A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame, cab and/or body to which a signal light grab handle or elongated light integrated handle is mounted. The handle is operable in an illumination mode in which the grab handle emits illumination in a predefined manner, and a sleep mode in which the grab handle emits no illumination. The grab handle includes a light strip including a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs. This strip can be coupled to a wire that extends through one or more handle attachment brackets, and through an exterior outer panel of the apparatus. The light grab handle provides at least one of warning lights, brake lights and signal lights to observers of the firefighting apparatus when actuated.