1921 Reo - Sutphen triple combination pumper

On July 12, 1921 City Council approved $6000 for the purchase of a fire truck to be equipped with a pump to throw water. In November, 1921 the triple combination pumper arrived from the C. H. Sutphen and Co. of Columbus, Ohio. The apparatus was mounted on a Reo cab and chassis. Tests conducted by Harry Sutphen showed a stream of water could be thrown above the Central National Bank Building and the Courthouse clock. The water pressure at the hydrant at West Eighth Street was between 45 to 50 pounds and through the use of the booster pump this pressure was increased to 185 pounds. A 50 foot section of hose was used from the hydrant and the water was thrown through two sections of hose. The power of the Reo motor was shown to the department by climbing several steep grades in the city.  Triple combination pumpers are still used by the CFD to this day. The fate of the Reo is not known but it was probably traded toward newer fire apparatus in the late 1920's.