A 1912 LaFrance Fire Engine aka Clark Engine 14, aka Lakewood Fire Engine 01! Here on the back of Matt Roche of Premiere Trucking's flat bed.
Matt donated his time and equipment!
That is correct, Lakewood's first real Fire Engine was found in Clark, New Jersey in a warehouse, and returned to Lakewood.
The story of how it happened and why is another great chapter in Lakewood history.
The short story is, Lakewood purchased the truck new in 1912, in 1921 it was updated, then in 1928 it was used as a trade-in with American LaFrance on our new Fire Engine. Later that year Clark, New Jersey purchased it from American LaFrance where it became Engine 14. Clark used it then stored it. In 1999 Clark rebuilt and refurbished the entire Fire Engine for its 75th birthday. The city loved it, but it was soon placed back in storage.
Wood Rims!
Over the past year Lakewood Fire Chief Tim Dunphy had been thinking and looking for something special for the Lakewood Fire Department. He had heard of others rebuilding historical vehicles for police, and fire in other cities and started to look around. At the beginning of the year Tim had heard that a fire engine was for sale in New Jersey that might have a Lakewood history, and flew up to take a look.
Chain drive to only 1 wheel!
Over the course of the next couple months, talking with American LaFrance that maintains all records on this and other fire engines, came up with all the bills of sale and service records. At that point it was realized that this was the City of Lakewood's first real fire engine, aka Fire Engine 01.
Back down on Lakewood soil, but would it start?
Fire Chief Dunphy, what an amazing find, and an amazing addition to Lakewood's history!
Read the full story in Lakewood Observer 15_20 on your news stands soon!
.