San Tomas - Historic Photographs

This volunteer fire department also existed in the San Tomas area with the help of Central Fire District. Fred H. Smith was the Captain in 1948 and Don Lukehardt assistant Captain. The fire engine was stored on Mr. Smiths's ranch, at 521 San Tomas Aquino Rd, Campbell. This address, and this ranch, no longer exist. This area is now townhomes.

Campbell Historical Museums

The sign reads "Santa Clara County Fire Dept. San Tomas Station Engine 7". Captain (Honorary Chief) Fred H. Smith is standing in front of driver's door window. Photo 1948.

Campbell Historical Museums

Same sign as photo above. Group is standing in front of Engine 7, a 1938 Dodge.
Back row (L to R): Captain (Honorary Chief) Fred H. Smith (at his home in rear on San Tomas Aquino Road), Don Lukehardt, Assistant Captain Fred Carson, Arthur Brisk and Henry Schulz.
Front row: Assistant Captain (and maintenance) Cliff C. Pray, Otis Stockbridge, Ples Henshaw, Assistant Captain Dyke Pipkin, County Central First District Chief Henry Lingua and Assistant County Fire Chief Fred M. Luhring (who became Chief in 1962). Five volunteers are not pictured. Photo 1948.

from the collection of Lee Caudill

The Changing of the Guard: San Tomas station's 1948 IHC/John Bean Engine 2 (front) being replaced by a 1948 White/Van Pelt (rear) that had previously served as Engine 5 at the Cupertino and Evergreen stations. Photo 1959.

both from the collection of Lee Caudill

Two photos of Engine 7 at the Alviso fire, 1962. Note the San Jose Consolidation sign behind the rig in the left photo, with no mention of the Fire Department. Engine 7 was a 6 cylinder 1938 Dodge, placed in service by County Fire in 1948 at the San Tomas station. It was sold to the Alviso Fire Department, under whos livery it can be seen in these photos.

Santa Clara County Fire Dept Archive

Some early fireground action, September 1960. It is believed that the rig in the background of the left photo with the hood up is Central Engine 2, assigned to the San Tomas Volunteer station. The rig is one of the original three 1948 International KBS-7's with 250gpm (950 l/m) pumps by John Bean Company.

Santa Clara County Fire Dept Archive

Fireground, March 1961.

SCCCFPD 1993 Annual Yearbook

This photo, although similar to the one below, is from 1965.

Santa Clara County Fire Dept Archive

The San Tomas volunteer station, shown with Engine 2, a 1954 GMC. This engine formerly served at the Alum Rock station as Engine 12, and was the last engine to serve at the San Tomas station before the station was closed in 1970. Photo 1969.