Excerpts from wqad.com:
Silvis firefighters are diving into a new and exciting project: bringing an 84-year-old fire engine back to its original glory. This historic piece of the city's past is now getting a second chance thanks to the dedication of the local fire department.
The American LaFrance fire engine, purchased by the city in 1939, served as a frontline unit until 1964. Its faded paint still reveals that it was once engine #2, a symbol of its long and proud service history.
"It was traded in and kind of disappeared," said Silvis Fire Chief John Winters. "We suspect it was sold to a farmer who used it for watering crops or providing water for animals. It was later found in a barn after many years."
The fire department first learned about the engine a few years ago when a man reached out, having bought the old truck and planning to restore it. While researching its history, he discovered a plaque on the side with the names of the 1939 mayor, fire chief, and aldermen. A few months ago, the man decided to sell the engine back to the Silvis Fire Department, hoping to see it restored properly.
The goal is to return the engine to as close to its original condition as possible. The restoration will be a big undertaking, but the team is determined to make it happen.
"We’re going to have to take it apart, sandblast it, and repaint it," Winters explained. "We’ll meet soon to check the mechanicals and see if the motor turns. If it does, that’s a huge step forward. We can then rebuild it and get it running again. If not, we may need to look at other options."
Most of the work will be handled by the firefighters themselves, but they plan to hire a professional to hand-paint the original gold leaf flake design on the engine, which is a key part of its historical appearance.
To support the project, the department is organizing fundraisers and has set up a donation account under the name “Silvis Fire Department Brotherhood Fire Engine†at Black Hawk State Bank. Anyone interested in helping preserve this piece of history is encouraged to contribute.
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