The simple canopy cab provides more or less covered seating for three crew members as well as the driver and two others in the standard factory cab. This configuration was pretty much universal in North America after its introduction by American La France in 1947 until the gradual transition to fully enclosed four door cabs which evolved through the sixties and seventies. Even so, many firefighters often ignored the seating and preferred to ride standing on the rear step, as this allowed them instant access to the hose bed.
Added by Rob Johnson on 15 February 2026.