Page 101 - History of the Colton Fire Department

was only one Medic at station 2, so the squad would always
respond with them to make a total of 4 paramedics on scene
(3 fire paramedics plus the ambulance medic). Station 2 was
very busy but the squad rarely got a break while they would
respond to almost every call in the city. Whenever a station
2 medic followed-up to the hospital, the engine may or may
not follow so that they could bring that medic home. Most
of the time, the ambulance would bring you back to the sta-
tion after the patient was delivered and the paper work was
finished. The engine would return to the station in order
to stay available. Many times they might continue to run a
call with the two remaining members as long as they were
responding with the squad. Sometimes they might call in a
local fireman for an hour or two of overtime coverage while
other times they might go out of service until their medic re-
turns. That would be to the Captains’ discretion. The medic
that went to the hospital might also be involved on another
call outside of Colton if the ambulance was dispatched to
another call before they got back to the station. This could
be a long night for the paramedic. Some nights the engine
at station 2 might run a couple calls before the medic got
back.
Top: Front view of the American LeFrance with the water ten-
der beside it.
Above: Dennis Bickers (left) and Terry McNeill (right) next to
their squad - 1982

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