English: The former Utility&Lighting unit, operated (under call sign 9058) by the Neptune Hose Co#5 of the City of Burlington,NJ FD until October 2006, is now privately owned and preserved in Portugal. After some minor repairs and a re-equipment process, aimed to convert the rig into a multi-purpose rescue squad, it is currently available for display in parades and benevolent events under the new call sign APR 343.

The conversion intends to re-create a typical Portuguese personnel and equipment truck of the 60’s decade while also rendering a permanent tribute to the 343 NYC Bravest killed in the line of duty on the 9/11 sad event. APR stands for Auto Protecção e Reforço (Protection and Reinforcement Vehicle), an apparatus category that does not exist anymore but that has always provided rather unique pieces of apparatus in Portugal (frequently FD own mechanical shop conversions, mostly non-standard rigs).

The vehicle is a Ford C600 Thibault (bodywork also by MORYSVILLE) with a 5 900 cc gasoline engine. With a gross weight of 9,5 Ton and sitting up to 11 men it carries a fixed 12,5 Kw Cummins Power Generation Business (formerly Onan) generator as well as a large variety of specialized tools and gear (mostly ancient items) enabling the rig to perform (with the gear combination currently on board): scene-illumination, all types of land and water rescue, basic EMS, salvage, special fire-fighting, haz-mat containment, crew protection, immediate rehab, animal capture and other emergency and routine jobs.

This rather amazing vehicle was special-design ordered in 1967 by the Chews Landing,NJ FD and later sold to the West Collingswood Heights,NJ FD where, as reported by a former crew, it often performed a First Responder task along with a FD ambulance (an innovative combination at that time!). In the early 90’s (probably) it was sold to Burlington,NJ where it proudly ended its line operation days. According to new Owner’s availability, to always check in advance, it can now be visited in Portugal (near Lisbon, the capital City).