Crime & Safety

"Tin Man" Fire Truck Pays Tribute to FDNY

Fire engine once used in New York City remembers the victims of 9/11.

Kirwan Heights fire Chief Mark Lewis and his department were looking for a serviceable engine truck six years ago when they stumbled upon one for sale in central Pennsylvania.

What they found, instead, was a piece of FDNY history that told both a proud and tragic story.

The 1981 American LaFrance fire truck was exactly what needed when the department purchased it in early 2005 from the Edgemont Fire Department near Harrisburg. But they soon learned this truck, nicknamed the “Tin Man,” was part of New York City firefighting lore.

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Once a part of the FDNY’s Engine 232 “Tin House Gang” in the 1980s, the truck was sold off after city officials made a controversial decision to close the station. While watching the 1988 Super Bowl, the “Tin House” firefighters in Brooklyn were ordered to help with the relocation of another fire station. But when they returned to their station, which resembled a tin metal box, it was shuttered and their belongings were left outside.

Engine 232 and Ladder 176 were disbanded and the firefighters were relocated to other FDNY stations.

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Years later, 11 members who served on that crew were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers.

Lewis said he was blown away by the history and tragedy behind the truck. They placed FDNY and “Tin Man” decals on the truck to honor its legacy and the men who died on 9/11. The names of the “Tin House Gang” killed that day remain on the rear cab window.

“It was a no-brainer,” Lewis said. “We had to pay tribute to those guys. There’s a little piece of New York City right here.”

For years, members of the FDNY would periodically call to see if the truck was still operating and in good condition.

“They were tickled to death it was still in service,” Lewis said.

When the department secured enough money to purchase a brand new engine two years ago, there was no more room to keep the “Tin Man” in the garage. The department received offers from people who wanted to use it to hose off roads or sell it for scrap. Lewis cringed at the thought of this historic truck being dismantled.

“That’s not a fitting end for it,” Lewis thought.

Fire departments from as far away North Carolina and Tennessee showed interest, but weren’t able to offer enough money.

Instead, David Tambellini of Mt. Lebanon saw it parked next to Vanadium Road and decided to purchase the “Tin Man” after hearing about its "incredible story." It’s stored nearby and preserved for community events at a local sportsmen club.

"I wanted to find a home for it where it wouldn’t be abused and would be respected for what it is," Tambellini said.

Lewis said the department sold it with the understanding that Tambellini would take good care of the truck and the decals would remain. He’s glad it’s in good hands and said it brings a smile to his face when he sees it around town.

“It’s not only the history, but it was a good-running truck. It was like it was meant for us to have it,” Lewis said. “To this day I would still have it we had a place to store it. It’s a great piece of history.”

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