Antique 22 At World's Largest Fire Expo in Indianapolis
 
By Firefighter/EMT Bill Wohl
April 18, 2014
 

The West Grove Fire Company's antique fire truck, known as "Elsie," is in Indianapolis this week at the world's largest fire and emergency services expo -- the FDIC, the Fire Department Instructors Conference.

Antique 22 is serving as the centerpiece of the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Hale Corporation, the truck's manufacturer in 1928. Hale requested the West Grove Fire Company provide Antique 22 when Hale learned of the fire company's restoration.

The antique truck was transported 650 miles by specialty carrier to the convention center, where it will be displayed among nearly 100 brand new fire trucks and emergency vehicles amid more than 750,000 square feet of exhibitions and hundreds of training courses attended by the show's nearly 40,000 attendees.

Hale paid for all expenses, and also provided travel for two "Elsie escorts" from the WGFC -- vice president Mike Miller, and former president Bill Wohl. The antique's display includes a memorial for Mike Predmore, the fire company member who passed away last month after overseeing Elsie's restoration. "We know Mike wanted so much to be here at FDIC, yet we know he is here in spirit at this very proud moment for the West Grove Fire Company," said Wohl.

Being the oldest truck at FDIC, and also being the only antique, "Elsie" was a huge hit. Visitors to the Hale Booth to see Elsie included attendees from China, Japan, Australia, Thailand, Mexico, Columbia, Argentina, and nearly every state in the nation. The Hale team set up a creative photo opportunity, allowing FDIC attendies to "Take a Selfie with Elsie" and get an email of the photo sent to them at no charge.

Other representatives from the West Grove Fire Company attended the FDIC show, taking full advantage of classroom and hand's on training classes, as well as viewing the exposition displays. They included President John Chambers, Relief Association President Steve Flegal, and firefighters Danny O'Connell and Mike Predmore Jr.

The WGFC contingent will return home on Saturday, and Elsie is due to arrive via her 75 foot specialty tractor trailer shipment early next week.

Additional coverage on Antique 22 in the Avon Grove Sun: http://www.southernchestercountyweeklies.com/general-news/20140424/wg-fire-company-antiquegoes-to-national-conference

For more information on Elsie see: http://www.wgfc.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=434 and http://wgfc.org/content/antique22/
 
Antique 22 drew crowds of the curious and photographers while on display in the Hale booth at FDIC in Indianapolis. This shot was taken from high up on the a new ladder truck in the next display area - a new truck destined for the FDNY as Ladder 29.
Antique 22 drew crowds of the curious and photographers while on display in the Hale booth at FDIC in Indianapolis. This shot was taken from high up on the a new ladder truck in the next display area - a new truck destined for the FDNY as Ladder 29.
 
This 75 foot long specialty hauler was used to ship Elsie from the WGFC to Indianapolis and back.
This 75 foot long specialty hauler was used to ship Elsie from the WGFC to Indianapolis and back.
 
Here Elsie is loaded onto the transport truck at Station 32.
Here Elsie is loaded onto the transport truck at Station 32.
 
Antique 22 arrives at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. The Stadium, located behind the Indiana Convention Center, also featured FDIC exhibits.
Antique 22 arrives at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. The Stadium, located behind the Indiana Convention Center, also featured FDIC exhibits.
 
Antique 22, a 1928 Hale, is featured in the Hale Corporate booth as part of the company's 100th Anniversary Celebration.
Antique 22, a 1928 Hale, is featured in the Hale Corporate booth as part of the company's 100th Anniversary Celebration.
 
West Grove Fire Company members attending the 2014 FDIC Show in Indianapolis include: (Front: Danny O'Connell and Mike Predmore Jr.; Standing: John Chambers, Steve Flegal, Bill Wohl and Mike Miller)
West Grove Fire Company members attending the 2014 FDIC Show in Indianapolis include: (Front: Danny O'Connell and Mike Predmore Jr.; Standing: John Chambers, Steve Flegal, Bill Wohl and Mike Miller)
 
Hale arrange for show attendees to take a "Selfie with Elsie" -- and it proved popular.
Hale arrange for show attendees to take a "Selfie with Elsie" -- and it proved popular.
 
The world's largest fire exposition is FDIC: the Fire Department Instructor's Conference, with 40,000 attendees and 750,000 feet of exhibitions and hundreds of training classes.
The world's largest fire exposition is FDIC: the Fire Department Instructor's Conference, with 40,000 attendees and 750,000 feet of exhibitions and hundreds of training classes.
 
Antique 22 featured a tribute to WGFC Engineer Mike Predmore. Mike oversaw the restoration of Antique 22. He passed away just weeks ago in late March.
Antique 22 featured a tribute to WGFC Engineer Mike Predmore. Mike oversaw the restoration of Antique 22. He passed away just weeks ago in late March.
 
From more than 50 feet above the show floor, from a Fierra Ladder Tower, Elsie is pictured in the Hale Booth.
From more than 50 feet above the show floor, from a Fierra Ladder Tower, Elsie is pictured in the Hale Booth.
 
The FDIC entrance at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The FDIC entrance at Lucas Oil Stadium.
 
Hale provided details on Elsie next to the truck, including mention of our departed friend Mike Predmore.
Hale provided details on Elsie next to the truck, including mention of our departed friend Mike Predmore.
 
Bill Wohl and Mike Miller served as the "Elsie Ambassadors" for the WGFC, explaining to Hale exhibit visitors the history of Antique 22, a 1928 Hale.
Bill Wohl and Mike Miller served as the "Elsie Ambassadors" for the WGFC, explaining to Hale exhibit visitors the history of Antique 22, a 1928 Hale.