Ward LaFrance Truck Corporation
Encyclopedia
The Ward LaFrance Truck Corporation was an American manufacturer of truck
s and fire apparatus
founded by Addison Ward LaFrance in 1916 in Elmira Heights, NY. The company ceased operations in 1979. LaFrance was a relative of the founder of the similarly named fire apparatus manufacturer American LaFrance
Ward LaFrance built tank wreckers for the US military, vans for United Parcel Service
, over the road tractors, cement trucks, dump trucks, chassis for bus
es and trolleys, and armored car
s. Perhaps the best known Ward LaFrance product was the P-80 "Ambassador" model of pumper, which was used as the fictional Los Angeles County Fire Department
Engine 51
on the 1970s television program Emergency!
.
Truck
A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, with the smallest being mechanically similar to an automobile...
s and fire apparatus
Fire apparatus
A fire apparatus, fire engine, fire truck, or fire appliance is a vehicle designed to assist in fighting fires by transporting firefighters to the scene and providing them with access to the fire, along with water or other equipment...
founded by Addison Ward LaFrance in 1916 in Elmira Heights, NY. The company ceased operations in 1979. LaFrance was a relative of the founder of the similarly named fire apparatus manufacturer American LaFrance
American LaFrance
American LaFrance is an emergency and vocational vehicle manufacturer, currently based in Summerville, South Carolina. Focusing primarily on emergency apparatus fire engines and fire aerial including ambulance and rescue vehicles.-History:...
Ward LaFrance built tank wreckers for the US military, vans for United Parcel Service
United Parcel Service
United Parcel Service, Inc. , typically referred to by the acronym UPS, is a package delivery company. Headquartered in Sandy Springs, Georgia, United States, UPS delivers more than 15 million packages a day to 6.1 million customers in more than 220 countries and territories around the...
, over the road tractors, cement trucks, dump trucks, chassis for bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
es and trolleys, and armored car
Armored car (valuables)
A common meaning of armored car is as an armored van or truck, used in transporting valuables, such as large quantities of money . The armored car is a multifunctional vehicle designed to protect and ensure the well being of the transported individuals and/or contents...
s. Perhaps the best known Ward LaFrance product was the P-80 "Ambassador" model of pumper, which was used as the fictional Los Angeles County Fire Department
Los Angeles County Fire Department
The Los Angeles County Fire Department , serves unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County, as well as 58 cities and towns that choose to have the county provide fire and EMS services, including La Habra. It should not be confused with the Los Angeles City Fire Department, which serves the city of...
Engine 51
Engine 51
Engine 51 is known for its time in the 1970s TV show Emergency!. Engine 51 is actually two very different fire engines. Both Engine 51s sit in the museum right next to the famous Squad 51...
on the 1970s television program Emergency!
Emergency!
Emergency! is an American television series that combines the medical drama and action-adventure genres. It was produced by Mark VII Limited and distributed by Universal Studios...
.