Six shots of Los Gatos FD Truck 37, a 1941 White/Van Pelt 500 gpm pumper. The first shot shows it in action on Main Street, 5 July 1943. The second shot shows it after the addition of a 36' Menco aerial. This was done to provide some truck coverage prior to obtaining a true ladder truck. When this unit was replaced by a newer engine, the tank was removed and a utility lineman type ladder was installed in an effort to provide some truck service. This unit served in this configuration from the early 1960s until the consolidation with Central Fire District in 1970, at which time it was disposed of. The third photo shows it at the Shannon drill tower, and the last three shots at a working structure fire.
Two more shots of Truck 37, operating at a night fire at the Penthouse Apartments. Date unknown.
Five shots of Los Gatos' Engine 33, a 1951 White/Van Pelt. It had a 750gpm pump and no synchromesh in the transmission. Notation on the back of the last two photo says "Bill Lyndon-Drillmaster; Dog, Mike, rode on most alarms." These last two photos had deteriorated quite badly. Circa 1951.
Two Los Gatos firefighters battling a hillside brushfire. Note that the closest firefighter is wearing his leather helmet backwards, using the long rear brim as a eyeshade visor. Date unknown.
A good example of why tracking and identifying older apparatus is difficult. The upper two views are of Los Gatos Engine 32, a 1959 Ford/Van Pelt, with a 1000 gallon tank and a 500gpm pump (photos taken Apr 1960.) The lower two photos are Los Gatos Engine 36, the same rig after it had a roof installed. In 1972 this engine became Engine 14 at Winchester. Lower two photo dates unknown.
Another shot of Engine 32, this one in color.
Prior to joining the Santa Clara County Fire Department, Los Gatos Fire Department's Chief used this 1961 Rambler Classic station wagon.
An engine pumping at the Mt. Umunhum wildland fire, 1961-2.
Two Los Gatos firefighters battling a brushfire. This photo was originally from the Los Gatos Times-Saratoga Observer newspaper. Date unknown, probably early 1960s.
Los Gatos Engine 32, a 1962 Ford/Van Pelt, with a 1000gpm pump and a 500 gallon tank.
This 1963 Ford/Van Pelt ran as Engine 103. It had a 1000gpm pump and a 1000 gallon tank. It was eventually sold to the Felton, CA Fire Department.
Los Gatos used this 1963 Chevrolet Carryall as the Chief's car.
This 1968 Ford/Van Pelt ran as Engine 3. It had a 750gpm pump and a 750 gallon tank.
Fire in Los Gatos, January 1970, just prior to consolidation.
This Scotts Valley Fire District rig was the prototype for Los Gatos' Truck 3. Photo July 1981.
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