Markets We Serve - Fire / Rescue
Press Releases
New York Fire Department - Custom Panel Bodies
Bowmansville Fire Company - Classic® Series Spacemaster Service Body
Coates Bend Volunteer Fire Department - Classic® Series Service Body
Oakland Fire Department - Classic® Series Service Body
Arlington Fire District - Classic® Series Service Body
Fosterburg Fire Department - Classic® Series Service Body
Center Brunswick Fire and Rescue - Classic® Series Service Body
City of Brooklyn Park Fire Department - Classic® Series Service Body
West Albany Fire Department - Aerotech® Service Body
Articles
Trailer/Body Builder magazine article on the Aerotech® service body.
Testimonials
Russell Montieth, Redfield Vol. Fire Dept., Inc., 108FABDW99R Standard Bodies
“We use this Reading box on a 2000 Ford F550 SuperDuty 4x4 crew cab as a fire truck. One side of the unit is set up for fire fighting and the other is for medical calls. Works very well in keeping items organized. We also have a 300 gal water tank +500 gal per minute diesel driven pump mounted on a skid unit in the back box area. We are very pleased with the way your unit fulfilled our need in this new truck. 1 unit to do the job of 2.”
Thom McMahon, Firetech, Inc., Classic Series Panel Body
“On Monday, May 8, 2000, my son, Ryan (6 yrs old) and I were on our way to town when our Ford F-350, with a Reading utility body on it, went off the road. The truck rolled between 5 and 9 revolutions down a very steep embankment. The ride was accented by impacts with a stockade fence, several boulders, and finally coming to rest in a creek on its side.”
“Your superior body took the bangs, slams, and bounces, while protecting the cab of the truck from crushing. My son and I would both probably be dead or seriously injured had it not been for the strength and integrity of the body construction. Instead, we both walked away from this accident with minor cuts and bruises. We both wish to thank you for the fine job and quality product which permits me to write this letter. Thank you all!”
Walter Scanlon, Haysi Volunteer Fire Dept., 98GADW Classic Series Service Body
“After one year with a Reading box, we are very pleased with the construction of it. We put the box on a 1978 Chevy 4x4 crew cab and completely restored the rest of the truck. It was one of the best investments we made as a small volunteer fire dept.”
Harry Cleveland, Middletown Rescue Hose Co., 98ADW Classic Series Service Body
“Our Reading Box is mounted on a Chevy. The complete unit is Special Unit 58 in the Middletown Fire Dept. We did appreciate the cooperation during planning, building and delivery of our truck. If we would buy in the future we would buy from Reading. Keep up the good work!”
Gary Mills, Humboldt Co. Vol. Amb. Corp, PA60-98DW Panels
“Our Reading Body is on a 1995 Ford F-350 4x4 with power stroke diesel. It is used as a rescue truck covering an area of 15,000 sq. miles, of which, 6,475 miles of dirt roads. The lack of dust and dirt leaking into the service body is very helpful. We have not experienced any problems with this body.”
Myron Sozanski, Big Flats Fire District #2, AL108DABDW Aluminum Classic Series Service Body
“Very pleased with the body and workmanship.”
Reading Responds to New York Tragedy
Company Name: New York Fire Department
Reading Products: Custom Panel Bodies
Type of Service: Emergency Recovery
 The tragic events of September 11th left America reeling. As the nation tried to comprehend these horrific tragedies, one question continued to be asked by Americans everywhere - what can we do to help?
Reading Truck Body was no different. Fortunately, as a truck body manufacturer, Reading was in a position to be able to help and was given the opportunity to aid New York City in its recovery efforts. Reading was chosen to build, install, and paint 55 custom bodies for the NYFD. Reading considered it an honor to be chosen and pleased to be able to do their part to help. Of course, it couldn’t have been done without the help of Vasso, Reading’s local distributor, and Gabriella Ford, the truck dealer coordinating the entire deal.
With New York City’s Fire Department losing much of their fleet, the city was in dire need of replacing their fleet in short amount of time. By pulling together their collective resources in sales, engineering, and production, Reading was able to respond to New York’s request very quickly and manufacture these bodies at a reduced cost. Playing a small role in the city and nation’s recovery process served as an inspiration to the Reading team.
