For the holiday season, the Commack Fire Department’s Engine Company No. 3 on Long Island, N.Y., created every kid’s and firefighter’s dream: a real Hess Truck!
PHOTOS BY STEVE SILVERMAN
Working like Santa’s elves, 30 firefighters worked for three nights to transform their red engine into a replica of the 1989 white Hess Ladder Truck. They completely covered the engine in white tack vinyl and applied green Hess logos and striping, which were supplied by a local sign printer.
The ladder was made out of 2 x 4 lumber painted red and mounted on plywood to the hosebed. The ladder pistons were made from PVC piping, and the wheels were striped with red electrical tape. The Hess Corp. supplied four Hess flags to mount on the truck. With lights flashing and sirens wailing, the truck made its rounds of the Commack neighborhoods with other department apparatus to spread holiday cheer. Peter Paccione, third assistant chief and outgoing captain, said his firefighters were really excited about working on the truck and seeing the reaction from community members who couldn’t believe what they were seeing.
