Excerpts from wqad.com:
The Silvis Fire Department has embarked on an exciting mission: reviving an 84-year-old fire engine to its former splendor. This American LaFrance engine, acquired by the city in 1939, served as a primary firefighting vehicle until 1964. Its faded paint reveals it was Engine #2.
Fire Chief John Winters shared the story of how this historic vehicle vanished after being traded in. "We think it was sold to a farmer who likely used it for irrigation or watering livestock," he explained. "Decades later, it was discovered in a barn."
A few years ago, the department was approached by someone who had bought the old fire engine with intentions of restoring it. While researching its history, the individual noticed a plaque bearing the names of the 1939 Silvis mayor, fire chief, and aldermen. Recently, this person decided to sell the engine back to the Silvis Fire Department.
Now, the team aims to restore the engine as closely as possible to its original state. Chief Winters outlined their approach: "We’ll need to disassemble it, sandblast it, and repaint it. We’ll soon assess the engine’s mechanics—whether the motor still runs. If it does, that would be a massive boost for our restoration efforts. Otherwise, we might need to explore alternative solutions."
Most of the work will fall on the Silvis firefighters themselves, though they plan to hire a professional to meticulously hand-paint the engine’s distinctive gold leaf flake finish.
To fund this ambitious project, the department is organizing fundraising events. They’ve also set up a "Silvis Fire Department Brotherhood Fire Engine" account at Black Hawk State Bank where they’re accepting donations.
This restoration isn’t just about preserving a piece of history—it’s about reconnecting with the past while ensuring future generations appreciate the evolution of firefighting technology. As Chief Winters put it, "Every detail counts when you’re bringing something like this back to life."
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