The dual wheel panel bodies with panel assembly were increased in width to obtain a full width panel assembly. They were also customized with a special 12-in. deep grip strut bumpers with smooth steel risers.
Standard features include construction of two-sided A60 galvannealed steel and Lectro-Life® immersion priming for complete rust protection. Other standard features include automotive-quality rotary locks for secure protection to tools and equipment; stainless steel bolt-on hinges keeping the compartment doors operating smoothly in all weather conditions; and double paneled compartment doors offering greater durability.
Reading Helps Bowmansville Fire Co. Light up the Night
Company Name: Bowmansville Fire Company
Reading Products: Classic® Series Spacemaster Service Body
Type of Service: Squad Vehicle
 The Bowmansville Fire Company was in a quandary. Like many other rural volunteer fire companies, they were experiencing growth in the community that they serve, resulting in more calls per year. In order to handle the increasing number of calls, they felt they needed a new squad vehicle to carry man power and equipment. Unfortunately, they didn’t have a lot of excess money to spend on one and the “traditional” fire equipment manufacturers vehicles were a little too much for their budget. They also didn’t want to sacrifice quality in order to save money. After spending a lot of time looking at other apparatus, they found the solution to their problem was only a few miles down the road. Reading Truck Body to the rescue!
Reading’s reputation of producing high quality truck bodies preceded itself leading Bowmansville Fire Company to purchase a Spacemaster service body mounted on a Ford F550 chassis for use as their squad vehicle.
According to Jim Musser, Fire Chief at Bowmansville, Reading’s solid reputation of producing high quality service bodies at an economical price was reason enough for him to buy a Reading. “They’re a local company that could build what we wanted and allow us to save money in the process,” explained Jim. He added that the type of body they were looking for would have cost more if purchased through a fire equipment manufacturer.
The Reading Spacemaster service body was customized with two slide-out trays - one to carry a trash pump and the other for a 6500-watt Honda generator used to operate a 3000-watt “Night Light” light tower and two 500-watt Quartz lights mounted on the rear. The lights are vital components because they respond to a lot of accidents and the extra lighting greatly improves operations on the accident or fire ground scene. “Lighting is a problem for night accidents. You can never have too many,” said Jim.
The cargo and compartment areas are used to store cribbing, stokes basket, a small folding ladder, brooms and shovels for clean-up. They also carry a cord reel and first aid equipment.
They purchased the Reading Spacemaster service body through Crest Truck Equipment, an authorized Reading distributor, in Bowmansville, PA.
Standard features include construction of two-sided A60 galvannealed steel and Lectro-Life® immersion priming for complete rust protection. Other standard features include automotive-quality rotary locks for secure protection to tools and equipment; stainless steel bolt-on hinges keeping the compartment doors operating smoothly in all weather conditions; and double paneled compartment doors offering greater durability.
Reading to the Rescue
Company Name: Coates Bend Volunteer Fire Department
Reading Products: Classic® Series Service Body
Type of Service: Medic Truck
 The Coates Bend Volunteer Fire Department in Gadsden, AL, recently purchased a Reading Classic® Series service body for use as a medic truck.
Because fire personnel are often first on the scene, it is important that they have some medic tools available to treat victims. The Reading Classic® Series service body fills the role of medic truck by allowing them to transport a whole array of medic supplies including a generator.
Reading Classic® Series service bodies feature weathertight exterior storage compartments and an open cargo area. The horizontal and vertical storage compartments allow the fire personnel to neatly store and organize all their equipment. This makes retrieval of items very easy in emergency situations. For even more storage, especially for longer items, the fire department opted for custom diamond plate toolboxes mounted on each side. In addition, the truck transports a 150 gallon water tank, pump, and fire hose and is used to put out small grass fires.
The Coates Bend community lies just north of Gadsden and encompasses an eight square mile territory to the Cherokee county line. The volunteer fire department has 22 members and has been operating since 1977.
Coates Bend Volunteer Fire Department purchased their Reading bodies through Alabama Truck Body, an authorized Reading distributor located in Fort Wayne, AL. According to Don Clement, Chairman of the Board of Directors, purchasing a Reading Classic® Series service body was a committee decision based on specifications and service from the distributor. The Coates Bend Volunteer Fire Department is a member of the Alabama State Volunteer Fire Association and the Etowah County Volunteer Fire Department Association.
