American-LaFrance fire truck in Palmer Alaska, probably 1949, “ALASKA RAILROAD FIRE DEPARTMENT” is stamped on the engine hood

A child is visible on the seat at the steering wheel, his trusty cap pistol ready at hand on the seat beside him.

 “ALASKA RAILROAD FIRE DEPARTMENT” is stamped on the engine hood, and a U.S. Federal property decal, visible on the side of the foot rest.

At the time of the photo, this truck was part of the railroad that was still owned and operated by the federal government. Various information indicates the model year of this truck as 1909 or 1916.

https://www.mvhphotoproject.org/artifacts/fire-truck-1