The dream of a group of retired firefighters has come to reality with the completion of the Last Alarm Foundation Apparatus. The LAF began their project in 2005 with the purchase of a 1954 Model L Mack Sedan Pumper. Over the past several years it was modified into a hearse to carry 8 passengers in the cab area as well as the installation of a casket lift for the deceased firefighter. The lift was designed to accommodate an Urn as well.
The first official use of the LAF Apparatus was the transportation of retired Deputy Fire Chief Jim Russell on December 15, 2011 to his final resting place. Although Chief Russell passed away much earlier, his remains were kept by his son until the vehicle could be completed. Chief Russell was a driving force behind the Last Alarm Foundation from the very beginning and it was only fitting that he be the first to make use of the LAF Apparatus.
Word is getting around and the next use of the vehicle was last month in Nogales, AZ. A retired local firefighter passed away and his family requested the use of the vehicle. On January 16 three members of the LAF drove the vehicle to Nogales and proudly participated in the memorial service of a fallen comrade.