Standard Reading features include A60 galvannealed steel construction and Reading’s Lectro-Life® immersion priming. In the Lectro-Life® process, the bodies are immersed in a vat of electrically charged primer, adhering the paint to the metal. This combination of steel and primer provides unbeatable rust and corrosion protection. Other standard features include flange-mounted automotive rubber doors seals providing weathertight protection to the compartments; double paneled compartment doors for extra strength and rigidity and stainless steel pin hinges allowing the compartment doors to operate smoothly in all weather conditions.
Reading Service Body Comes to the Rescue
Company Name: Oakland Fire Department
Reading Products: Classic® Series Service Body
Type of Service: Volunteer Fire Department
 Oakland Fire Department recently purchased a Reading Classic® Series Service Body, model LD168ABDW, to utilize as a rescue vehicle. The Reading Classic® Series Service Body offers weathertight exterior storage compartments and an open cargo area. Oakland Fire Department had the service body mounted on a ‘99 F550 Ford chassis.
According to Robert Smith, Chief, they purchased the Reading body because “we like the compartments and the way they are laid out. We’ve received many compliments on our truck, which demands a second look. It’s a real showpiece, and we are very proud of it.”
The Classic® Series Service Body aids Oakland Fire Department in performing vehicle extrication in addition to medical runs and putting out small fires. Oakland Fire Department customized the Classic® Series Service Body in numerous ways.
The cargo area holds a 300-gallon water tank and a pump that functions at 300 gallons a minute, essential in putting out small fires. A generator was also installed in the bed area which enables the operation of the portable saw and of the removable quartz scene lights. Additionally, the entire cargo area and bumper were sprayed with a black liner which gives a firmer step and grip making the area waterproof and scratchproof as well. The spacious cargo area is also used to store heavy brooms for sweeping up glass; a scoop for debris removal; and several buckets of foam to smother out car fires and to suppress vapors from gasoline spills. In addition, a light bar was mounted on the top of the cab, rotation strobe lights were installed, and striping throughout the body and chrome wheels added the final touch.
A dome light was installed in each compartment with switch-on lights for better visibility. The front vertical compartment is a large thru compartment accessible from both sides of the body where they carry power tools for extrication. The compartments on one side of the body are used for storage of medical equipment. The compartments on the other side of the body are used for storage of their Amkus® Rescue System in addition to hand tools, pry bars, and a DC inverter. The inverter is a small box that converts DC current into AC current. “We haven’t even filled all the compartments yet,” said Robert. In the near future, they will be getting a semiautomatic defibrillator for reviving heart attack victims, which will also be stored in one of the compartments.
Oakland Fire Department is a volunteer fire department established in 1977 covering a 75 square mile service area. They have a fleet of seven trucks and are composed of 30 volunteers who play a very important role in the safety of the people.
Oakland Fire Department purchased the Reading Classic® Series Service Body through Alabama Truck Body & Eq., Inc., an authorized Reading distributor, located in Oneonta, AL.
Each Classic® Series Service Body is completely constructed of two-sided zinc-coated A-60 galvannealed steel, which provides the first layer of rust protection. After the bodies are assembled, they receive Reading’s Lectro-Life® immersion priming process providing the most complete rust and corrosion protection in the industry. Other standard features include double panel compartment doors for increased strength; bolt-on stainless steel pin hinges which securely hold doors in place and ensure smoother operation in all weather conditions; flange-mounted automotive rubber door seals providing weather tight protection of tools and equipment; automotive-quality, rotary locks which offer greater security to valuable tools and equipment; and a rugged understructure that is reinforced at all critical stress points providing optimum durability. Reading service bodies are backed by a five year-limited warranty.
Reading Service Body is a “Mobile Repair and Maintenance Vehicle”
Company Name: Arlington Fire District
Reading Products: Classic® Series Service Body
Type of Service: Service and Maintenance
 Arlington Fire District recently purchased a Reading Classic® Series service body, model 98GSW, to be used as a service and maintenance vehicle. The Reading Classic® Series service body features exterior storage compartments with an open cargo area.
