New Bern Alerts
Fire-Rescue Relic Back in Service
Fire-Rescue Relic Back in Service
New Bern Fire-Rescue’s vintage 1933 firetruck is back in service! The 92-year-old truck is “pumping” out some good vibes across the city thanks to a team of firefighters who were determined to restore and repair it. Now you can stop by to take a look at this antique for yourself.
Best we can tell, the truck was purchased new in 1933 and added to the city’s fleet at a time when firefighting transitioned from steam-powered engines to internal combustible ones. It came with standard accessories, an inline 6-cylinder engine, a working siren, and a bell. The firetruck was manufactured by American LaFrance, a prominent maker of fire engines and other emergency vehicles, which closed in 2014. The truck was named for Leon C. Scott, who was mayor of New Bern in 1933. The truck remained in service for more than 50 years with New Bern Fire-Rescue and was retired in 1985, although several firefighters saw to it that the truck remained operational for use during special events, parades and firefighter funerals.
In June 2021, the truck suffered a transmission failure. Staff thought this setback would be temporary while they secured new parts, only to find it nearly impossible to locate anyone who still manufactured them or someone who might have used parts to sell. With a “fired” up attitude, staff created an internal committee to locate resources and oversee repairs of the firetruck. After about 9 months of looking, staff found Gear Enterprise in California, a company that was able to build new transmission gears from the old ones sent from New Bern. It took 4 months to build them. In November 2024, the new gears were shipped to New Bern and firefighters spent six months putting the transmission back together and reinstalling it in the firetruck.
“We’ve been lucky to have the City’s support in this project, right from the beginning,” said Glenn Kiely, Fire Engineer, who spearheaded the 12-person committee that repaired and restored the old ‘33. “The City gave us a budget to work from, and several firefighters bought tools and equipment with their own money – everyone was willing to help no matter what it took.”
Recently, staff have been taking the old relic out on the road and stretching her legs. Fire Chief Damien Locklear went for his first ride several weeks ago. “That old firetruck generated a lot of honks and waves,” said Locklear. “It’s obvious we’re all happy to have it back in service - the staff and the public!” After four years in the garage, the truck is ready to be used again during special events, parades and firefighter funerals.
If you’d like to see the old timer up close or take a picture with it, the 1933 firetruck will be on display as part of the City’s July 4th celebration at Lawson Creek Park this Friday beginning at 5:30pm.
(Photo is of Glenn Kiely, Fire Engineer, who oversaw the repair & restoration of the firetruck.)