The Purchase Fire Department is proud to announce that Ladder 53 is now in service.

This piece of apparatus is the third generation of Seagrave ladder trucks for the Purchase Fire Department spanning almost 50 years. A 1973 Seagrave Admiral was the first for the fire district and was in service for 27 years. Its successor was a 2000 Seagrave Apollo Tower Ladder. This truck gave 21 years of service to our department and neighboring communities. Tower Ladder 53 was sold in 2021 to the Troy Fire Department in Vermont.

Members have spent the past month driving and operating the truck to familiarize themselves with its performance and capabilities. This vehicle was custom built by Seagrave Fire Apparatus with durability, functionality, and longevity in mind. Planning for the future was another important consideration for our committee so maximizing the compartment space of the truck was another high priority. Ladder 53 will not only be equipped with traditional ladder company tools, but carry an assortment of vehicle extrication, collapse, water rescue, and FASTeam equipment.

Some of the significant features of Ladder 53 are:

• 100’ HD Force with 500 lb. tip load

• Marauder Stainless Steel Cab and Body

• 500 HP Cummins X12 Engine

• Akron Ladder Pipe

• FRC Scene Lighting

• Over 150’ of ground ladders

We would like to thank Seagrave Fire Apparatus and Hudson Valley Fire Equipment for all their hard work and dedication in helping place our ladder into service.

Photo Credit: Joe Pinto