolences ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ˜ฅ

Rest in Peace my dearest Uncle. Love you and will miss you for a little while From the Salva/Hicks/Summit families in Missouri (Ritchie's second home)

Richie was a great man and friend to everyone that was lucky enough to cross his path.

We'll all miss you Richie. The 'Fighting Irish" just got a new Angel ๐Ÿ˜‡ RIP Richie

RIP Mr. Gildea my heart felt Condolences to the family

Sorry for your loss prayers to Springfield FC and Gildea Family

Rest In Peace sir, your watch has been completed!!

Make me cry such a sweetheart! He will be missed and St. Patrick Day just will never be the same!! โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ Rip Richie โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ

My condolences to the whole family hugs

Sorry for your loss. RIP Mr. Gildea.

Sending condolences to everyone

Rest in Peace Richie ... you will be missed!

In our thoughts and prayers

Rest in peace. Just noticed the clock tower! When was that erected? Haven't been around town much lately!!!

He was the best! Always greeted you with a big smile and was truly happy to see everyone. He will be missed โค๏ธ

R I P Richie we had a lot of laughs. God bless you

A awesome man! RIP Richie! U will be missed!๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿ’š

God Bless you Uncle Rich. We will miss you ๐Ÿ™โค๏ธ

Such a wonderful soul. RIP Rich.

Rest easy Richie. I hope you rate a mansion in Heaven.

Always a smile on his face!! We'll certainly miss you Uncle Rich!!

So sorry. I’m blessed to have known Richie. Godspeed my friend

May his memory be eternal

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Springfield Fire Company
217 Saxer Ave.
Springfield, PA 19064

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