1951 "SEAGRAVE" Quadruple Fire Apparatus

The Quadruple means it performs four (4) functions: * Pumps water * Carries Water * Carries Hose * Carries a complete set of ladders (216’ total)

Seagrave V-12 - 462 cubic inch (same engine as the Pierce Arrow Automobile)

Dual Ignition - 24 spark plugs / 4-6 volt coils / two distributors / two batteries (6-V) Electric Start and Hand Crank (for those who feel brave).

200 Gallon water tank - 1,000 Gallon per minute (GPM) pump - Twin Booster Reels - Large Deluge gun mounted behind driver’s seat - Electric Sanders for icy roads.
4 Speed Transmission
Quad is 34 1/2 feet long and weighs 20,000 lbs.
Quad has six - 9.00 X 20 tires
Quad is fully operational and ready for service (except for the 1600 feet of hose)

Built in May, 1951, at Columbus, Ohio, for the City of Valparaiso, Indiana (serial # F3065). The apparatus served the community through June, 1975 and was then sold to a smaller community (Kouts, Indiana) where it served until 1984. It was then placed in storage as a reserve unit until 1989 when the current owner purchased it for restoration to it’s original appearance.

Owner: Phil Griffith -
Phil is the Retired Fire Chief for the City of Valparaiso. Phil served on this unit when first joining the Valparaiso Fire Department in 1970. (The first real Fire Truck he drove for the City)

Restoration cost about $24,000.00 and has taken about (2000 hours) to this point. Still have some chrome work to do. In 1999 a complete engine overhaul was initiated and completed in May of 2000. Cooling system converted to Evans Cooling Systems NPG+ coolant in 2002 (unit holds 11 gallons).

The "Quad" has been featured on a calendar and two book covers as well as having won many awards. This Seagrave has also been used in numerous weddings, to carry the Bride and Groom (as well as the wedding party). Sadly, she has also been used to carry several of the firefighters who had proudly severed on her, during the 34 years of active service, to their final resting place. The Quad is also an official part of the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Burn Camp and the Indiana - Hoosier Bum Camp.

In addition to the above service the unit has also traveled (under her own power) throughout several states; Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and even gone to Windsor; Canada to participate in Fire Musters and parades.