For your Friday enjoyment, here’s a vintage brochure from Murphy Body Works in Wilson, NC. Advertised is a low-profile, light-duty rescue truck that they built for Zebulon Rescue Squad.

The chassis was a 1975-76 GMC Sierra and it replaced a 1954 GMC panel van and ex-Raleigh Rescue Squad vehicle. It served until 1995, when replaced with a slightly larger unit. Read more ZRS history at www.legeros.com/history/ems.

Murphy built a couple other rescue trucks in our area, notably two ambulance-body units for the Raleigh Fire Department, built on 1974 and 1974 Chevrolet Silverado chassis. They also built a similar unit for the Wake New Hope Fire Department, on a 1974 Chevrolet chassis.

Readers can add other memories about Murphy rescue trucks and ambulances in/around our area. Click to enlarge:

The features as noted in the brochure included:

• 20-inch deep compartments for storage of tools.
• Alternating flashing lights [on] each side a rear.
• Large inside storage space for rain gear, hand lines and other equipment.
• 8000 pound front-mounted electric winch, and 110-volt waterproof outlet for electric tools.
• Storage for power system on slide tray for quick removal. o Storage compartment for Hurst tool.
• Fold-down step for access to top of body.
• 3500 watt generator on slide-out tray to power four Quartz lights with 110 volts of power
• Rear step bumper with hinged cover to accommodate ball hitch for pulling trailer. Also safety chain hooks at rear.
• Extending 500 watt Quartz light stanchion, one on each corner, with separate switch in both compartment.