Notes and News - July 30, 2010

It was great to see the real Engine 7 from the Hartford fleet round the corner at the recent Silver City Fire Fest in Meriden, CT just a couple weeks ago. With a host of Code 3 Collectors on hand for the event this provided a rare opportunity for many to compare the replica rig to the real McCoy! 

The Code 3 model was unveiled on Saturday morning for all to view at the show and a few hours later the actual Engine joined many other Rigs in the show parking lot.  The model was placed on the bumper of Engine 7 and was made available to all for photos and up close scrutinizing of the miniature rig.

This was really one of the best introductions of a Code 3 model in a long time.  The Silver City Event provided a perfect backdrop to release a new model.  The collectors and Firefighters in attendance were excited to see a model that represented a Department close to home.  The model was compared to the real rig and provided that rare chance to see the detail that so closely matches the real Engine 7.  There was also a chance to discuss how Code 3 selects and develops the model and  details that need to be adjusted due to tooling and the manufacturing process.  Both the show and the introduction of the Hartford, Ct model made for a great weekend event.  I hope that I will see more collectors at more events like this down the road.

It is important to mention that Mike Quinn of Meriden was important to both the show and the Hartford model.  Mike provided all of the background on the Hartford engine, photo, info, approval and contact with the Department at all stages of development.  Code 3 would like to thank Chief Edward Casares, Jr., Chief Charles A. Teale, Sr. (retired), Superintendent Michael Smith, and the crew of Engine 7 for their assistance with this project. 

Mike also is responsible for the Silver City event which I am sure will become an annual event.  Kudos to all involved in the show but a special note of gratitude to Mike for the help in the Hartford project and many others with Code 3.

Next week an in-depth review of the Fire Expo.

John H Dunkel

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HARTFORD, CT ENGINE 7 - FERRARA PUMPER

The Hartford Fire Department officially dates its organization to 1864 when The Board of Fire Commissioners was founded and established control over all appointments in the Department.

Prior to 1864 Hartford's fire protection was volunteer.  The volunteer Fire Service was served by merchants and all citizens.  These neighbors would, upon need, drop what ever they were doing and run to fight a fire and aid their fellow citizens. Residents pulled the "engines" and hose carts.  Often as many as forty persons were needed to pull one apparatus.
   
The City's early fire fighters were sponsored by Hartford's Insurance Industry.  These companies paid special premiums to the first and second fire engines arriving at a fire.  In addition the "City" paid a dollar to any person who rang a church bell for a fire.              
  
In 1876 the Hartford Fire Department became the first to own a steam-driven, self propelled fire Engine.  "Blak(sic) Seven" weighed between five and six tons, cost $5,000 dollars and pumped 700 gallons per minute.  It served the city for almost 40 years.  The Hartford Engine 7 is one of five Ferrara engines operated by the city, and was the last one received.  It is assigned to the Northeast Station, Engine Co. 7, located at 181 Clark Street.  

NOTICE TO ALL INTERNATIONAL CLUB  MEMBERS

Effective May 1, 2010 Code 3 is no longer charging a flat fee of $39.95 USD per item for international shipping. We are now charging our actual cost from FedEx. At this time, international Gold Members will continue to receive 50% off the total shipping cost. International orders will be limited to 3 shippable items (memberships do not count toward that total). If you want to order more than 3 items, please place more than one order or contact customer service for a shipping quote.

We do encourage international customers to purchase from one of our international dealers - http://www.code3.net/fire/links.asp?id=69#International. We are also working to add new dealers to better serve our international customers.

Code 3 values your Membership and support.  However, CODE 3 does not and never has paid for the taxes and duty charges you may incur upon receiving the product.  All duty and taxes are the responsibility of the Collector upon receiving the product.

Next update: Friday August 6, 2010