Restoration Work Begins on Retired Engine 1
 
By Assistant Chief John Raley
December 30, 2006
 

Several members of The Department have worked over the last six months preparing a detailed set of specifications to restore our 1950 F-7 Ford/American that served as Engine 21 up until 1989. It served as the first line wagon from 1950 to 1965. Once the 1965 International/Pirsch (Retired Engine 3) was placed in service it served as a back-up pumper until 1976 when the department purchased a Duplex/Oren (Engine 22). That engine is currently serving as Engine 222 out of Station 22.

The specifications were written to restore the unit to its original condition when it was purchased by the department. The Department will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2009 and anticipates the unit being completed in time for this once in a lifetime milestone.

The specifications were sent out to Swab Wagon Company and Micro Fire Apparatus in Pennsylvania, Carters Welding in Clements and Firecraft in New Jersey, with all of them submitting bids. The contract was awarded to Micro Fire Apparatus in Allentown, Pennsylvania after the bids were reviewed by the committee members.

Over the last month, several members removed all loose equipment and prepared the rig for its journey to Pennsylvania. In the early morning hours on November 24, 2006 Life and Board Members Henry Fowler and Harold Anderson loaded Engine 1 on a flat bed trailer and started their journey. Henry Fowler used his vintage 70's Kenworth and flat bed trailer to haul the rig to Micro.

Stay tuned and check back periodically as we will update the site with the progress. The unit should be competed in just under a year.

If you would like to make a donation to The Department to help restore this piece of our history please feel free to do so. The Department has started a campaign to solicit donations to help restore this unit. We would like to annouce The Burch Oil Company located in Hollywood, Maryland as a corporate sponsor in providing a donation to help with the cost of the restoration. If you have any questions please contact us at 301-884-4709.

**Pictures have been added toshow work that has been completed up to 12/30/2006**

**Pictures have been added on January 14th after an inspection trip was completed**

**Pictures added on January 30th after frame and body painted**

**Pictures added March 7th starting to go back together**

**Pictures added April 12th showing significant progress being made**

**Pictures added September 27th of vehicle almost complete**

**Pictures added January 11th of inspection trip**

**Pictures added April 22nd at Micro Fire after their work is completed**

 
Units: Retired Engine 21
 

Johnny Bryant August 25, 2023 at 4:31 PM
Retired Engine 21(1) is a Beautiful Piece of Equipment!