'Betsy'
1971 International Howe Defender Fire Truck
Originally built to spec by the Howe Fire Apparatus Company, the series was top of the line in Howe's arsenal of Fire Trucks. Howe's legacy stretched from 1872 following the design of the first piston pump, building some of the nation's finest Fire Trucks until 1978 when Grumman Allied purchased the company. Bought and optioned by the Ossipee Fi
re Department in New Hampshire in 1971, this great truck was maintained and in service at their station until 1998. After her tour at Ossipee, the Defender was transferred to Hiram where she served until 2010, when she finally retired into the hands of a private purchaser. From the International factory, this 1800 chassis pumper was equipped with the stout 304cid V8 petrol engine and 8-speed Rockwell transmission. This beauty is also complete with a Rockwell locking rear differential to improve traction. The Howe Company equipped this rig with an 800GPM Hale PTO driven water pump and 1000gal tank, the penultimate pump and tank combo in Howe's higher end configuration. Our Defender has been greatly cared for and all the lights, sirens and equipment are in good working order, along with records of pump and vehicle inspections from its time in the Fire Service. Also included are all the hoses, ladders, fire-fighting equipment and even original uniform items. Classified as a Historic Vehicle, 'Betsy' can be driven on a Standard Driving License, is exempt from Road Fund License, Annual Inspection and the Low Emission Zone.
