BURLINGTON, Mich. (AP) - An antique fire engine has been returned to Galien nearly 100 years after it was first put in service.
The Battle Creek Enquirer (https://bcene.ws/2drlEJn ) reported that Galien Fire Department officials picked up the 1919 Chevrolet firetruck Tuesday from the Burlington Fire Department.
Galien used the firetruck from 1919 to 1942 and then sold it to Burlington for $250. Burlington used the firetruck for about six years before retiring it. Retired Burlington firefighter Leo Hughes has since kept the firetruck in working condition.
Burlington Mayor Bob Weaver, who also serves as a fire department captain, said the truck has been used in parades and on special occasions. It can still be driven, although its top speed is 28mph.
Weaver also said the firetruck almost didn’t make its way back to Galien. The village considered donating the firetruck to the Gilmore Car Museum before they were approached by the Galien fire department.
“They didn’t think it was still around,” Weaver said. “It was their first truck and they came to the village meeting and we felt going to the original department would be the best thing.”
Burlington donated the firetruck to Galien and will still be allowed to use it for special events. Burlington will have first rights to the truck if Galien decides to dispose of it.
“We donated it with the condition that we can use it and we have the first rights to it,” Weaver said.
According to Weaver, Galien plans to restore the firetruck just in time for the 100th anniversary of its fire department.
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Information from: Battle Creek Enquirer, https://www.battlecreekenquirer.com
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