Continuity mistake: In many of the interior shots of the paramedic cab, as it heads to the destinations, there is a rear view mirror on the windshield. In all the exterior shots there is no rear view mirror.
Continuity mistake: When Squad 51 is dispatched and headed to their destination, interior shots looking out the windshield are shown. It is only in these shots that the Dodge truck's red hood has vents on its right and left sides. There is no such thing in any exterior shots of Squad 51. The hood's style also changes.
Continuity mistake: During the first two seasons of the show, when Engine 51 and Squad 51 are dispatched, sometimes one or both vehicles change their appearance when they leave the firehouse, while en route, or when they reach their destination. Note the hood, lights, etc.
Continuity mistake: On the front end of Squad 51's hood, the letters of the word 'DODGE' appear either in silver or in red, or sometimes it's not there altogether.
Continuity mistake: In nearly every episode, the dark blue jackets that Gage and DeSoto wear suddenly appear and/or vanish and then reappear, numerous times, while en route in their squad, or when they pull into the stationhouse and Rampart. Since stock footage is usually used when showing all the guys getting into their vehicles, Johnny's hair length may differ as well.
Continuity mistake: Frequently during the first two seasons there will be long shots of Squad 51 running down the road but it has mysteriously become a mid-60's Dodge (easily visible because of the red painted grille) instead of the familiar 1972+ model Dodge with a chrome grille. It also has 51 on the door which makes for a significant paradox.
Answer: I believe you are speaking of the old man, Mr. Wilson. He's played by J. Pat O'Malley.
Bishop73
Correct, it was J. Pat O'Malley...he also played the grandfather with his grandson when their rocket exploded, and also played "Old Bill" in the episode with Ann Prentiss, where Gage saves the little girl from the burning tree house, and her mother falls in love with him.