This truck was in service in the Grand Rapids Fire Department from the time of its manufacture until 1976, when it was sold at City auction and left the community. Rear wheels are controlled through rear mounted 'tiller' steering that required a skilled operator to safely move and position the apparatus. Unlike two American LaFrance fire engine pumpers purchased at the same time, this ladder truck incorporates a tractor-trailer combination that is long and narrow, making maneuverability through city streets a challenge.

Tall ladders were important for reaching upper floors of taller buildings to fight fires and perform rescues. This truck was part of the American LaFrance 400 Senior Series and was of a design intended for large metropolitan cities, as evident by a new feature, an 85-foot hydraulically-operated aerial ladder. It was manufactured by one of the oldest firefighting apparatus companies in the United States. However, Patriarch Partners will be allowed to use the plant until early 2007, when DaimlerChrysler will utilize the plant for assembly of the 2007 Dodge Sprinter.Transportation ➔ Fire Truck, American LaFrance Aerial Ladder Identifier:2016.35.1ĭescription: This 1937 American LaFrance Aerial Ladder Fire Truck is a significant piece of Grand Rapids' firefighting history. The headquarters and main plant in Ladson, South Carolina are not included in the transaction. In December 2005, it was announced that Freightliner had transferred the ownership of American LaFrance to the New York-based investment firm, Patriarch Partners, LLC. As of 2005, they are the fifth largest manufacturer of emergency vehicles in North America.

ALF has manufacturing facilities in Hamburg, NY and Casper, WY.

However, most of their products are now built on Freightliner M2 or Sterling Acterra chassis. Freightliner continued to utilize American LaFrance's original nameplates and designations. In 1995, the company was bought by Freightliner LLC, which is a subsidiary of Daimler-Chrysler. ALF was founded in 1845 by Truckson LaFrance and his partners as the 'LaFrance Manufacturing Company,' selling hand powered equipment. Focusing primarily on fire engines and fire trucks (ladders), although they also sell rescue vehicles and ambulances.

American lafrance ladder truck