[SERKIT]

The "Q" on the fire apparatus had nothing to do with the fact it may have been a Fererally-owned unit.

A "Q" in the fire service means a QUINT.

An engine with a pump, tank, and hose-bed is a "Triple Combination Pumper"

A triple combination pumper that has a full complement of ground ladders (straight and extension ladders) is called a QUAD, or sometimes a "city service ladder" but has mechanical NO aerial device affixed to the vehicle.

A QUINT has a pump, a tank, a hose bed, a full complement of ground ladders, and an aerial ladder device affixed to the vehicle.

What you saw in that Getty picture was a QUINT, hence the Q in the lettering.

[No_Doll_i]

Ok but I like my explanation better! ;-)

[Aquamarine]

My FF hubby agrees with your explanation. Said they came out with a QUINT so they wouldn’t have to have an engine and a ladder truck.

[Shady]

This is a Federal Q, but you are right about the Quint.
https://youtu.be/8c_TfvYQSXU

[bagster]

A QUINT has a pump, a tank, a hose bed,

I once had a good friend named Kurt Quint.

Submitted for the lexicon right under Swordie's granddaughter "Pickle."

:)

Bagster

Lesser Oracle

[KMG365]

What is the difference between a fire truck and a fire engine?

A fire truck has a ladder on top of it.