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Spirit of Louisiana/FDNY E283
Just wanted to share a few photos (and history) with you guys of FDNY Engine 283. After 9/11, this engine, nicknamed the "Spirit of Louisiana", was donated by the people of Louisiana to replace apparatus destroyed on that day. It served in Brooklyn for a couple of years and then did some time in a training role, from what I understand.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and many NOFD apparatus were damaged. FDNY loaded up the former Engine 283 (and other apparatus and manpower) and donated it back to Louisiana. It served as a replacement apparatus in New Orleans for a time until they could get their fleet rebuilt.
By this time the engine had seen its share of hard use and was in poor shape. As the truck was slated for decommision, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's office took an interest in preserving this little piece of firefighting history. Ferrara Fire Apparatus, the original builder, completely refurbished the truck and it now resides at the State Fire Marshal's office in Baton Rouge. It now belongs to the people of Louisiana and is available for events and appearances around the state.
It just so happens that one of my captains, Ryan Gros, is an inspector with the Fire Marshal's office and was able to obtain the truck for a Harvest Festival that was held in our area this weekend. The truck looks great and has been restored to its original condition. Just thought you might like to hear the story and see the pics.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and many NOFD apparatus were damaged. FDNY loaded up the former Engine 283 (and other apparatus and manpower) and donated it back to Louisiana. It served as a replacement apparatus in New Orleans for a time until they could get their fleet rebuilt.
By this time the engine had seen its share of hard use and was in poor shape. As the truck was slated for decommision, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's office took an interest in preserving this little piece of firefighting history. Ferrara Fire Apparatus, the original builder, completely refurbished the truck and it now resides at the State Fire Marshal's office in Baton Rouge. It now belongs to the people of Louisiana and is available for events and appearances around the state.
It just so happens that one of my captains, Ryan Gros, is an inspector with the Fire Marshal's office and was able to obtain the truck for a Harvest Festival that was held in our area this weekend. The truck looks great and has been restored to its original condition. Just thought you might like to hear the story and see the pics.
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