Combination 1
1912 American LaFrance Type 5 Chemical Engine

1912 - 1923 - Central Station on Eastern Ave. with Ladder Co. 1
1923 - 1926 - Central Station on Main St.

In 1912 the fire department acquired a new Chemical engine from the American LaFrance company. This was the first motorized piece of apparatus in St. Johnsbury and one of the first in Vermont. The truck was a 1912 Type 5 Combination Chemical and Hose wagon, and one of only 48 made by American LaFrance. It carried 70 gallons of chemical in two tanks, 400 feet of chemical hose, and 1000 ft of regular hose.The new engine was delivered in August 1912 and located at the new Central Fire Station on Eastern Ave. and staffed by 2 full time firefighters. The two chemical tanks were activated when the apparatus arrived at the fire. This would build enough pressure to force the water trough the hose.

With 70 Horsepower and chain drive, the truck had been known to carry 25 firefighters across the Plain (Main Street) at 47 miles per hour and make the twist up Sand Hill at 12 miles per hour. The engine cost the town $7500. Its was replaced in 1926.