WEST ALLIS, Wis. -- A local fire department is turning to the community to help them bring back an antique fire truck.
- 1930s fire engine currently owned by collector
- One of two purchased new by West Allis Fire Dept.
- Fundraiser seeks to bring engine back to West Allis
The West Allis Fire Department wants to bring home a piece of its history.
Assistant Chief Kurt Zellmann is spearheading efforts to buy back this 1930 Peter Pirsch & Sons Fire Pumper Truck, "It’s beautiful, they definitely don't make them like that rig anymore."
In the 1930s, the department purchased two of these engines; one is now in a museum in Ohio. The other is owned buy a local collector, interested in selling it back to the WAFD.
"He understands the tradition of the fire service and it is not currently on the market, per say, but he is just giving us time to raise the funds we need to bring it home," said Assistant Fire Chief Kurt Zellmann.
For one of the firefighters, the truck is particularly special. Zellman's grandfather took his very first run on it when he started in the department more than 80 years ago.
"It is nice for the family heritage to see that for years to come and carry on the tradition," said Scott Liska, an Allis firefighter.
Once the fire department buys back the engine it will be used to engage the community at locak events.
"We'd like to teach hands only CPR it is just something that makes people come over and engage with us," Zellmann explains. "And it is a great conversation piece."
The department needs sixteen thousand dollars to cover the insurance and bring the historic truck back under its roof.
They started an online GoFundMe Campaign, but donations can also be dropped off at the town's city hall. To make a donation, click here.