The vehicles and other firefighting equipment of the Milwaukee Fire Department, like the department itself, are unique among the fire service. It built more of its own apparatus than any other American city and few can match the scope and character of apparatus used to serve and protect life and property in Milwaukee. Through detailed research, firsthand narratives, and captivating photos, the author walks the reader through the fascinating history of the incredible machines that served Cream City from the mid-nineteenth century to modern times. This volume traces the ever-changing face of Milwaukee's fire-fighting and life-saving equipment in parallel with the city's own history and growth. The fire department workshop's reputation for ingenuity is shown through its adaptations to disastrous fires that brought about changes in laws, economic growth and decline, the establishment of Milwaukee's ethnic neighborhoods, the difficult transition from horses to motorization, the wartime and post-war experience, the corporate world of apparatus manufacturers, and Milwaukee's fireboat fleet. “Loaded with excellent photos to illustrate [the] history...This comprehensive work will stand as the bible of Milwaukee fire apparatus.”― Fire Apparatus Journal “The definitive history of the most important and iconic fire engine... The best new book about fire apparatus to be published in a long time. It is well-organized and written in such a way that you can explore it leisurely chapter by chapter. It also is a great reference source for anyone who is a fan of the 700 Series or who is lucky enough to own one... The book is a masterpiece about a masterpiece.”― Journal of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Motor Apparatus in America Literary and documentary film consultant, Wayne Mutza has published more than thirty books and numerous articles. He lives in Brookfield, Wisconsin.