Continental has provided a new set of HTR2 (all position, steer) and HDR1 (drive) tires for Rescue 4 and 5, two trucks from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) that were directly involved in the historic events of 9/11.
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Nine firefighters from Rescue 4 and 11 from Rescue 5 lost their lives trying to save others at the World Trade Center complex; the trucks were recovered and have now been rebuilt.
The program to restore the vehicles for a national touring exhibit is a partnership between the tire maker and the Remembrance Rescue Project.
The contribution means that “we can continue our mission to preserve these artifacts from one of the key events in modern American history, and facilitate educational sessions, memorials and remembrance events for 9/11,” says project leader Chris Gantz. “We are also expanding our mission to provide support programs and assistance to families of fallen firefighters,” he adds.
“Continental is pleased that through our tire donation to the Remembrance Rescue Project we can help keep these engines travelling continuously throughout the U.S. as a unique living history experience,” says marketing director Clif Armstrong.
“It is our honor to ensure these rescues are kept as a memorial to all those lost on 9/11, and to help the Project with their efforts to develop support programs for families of firefighters killed in the line of duty,” he points out.
Final restoration of Rescue 5 was completed in April, with the tire installation provided by Pomp’s Tire Service in Chicago. Rescue 4’s tires were installed by the city of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
Rescue 4 and Rescue 5 are currently the only FDNY fire apparatus that served during the 9/11 attacks that are operating outside of New York City.
According to the Remembrance Rescue Project, FDNY rescue companies such as Rescue 4 and 5 are considered the most elite units within the department for special, technical, confined space and high angle rescue. The companies are also responsible for search and rescue, scuba and hazardous materials operations.
Rescue 5 will continue to be operated out of the Remembrance Rescue Project’s facility in Chicago and travel throughout the eastern half of the U.S., while Rescue 4 will operate from a Colorado base for the western half of the country.
Firefighters volunteer their time to operate the program around the country and coordinate the educational events and appearances with host fire departments for local schools and community gatherings.
The engines have appeared at sports events such as the Capital One Bowl and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ Southern 500. Upcoming appearances include various fire rescue exhibitions and a stop at the Aug. 9-12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Watkins Glen, N.Y.
A schedule is available at http://remembrance.co.
For more information, visit www.conti-online.com.
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