The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department operates five support vehicles: three Chief's units, a President's car and a county-owned utility truck.

In 1998, we placed in service a 1998 Chevrolet 4-door Tahoe 4X4 (pictured above) which is assigned to Fire Chief Donald Moltrup. This vehicle, which seats five, is powered by a 5.7 liter V8 gasoline engine and is equipped with General Motors' new "Autotrac" 4-wheel drive system which allows the vehicle to automatically shift to 4-wheel drive when wheel slipping is sensed.

It is also has a 30 gallon gas tank and a heavy duty (police package) electrical system. The unit is painted in HVFD's traditional red with a white stripe and has "goldstar" lettering by Pierce. Emergency lighting, communications equipment and control console were installed by Professional Law Enforcement Services & Equipment, Inc. of Brentwood, MD.

Communications equipment includes UHF and VHF mobile and portable radios and a cellular phone. Cabinetry was designed and fabricated for the rear of the vehicle by HVFD Lt. Tom Falcone. This provides for storage and easy access for two sets of bunker gear, SCBA, file box, infectious control kit, fire extinguisher, and other miscellaneous equipment. It also includes a secure compartment for a briefcase and laptop computer.

Many departments in the region are moving to the use of sport utility vehicles like the Tahoe as first-line command vehicles. This is the first time our Department has done so. The 1995 Caprice sedan formerly assigned to Chief Moltrup has been reassigned to newly appointed Deputy Chief Luke Alar (Chief 1B).

In addition to his duties as Fire Chief of the HVFD, Moltrup also serves as the highest ranking volunteer in Prince George's County in his position as Volunteer Deputy Chief.

Other Support Vehicles:

• President's Car: 1995 Chevrolet Caprice
  
• Chief 1A: 1992 Crown Victoria
  
• Chief 1B: 1995 Chevy Caprice (pictured below)
  
• Utility 1: 1988 Chevy Four-Door Pickup (County-owned)