10/29/2026
This week’s throwback is a look back at the evolution of Highland’s fire apparatus.
These three displays give us a great look at Highland’s apparatus across several decades.
1920s–1940s: The earliest photos show smaller, open apparatus with hose, ladders, and equipment carried in the open. Compared with later generations, these rigs were remarkably simple and exposed.
1949–1976: This lineup shows just how much the fleet grew and diversified. Pumpers became larger, and enclosed cabs began appearing. The lineup also started to include apparatus of noticeably different sizes and configurations, for different needs.
1960s–1970s: These photos bring us closer to the modern fire engine. This era saw substantially larger rigs, bigger hose beds, and more equipment capacity.
The trucks, equipment, and technology has certainly changed over the years. The reason these rigs rolled out the door remained the same: to serve and protect the Highland community.
