FAIRDEALING – The Fairdealing-Olive Volunteer Fire Department is currently working to restore a piece of their history, a 1951 Mack 85LS Fire Truck to her former glory. This truck was originally donated to the department in 1981 by the Louisville Fire Department where it is pictured in the photo.
According to FDO Firefighter Jason Acord, the truck was in service for many years in Marshall County and it was retired in the mid 1990’s. Since that time, it has been on display at the Forgotten Past Museum on Highway 68 just a few miles from the station.
Last year, the truck was towed back to the station where fire department members say they quickly realized how much time and effort it was going to take to get the truck up and running after it had sat and collected dust for more than 20 years.
Acord says several of the fire department members have taken an interest in working to restore the historic truck and have been working to put a plan in motion.
In just a few weeks, with a lot of determination and volunteer, the engine is running and the truck has even been driven. The brake system is being repaired and estimate requests are out for paint and other minor repairs.
Fire department members say unfortunately, they are working on a very tight budget and may not be able to continue the restoration without additional funds. Acord says they are working to rebuild as much as possible on their own and are planning to replace only what is necessary to save money.
In addition to mechanical repairs, they say they will soon have to locate items such as ladders, nozzles and hoses.
While they say they fully understand the project won’t happen overnight, they are hopeful the community may be willing to step up and help out with the project.
“It’s not going to happen overnight but we have good momentum going and would like to expedite progress as much as possible,” Acord says. “Additional funds from donations will help keep us headed in the right direction on the project without immediate fear of having limited funds.”
In an effort to try to raise the needed funds, the department is fundraising in a new and creative way, launching a Go Fund Me account. Accord says they have set their first goal at $5,000 but says it will likely take much more to fully restore the truck.
Upon completion, the historic fire engine will be used for educational purposes at local school districts to demonstrate fire history in and around Marshall County.
They say the truck will also be used in local events such as car shows and parades. If you are interested in assisting with the restoration project, go to http://www.gofundme.com/Fairdealing-Olive or contact Jason Accord at 314-402-1391. Accord says the department is greatly appreciative of the community’s support of their department and adds that they are excited to be working on this project to restore a part of the community’s history.