Los Altos - Historic Photographs - Page 2
both from the collection of George Dunham
Left: Los Altos Volunteer Firefighters; right: Junior Volunteer Firefighters, 1948. 
from the collection of George Dunham
Los Altos volunteer firefighters at Headquarters Station, circa 1948. In 1949, the Los Altos Fire Department was officially organized. Chief Bassett assumed command of six paid firemen, 15 volunteers, three fire engines, and a new station with the department budget of $65,816. Chief Bassett started with the department in 1949 and retired in June 1969. In 1951 further expansion of the department's rolling stock was made the purchase of a 1950 Dodge tanker. 
Los Altos History Museum
A fire, probably a demonstration, at a fairground. Date unknown. Sequoia station, located at 169 State St., was the main headquarters from 1949 until late in 1968. The station was used to house to engines as well as all the administrative automobiles and utility vehicles. It served as an office for the Fire Chief, Los Altos Fire Protection District, Fire Prevention Bureau, and a Battalion Chief's office. The station also served as an automotive repair garage where most all of the department's automotive repairs were done. It was also the storehouse for the supplies needed by the department, as well as a gasoline station to service all the rigs. It also served as second home for seven men who were stationed there on duty for 24 hours a day. In 1950, a 1950 International pumper with 250gpm (950 l/m) pumper, and a 500 gal (1895 l) tank was purchased. In 1951, further expansion took place in the department as the purchase of a 1950 Dodge tanker was completed. 
Los Altos History Museum
White engine in front of Headquarters Station. Date unknown, but after 1948. 
Los Altos History Museum
Undated photo of engine in front of Headquarters Station, circa 1950. 
from the collection of George Dunham
Apparatus lineup at Sequoia station at State Street and 3rd Street, photo date unknown (c. 1950) The engine on the left is the 1946 Mack pictured above. The Mack and the center engine have preconnected squirreltail supply hoses which wrap around their fronts. The center engine is a 1948 White/Van Pelt. The engine on right is an International. 
Santa Clara County Fire Dept Archive
Los Altos Fire District apparatus, late 1950s. Left-to-right: 1951 Dodge 400gpm (1515 l/m) pumper; 1948 White 750gpm (2840 l/m) pumper; 1946 Mack 500gpm (1895 l/m) pumper; 1956 International 500gpm (1895 l/m) pumper; 1950 International 500gpm (1895 l/m) pumper. 
Wayne Sorenson Collection
Two shots of Los Altos' 1948 White/Van Pelt, before and after repainting. It had a 750gpm (2840 l/m) pump and a 400 gallon (1515 l) tank. 
Los Altos History Museum
Two Los Altos Fire District officers testing or inspecting the 1950 International's 500gpm (1895 l/m) front-mount pump. They're flowing water, and the hood open to assist in cooling the engine. Photo 3 March 1959. 
Wayne Sorenson Collection
Two photos of a 1951 Dodge/Van Pelt with a 400gpm (1515 l/m) pump and 300 gallon (1135 l) tank. 
top two: Los Altos History Museum
bottom: from the collection of George Dunham
Three undated post-fire structure fire scenes. The first and second appear to be of the same incident. Circa 1950s. 
Los Altos History Museum
Brush fire off of Page Mill Road. Photo date unknown. 
from the collection of George Dunham
1950 International with 500gpm (1895 l/m) front mounted pump and overhead ladder rack. Photo February 1956. In 1953 construction began on the station to protect the eastern part of the district, the location that is now known as Loyala station. Loyola Station was completed and named in January of 1954. Also in this year, the first contract outlining pay schedules and fringe benefits were entered into Firefighter Local 1167. Loyola station, located at 765 Fremont Ave, was used to house one engine and served as storage space for those materials needed to service the station on a day-to-day basis. It also served as a home away from home for three firemen who were always on duty there. In 1956, a new International pumper with a 500gpm (1895 l/m) front mount pump was ordered and received. This new pumper was stationed at Headquarters. The 1950 International, at this time, was moved to Loyola Station along with the 1941 Mack, provided a 2-engine station at the eastern part of the district. 
Wayne Sorenson Collection
Four shots of Los Altos' 1956 International/Coast from Coast Apparatus, Inc., Concord, CA. It had a front-mounted 500gpm (1895 l/m) pump, a 400 gallon (1515 l) tank, 4-wheel drive, and "subway straps" instead of the awkward former "clinging bar" on the back. It cost $9,995. The first shot shows the rig prior to repainting and removal of the ladder rack. 
from the collection of George Dunham
Two views of an apparatus lineup. Chief Bassett is second from left. Date unknown. Left to right: Unidentified pickup, an International, 1950 Dodge tanker, 1946 Mack 500gpm (1895 l/m) pumper, 1948 White/Van Pelt 750gpm (2840 l/m) pumper.
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