Now extinct, one of the most unique and useful tools in the LAFD’s vast arsenal was a 50 foot wooden extension ladder called the “Bangor Ladder.” Made exclusively for use by the LAFD, the Bangor was the largest of the fleet’s ground ladders and used from the early 1900’s into the 1990’s. There are only a few in existence today. I have gathered a variety of stories about this ladder as a part of our history and the reader’s enjoyment.
A follow up to Tom Brennan’s Rescue Story – Coincidence, luck, providence or divine intervention? In Tom’s words:
Frank, thank you for writing the December, 2015 Grapevine article about the 50′ ft. Bangor ladder. That ladder epitomizes the essence of the LAFD – it takes team work, coordination, and strength to deploy and raise the fly in order climb this unique piece of equipment. About the rescue:
1) The morning of the 2/17/82, I decided to call Kevin Kearns at OCD and solicit a move-up that day – hopefully a big fire. I never did that before. I just went to the business phone, without permission, and did it. Kevin said “If something breaks I will recommend you guys.”
2) That month it was my turn to be the engineer on pump. On the way to our move-up to 27’s, OCD moved us into the fire on Normandie. Battalion 5 (Jim O’Neil) assigned us to assist TF 29 on the roof with ventilation. On the way to the roof TFC Gary Peck spotted a women in the 5th floor bathroom window, reported to B-5 and he reassigned us to rescue her.
3) From the moment I spotted her, it was like something had taken over my thoughts and actions. I became extremely focused and knew I was going to be the one who would save her. A/O Jeff Marcus and I originally attempted a rescue by raising a 35′ extension ladder. The Bangor was spotted at the rear of the building and TF 102 walked the fully extended ladder nearly the entire length of the building, through a narrow corridor between buildings, as well as over and around a tangled spaghetti field of hose lines. Again – team work, coordination, strength. I truly believe without all the elements coming together at that precise moment the outcome would have been tragic.
LAFD 50’ “BANGOR” LADDER – A Test of Skill and Cunning. By Roger Gillis, retired B/C
“During its existence, the Bangor proved to be an especially valuable ladder in areas such as Downtown, Westlake and the various commercial and industrial sections of the city. In particular, in those areas where the access for an aerial ladder was limited and the need of a ground ladder with extra reach was required. This was especially true where numerous four to six story center-hall apartment buildings, as well as large manufacturing and warehouses were located. The companies that worked in those areas took great pride in their ability to quickly position and raise the Bangor on a moment’s notice.
One such station was Fire Station 9 in Battalion 1. All three shifts drilled regularly on this ladder, but none more so than that of the “C” shift. In the early 70’s, their TFC was none other than Larry “Loom-Up” Schneider. Without question, the 50’ Bangor was Capt. Schneider’s favorite ladder and if there was an incident of any kind that required its use you could count on it being raised.
Now, during this same period, the members assigned to FS 9 were noted for throwing out challenges on any number of feats that were job related such as exhibitions of strength, handball, knot tying, and yes, ladder competition. In particular, if you happened to be a SOD member from outside the battalion, you had better bring a pocketful of change with you and hope that you still had enough money left over for dinner that night!
On one such occasion, a young, strong, edumacated fireman from FS 61 (aka the KID) showed up for a SOD day on the “C” shift. Around the kitchen table that morning the scenario went something like this:
JOHN – “Hey Ken, it’s been quite a while since we’ve thrown the Bangor. What do you say we take it out back and put it up today?”
KEN– “That sounds like a good idea John. What do you think kid, you up for it? You guys at 61’s have a Bangor, right?”
KID– “Sure we do. Throw it all the time.”
JOHN– “Well then, what do you think about having a little competition and the loser has to buy banana splits for the other station?”
KID– “Sounds good to me. What’s the challenge?”
KEN– “Do you think we can throw the ladder starting from the truck, fully extend it and tie the knot using only four men?”