According to Jeff Pells, Deputy Chief, they chose the Reading Classic® Series service body because “we like the construction detail and the quality. It fits our needs, and we are very pleased with it. We are happy with the previous service body we purchased. It stood up very well.” The body compartments of the Classic® Series service body allow for convenient storage of all their tools and maintenance fluids needed for repairing, adjusting, and servicing their fleet of vehicles.
The spacious cargo area is utilized to house two fuel tanks in addition to transporting lawn mowers, chain saws, lumber, and other equipment and maintenance supplies. “We carry anything that will fit,” says Jeff. He likes the versatility of the body, as he is equipped with what he needs to repair vehicles on-site, or when necessary, he can transport the item in the cargo area for repairs off-site.
Arlington Fire District customized the Reading Classic® Series service body in various ways. They added two 100 gallon diesel and gas fuel tanks to the front of the bed. Reels were mounted on both sides of the body which hold retractable hoses that connect to the fuel tanks. The tanks are essential for fueling all the vehicles in their district. Tie-down rings were installed in the bed to strap down and secure objects. The top of the compartment and the top of the tailgate were reinforced with diamond plated steel for added strength. In addition, a receiver hitch was mounted to the bumper, and a plow was installed to prepare for the winter.
Arlington Fire District has been established for over 72 years supporting four fire houses in their district by providing EMS service in addition to servicing and maintaining all the vehicles. They run fire calls and provide advanced life support and ambulance service to a 28 square mile area with a population of 35,000 people and 85,000 transients. In addition, they do their own plowing in the winter with their two Reading service bodies. Their district consists of 60 full time employees and 130 volunteers. Their fleet also consists of 8 fire engines, two ladder trucks, and 15 support vehicles.
The Classic® Series service body was purchased through Trailer King, Inc., an authorized Reading distributor, located in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Standard features include construction of two-sided A60 galvannealed steel and Lectro-Life® immersion priming for complete rust protection. Other standard features include automotive-quality rotary locks for secure protection to tools and equipment; stainless steel bolt-on hinges keeping the compartment doors operating smoothly in all weather conditions; and double paneled compartment doors offering greater durability.
Reading helps Fire Department Save the Day
Company Name: Fosterburg Fire Department
Reading Products: Classic® Series Service Body
Type of Service: Fire and Rescue
 Fosterburg Fire Department recently purchased a Reading Classic® Series service body. The service body aids Fosterburg Fire Department in fighting fires, responding to EMS calls, and rescuing victims from motor vehicle accidents.
Mounted on a Ford F-350, the Classic® Series service body was purchased through Kranz Automotive Body Company, an authorized Reading distributor located in St. Louis, MO. Fosterburg chose Reading because “they make what we want,’ stated Fire Chief John Holtorf.
Fosterburg Fire Department serves Foster Township, an area of approximately 28 square miles. Reading customized the service body by adding a sliding top. The sliding top provides cover to the cargo area. Running along full length tracks, the sliding top is held in an open or closed position with spring loaded latches, and lock with a positive action T-handle lock.
Reading’s spacious compartments hold Fosterburg’s rescue equipment, auto extrication equipment including the jaws of life, air bags, and generators. The cargo area of the service body carries Fosterburg’s cribbing and fire extinguisher.
Standard Reading features include the use of two-sided A60 zinc coated galvannealed steel combined with Reading’s exclusive Lectro-Life® immersion priming process, acting together to provide unbeatable rust and corrosion protection. Other standard features include rotary locks, designed to prevent forced entry. The rotary lock’s cam mechanism have an Ever-lube coating which provides continual lubrication without maintenance. Stainless steel concealed pin hinges providing smooth operation of the compartment doors in all weather conditions; and flange-mounted rubber door seals, protecting valuable tools and materials stored in the compartments from moisture are also standard features.
Reading to the Rescue with Classic Series Service Body
Company Name: Center Brunswick Fire and Rescue
Reading Products: Classic® Series Service Body
Type of Service: Fire and Rescue Response
 Center Brunswick Fire and Rescue recently purchased a Reading Classic® Series service body through White Bear Equipment, an authorized Reading distributor located in Albany, NY.
The Classic® Series service body’s spacious exterior compartments and open cargo area are structured to help organize and carry Center Brunswick’s wide array of fire and rescue equipment. The Center Brunswick Fire and Rescue Department chose the Reading Classic® Series service body because of the storage capacity and weather resistance.
