palm springs fire department

Explore Palm Springs: Welcome New Fire Truck

The Palm Springs Fire Department welcomed a new Mack fire truck to the lineup in September 1940.

Renee Brown History

palm springs fire department
The Palm Springs Fire Department on North Palm Canyon showcases its fire trucks in 1940.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Rated as one of the finest small town fire departments in the west, the Palm Springs Fire Department welcomed a new MACK Model 95 fire truck to the department’s lineup Sept. 6, 1940.

Credit for the substantial addition was given to fire chief, Bill Leonesio, and three of the fire commissioners, John Kline, Alvah Hicks, and Charles Bosworth, who had been instrumental in maintaining and improving the quality of the department when the city took over from the Palm Springs Fire Protection District.

The new fire truck cost approximately $15,000, was equipped to pump 1,000 gallons of water, and powered by a 185 horsepower six-cylinder engine — making it the most powerful piece of equipment in service to the city.

There is a multitude of ways to Explore Palm Springs, which turned 75 in 2013. One of the more intriguing methods is by exploring Palm Springs history. The Palm Springs Historical Society will share a story whose time and place corresponds with today.

The Palm Springs Historical Society is located at 221 S. Palm Canyon Drive.


Visit www.pshistoricalsociety.org for more information.