Sometime during the 1970's Monrovia Fire Department decided to add a hard top to the pumper. Phenix Equipment in Los Angeles, CA performed the installation. The main reason why the top was added was to protect the radio and computer equipment. It was not installed because of the Watts Riots as many believed. The top peformed it's job. We decided to remove the hard top and restore it back to original factory standards.
I did drive the pumper for a few minutes with the top on and operate the siren. It was very loud inside the cab and it's no wonder why so many firemen went deaf or had serious hearing losses when the tops were added. With the top off and the air rushing pass your ears, it muffles out the engine and siren noises.
