In the late 1940's, from the back seat of a reserve DCFD sedan, the canteen service was initiated and has been operated uninterruptedly to this day.

In the early 1970's, the days of the "Coffee Car" were over when the DCFD shops built out, to the Association's specidications, the first mobile "Coffee Shop".

In the late 1980's, the soon-to-retire Fire Chief, Theodore Coleman, requested the Association to draw up specifications for a new "Canteen Unit", the result being the purchase by DCFD of a larger, more versatile vehicle. This vehicle is currently operated by DC Metro Police as their canteen unit.

In 2005, the DC fire department was granted a purchase of a new canteen unit, FFA was requested to draw up specifications for a new "Canteen Unit". This unit is currently housed at DCFD Engine Co. # 5 which is located on 3412 Dent Pl NW, Washington DC, 20007.

The Canteen Unit responds to all second alarm or greater fires or any special requested by any chief officer.

Unit Description:

• Canteen Unit (S-747)
• 2005 Chevrolet C5500 Chassis 19,500 GVW
• 8.1L VORTEC 8100 MD Gasoline V8, 325 HP, 450 LB FT Torque
• Allison 1000 Series Automatic Overdrive Transmission
• 60 Gallon Fuel Tank
• 18' Integral Aluminum Body Built by Krammes Kustom Body in St. Clair, PA
• NFPA Compliant Lighting Package
• Back-Up Camera w/ Microphone
• Dual Oman 7k Generators
• True GDM-33C Refigerator Holds 300 Bottles of Gatorade and Water
• Truw Undercounter Freezer
• (2) Bunn Single Coffee Shuttle Server System
• 50 Gallon Potable Water Tank with 3.3 Gpm Water Pump
• (2) Commercial Microwaves
• Awnings on Both Sides of Unit
• Portable Misting Fans (Schaefer Mighty Mister)
• 10'x10' Pop-up Tent
• Folding Cooling Chairs
• 10 Gallon Portable Drinking Fountain
• (2) 500 Watt Kwik-Raze Tripod Lights
• (4) Cambro's with 2 in Compartment Accessable from the Exterior

Friendship Fire Association also operates a Ready Reserve Unit located at the quarters of DC Engine #31.