From the files of reader/contributor David Raynor, here are some fire department step vans of years and decades past. Click to enlarge:

Left to right, top to bottom:

• Knightdale (Wake County) – 1995
  1990s? Chevy, rescue/equipment truck – #8
• Goldsboro – May 1996
  Command post – Old Truck 15, a staffed manpower/equipment company.
• Nashville (Nash) – 1995
  1980s? Ford van – #2
• High Point – February 1993
  1980s? Chevy van – Mobile command post
• Angier-Black River (Harnett) – April 1995
  1980s? Chevy van – #981
• Bethlehem (Alexander) – October 1996
  1980s? Chevy van – #318
• Swan Quarter (Hyde) – 1995
  1950s? 1960s? Grumman-Olson “kurbside” van
• EVFD (??) – September 1993
  1950s? Ford? International? with Boyerton body van – #2169

Readers perhaps can help with make/model/year and purpose/function.