Custom Rescue Truck Kindles New Possibilities for Fire Department

The Milford Township Fire Department in Bucks County serves about 10,000 residents across 28 square miles of southeastern Pennsylvania. Their team of dedicated volunteers works hard to protect lives, property and the environment from fires, accidents and other hazards.

Most people think of fire engines when they picture a fire department but their fleets often include other specialized vehicles like command units, ladder trucks, water trucks, brush trucks and rescue trucks. Knapheide and its sales and installation partner, Levan Machine and Truck Equipment, had the privilege to build a rescue truck for the Milford Township Fire Department. 

Firefighters with the Milford Township Fire Department stand alongside their custom rescue truck.

“Knapheide designed and built the box. Levan came through and provided all the customization,” said Nathan Cordero, Battalion Chief for the Milford Township Volunteer Fire Company. 

So, what exactly is a rescue truck? It’s an emergency vehicle designed to carry equipment and personnel for technical rescue situations rather than firefighting. These scenarios can include: 

• Freeing people trapped in vehicles or machinery after crashes or malfunctions 
• Rescuing individuals from collapsed buildings or confined spaces
• Helping those stuck in hard-to-reach places or elevated areas 
• Extracting lost or injured people from remote locations 
• Responding to disasters, hazards or other serious incidents 

This custom build features a Knapheide steel service body installed on a Ford commercial truck chassis cab and includes: 

• Transverse compartments: A pull-out tray spans the width of the body, giving curb- and street-side access to a basket stretcher, breathing apparatus and pike poles 
• Tall compartments: Extra side height for more storage and better organization 
• Flip-top compartments: Lids that open from inside the truck bed for storing hazmat gear, spill control supplies and space for future equipment 
• Tool mounting system: Keeps extrication gear organized and secure with channeled panels for attaching compatible brackets and holders 
• Truck bed drawers: Additional pull-out storage for field and brush fire tools and water rescue equipment 
• Grill guard: Protects the front of the truck and provides mounting points for lighting and siren speakers 
• Scene light tower: A telescoping rod with remote controls to adjust height, rotation, and tilt for lighting up scenes 
• Emergency lights: Strobing lights on the cab roof and along the sides and rear to signal caution 
• Sirens: Exterior-mounted speakers with control panel located in the cab console
• Power inverter: Charges batteries and provides electricity for equipment 

A Milford Township Fire Department firefighter shows how quickly essential tools can be grabbed from a rescue truck compartment.

Many rescue truck builds opt for roll-up doors, which Knapheide can manufacture, too. However, swing-out doors have their advantages. They typically have better sealing against weather and filth and fewer components needing repair or replacement, if damaged.

Given its compact size, this upfit for the Milford Township Fire Department would be considered a light rescue truck. It’s ideal for rural areas and departments with budget constraints but still hauls plenty of critical rescue tools and equipment.

“This truck is a bit nimbler to get around and has the ability to go off-road. The truck can support pretty much any apparatus that we have,” added Cordero. 

Want to see more? Check out the photos and videos below for a close look at this build.