KID– “I’m pretty sure that you probably can. What’s the catch?”
JOHN-”There’s no catch. We’ll do it for time and you can agree to the time before we do it. Better yet, we’ll even make it more interesting and do it with only three men! What do you think?”
KID– “Never seen it done three-man, but what kind of time are we talking?” JOHN- “I don’t know. What do you think Ken, two or three minutes?”
KEN– “Yea, I think we MIGHT be able to pull that off, but I’m not so sure?”
The hook is in the mouth, but still not set! Throughout the rest of the day, along with many other challenges being undertaken, the issue of time is still up for debate. Shortly after dinner, the KID has the “C” shift scoundrels agreeing to a time of just one minute! He even got some encouragement from an old high school friend who worked at FS 9 who told him “YOU GOT EM!” The bet for banana splits was on.
Truck 9 was moved to the back yard of the station where the ladder was to be thrown against the north wall of Mosketels. All members, special guest and the KID were present and the “THREE MEMBER BANGOR FOR TIME” was set for viewing. The three members selected to throw the ladder were in position on the truck and stop watches were at the ready. On the starter’s signal, the men jumped into action, flipped the tiller bucket and steering shaft, removed the ladder, threw it up against the building, fully extended the fly and tied the “Bangor Knot” before calling “high.” Total time from start to finish – 41 SECONDS!! The “KID” knew immediately that he’d been had and that he now owed banana splits. He later learned that this was a regular event at FS 9 and that the average time for the THREE MAN BANGOR was around 45 seconds. Needless to say, not really a fair contest!
The story doesn’t quite end with the KID’s defeat. In that he had been fleeced of all his pocket change throughout the shift, he was unable to buy the banana splits that night. Being a man of integrity, the plug buggy from 61’s showed up at 9’s front door the next shift. The pay-load included the following items: two dozen of the greenest bananas picked that very morning; chocolate, vanilla & strawberry ice MILK; a box of Hershey’s chocolate bars; Brazil nuts in the shell; cherries with pits included; and whipping cream still in the carton. Needless to say, THE KID GOT EVEN! Those were the days!
Frank’s Note: “The Kid” is Tom Brennan, Medal of Valor recipient and LAFDHS Board Member
Up and Over – A story from Bob MacMillan, retired B/C
In the early 70’s, I was assigned to Drill Tower 89 as an instructor and Drill Master. During one class we were using the 50 foot Bangor for the recruits to do the “up and over.” The ladder was fully extended straight up with recruits at the base and four recruits holding four ropes attached to the fly.
I was standing there watching the recruits go up and over the top and down the other side when one of the tormentor poles broke loose from its connection at the top of the base and started to fall. The recruit holding it was able to guide it away from the members holding the ladder and it hit the ground with a large bang!
There was a hush in the group and I called out in my Drill Master voice, “Don’t Anyone Move!” We than placed additional recruits at the base and on the lines and the recruit at the top climbed down without incident. The fly was retracted and the ladder carefully lowered to the ground minus the one tormentor pole without incident.
We all then took a much needed break in the afternoon training.
Recruit Class 14-2 Restores Three 50 Foot Bangors for the LAFDHS
Captain Steve Skelly, Drill Master at DT 40 made an offer to the LAFD Historical Society to restore three of our 50 foot Bangor ladders. Under the supervision and assistance of the DT instructors, the members of class 14-2 went to work and finished the ladders for display at their graduation, including welding metal stands on wheels to display them. I was honored to be there for the unveiling. One of the ladders is on display at the Hollywood Fire Museum. One will come to the Harbor Fire Museum and one will remain on loan to DT 40. A big thanks to the training staff and recruits from Class 14-2.
Have you been to Fire Station 94 lately? When you go there, as I did, you will see a beautifully restored 50 foot Banger ladder mounted on the hallway wall. A great display of LAFD history. Thank you FS 94 for keeping our history alive!
By Frank Borden