Center Brunswick Fire and Rescue customized their service body by adding spring loaded door hold backs, holding the door in a 90° open position, and for even more storage space custom storage boxes were fabricated.
Standard Reading features include the use of two-sided A60 zinc coated galvanneal steel combined with Reading’s exclusive Lectro-Life® immersion priming process, acting together to provide unbeatable protection against rust and corrosion. Other standard features include stainless steel concealed pin hinges providing smooth operation of the compartment doors in all weather conditions, and flange mounted rubber door seals, protecting valuable tools and materials from moisture.
Reading Classic® Series Service Body Aids in Transporting Personnel to Contain Fires
Company Name: City of Brooklyn Park Fire Department
Reading Products: Classic® Series Service Body
Type of Service: Fire suppression
 The City of Brooklyn Park Fire Dept. recently purchased a Reading Classic® Series service body for the dual purpose of fire suppression and transporting manpower to fire scenes.
The fire department chose to mount the Reading Classic® Series service body model 108ABSW on a 1999 F350 Ford chassis. They had it equipped with light bars, typically used for emergency vehicles; a metal brush guard, to protect the grill when traveling through brush areas; and most importantly, a small fixed water pump mounted in the bed area with a 100 gallon tank capacity. The pump functions like a garden hose type operation and is utilized to put out brush and grass fires in off-road areas as a result of railroad cars sparking fires, campfires, illegal burning, fires in environmental areas, mischief, etc. The fire company has a total of four similar trucks, two of which are Reading bodies.
According to Steve Lawrence, Central Services Superintendent for the City of Brooklyn Park, the fire department chose the Reading Classic® Series service body because they have been “pleased with the overall performance of Reading equipment” in the past. They have a 1970 vintage that’s held up very well over the years. The City of Brooklyn Park Fire Dept. is a volunteer fire company and is the sixth largest municipality in Minnesota covering a service area of about 27 square miles. They are operating under Jim Driste, Fire Chief.
The Classic® Series service body was purchased through our distributor L-Z Company, Inc., an authorized Reading distributor located in St. Paul, MN.
Each Classic® service body is completely constructed of two-sided zinc-coated A-60 galvannealed steel, which provides the first layer of rust protection. After the bodies are assembled, they received Reading’s Lectro-Life® immersion priming process providing the most complete rust and corrosion protection in the industry. Other standard features include double panel compartment doors for increased strength; bolt-on stainless steel pin hinges which securely hold doors in place and ensure smoother operation in all weather conditions; flange-mounted automotive rubber door seals providing weathertight protection of tools and equipment; automotive-quality rotary locks which offer greater security to valuable tools and equipment; and a rugged understructure that is reinforced at all critical stress points providing optimum durability.
Reading to the Rescue
Company Name: West Albany Fire Department
Reading Products: Aerotech® service body
Type of Service: Haz-Mat response
 When the West Albany Fire Department was looking to purchase a new Haz-Mat response unit, Reading distributor White Bear Equipment Co. suggested purchasing a Reading Aerotech® service body.
The fire department liked White Bear’s advice and purchased an Aerotech® N110FDW Service Body mounted on a 1999 Ford F-450 Super Duty Crew Cab Chassis. Reading’s Aerotech® service body is the only 100% steel aerodynamic service body available on the market.
The West Albany Fire Department efficiently serves their community with Reading’s Aerotech® service body. The weathertight exterior storage compartments allow them to store frequently used equipment, while the cargo area allows them to haul larger items. The West Albany Fire Department customized their Reading Aerotech® by opting for a spare tire holder with a recess in the floor at the front bulkhead, front gravel guards, and lights in each compartment. White Bear Equipment further customized the Aerotech® by adding a removable pintle hook trailer hitch and a spray-in bed liner inside the service body.
Each Aerotech® Service body is completely constructed of two-sided zinc-coated A-60 galvannealed steel, which provides the first layer of rust protection. After the bodies are assembled, they receive Reading’s Lectro-Life® immersion priming providing the most complete rust and corrosion protection in the industry.
Concealed compartment door hinges and heavy-duty automotive style rotary locks aid in making the Aerotech® service body tamper proof. The compartment doors feature a deep press-formed inner panel making the door more resistant to bending. All hinges and locks are bolted in place for easy replacement.
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