Back in action
1931 fire truck ready for city Christmas ParadeBy NATALEE SEELY nseely@newsandsentinel.com
PARKERSBURG - A formerly defunct vintage fire truck maintained by the Parkersburg Fire Department will drive in the Christmas Parade, thanks to a new engine donated by Parkersburg Utility Board.
The 1931 American LaFrance fire truck had long been used in city parades until its 12-cyclinder engine broke several years ago.
"It's been out of service for a while now, and a brand new engine would have cost thousands of dollars," said Parkersburg Mayor Bob Newell. "We've basically been waiting around for a working engine."
Last month, the utility board retired an old truck and decided to donate the working engine to the fire department. The vintage fire truck's 2,400 pound, 12-cylinder engine was hauled to the fire department's service station on Camden Avenue for safe-keeping, and the functional engine from the retired utility truck was installed.
"Now that it's in better shape, we'll use the truck in parades again, and perhaps in other events. The kids just love it," said Newell. "The fire department has always been proud of this truck and they've kept it in excellent shape over the years."
Complete with a revarnished wooden ladder and polished brass railings, the truck has retained all its original parts, except for the engine, said Parkersburg Fire Chief Eric Chichester.
Water from the truck's hose runs through the brass railings in the rear of the truck, he said.
"I would think it's worth quite a lot, considering it has all the original parts," said Chichester. "But we'll never sell it. It's a part of our department and our history."
Fire Station Four on West Virginia Avenue will house the fire truck, while the service station on Camden Avenue will store the original engine.
The American LaFrance will make a public appearance in the Christmas Parade on Dec. 12, carrying Newell and his wife at the front of the procession.
"We're just glad to see it up and running again," said Newell.
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Suttle
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11-10-09 5:46 PM
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A Post Script: If I remember correctly, the American LaFrance Fire Truck Company used Pierce Arrow's V 12 engines. These engines were in production until 1962 and used exclusive at that time by American LaFrance. There should be some working engines around of that vintage for this fire truck. With a similar engine the value of the fire truck would be protected.
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Suttle
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11-10-09 5:36 PM
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When I was about 6 years (1955) this fire truck was kept in the main fire station downtown. It was in excellent running condition. My aunt, who was also a teacher at Roosevelt Junior High School, took me on a tour of the fire station. A fireman put me in the driver's seat with a request that I not push a certain button which he carefully pointed out with his finger. I interpreted his actions as a clue that the button would make the siren wail. With my finger on the button a most joyful sound echoed throughout the building and the immediate downtown area. The fireman and I laughed so loud as my aunt looked at me with a stern and embarrassed face that only a teacher can do. I am so glad that this fire truck has been restored and valued by the fireman of our community. No doubt that this little red fire truck has brought much laughter to many children over the years. It may only have one siren, but if I remember correctly, it was a really loud siren!
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AaronL
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11-07-09 2:31 PM
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`I'll bet that was fun, retro-fitting everything on that ride.
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gorilla
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11-07-09 10:11 AM
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A welcome addition to the Christmas parade.
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Geezer
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11-07-09 4:40 AM
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The best thing about this fire truck is that is doesn't have 10 different sirens blaring simultaneously during the Christmas parade.
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