Columbia Borough Fire Department 1917 American LaFrance Restoration

In September of 1917, the former Vigilant Fire Company No. 2 of Columbia, Pennsylvania proudly placed into service a brand-new American LaFrance, Type 75, fire engine. This was the first motorized American LaFrance in both Lancaster and York Counties. For years, this engine faithfully served the community, answering calls and protecting the people of Columbia Borough.

After decades of service, the apparatus was refurbished in 1931 and continued serving until it was eventually retired to a scrap yard in 1958, where it remained until just a month ago, in March 2026. Today, this historic engine has finally returned home and is now owned by the Columbia Borough Fire Department.

Our goal is simple: preserve, restore, and return this incredible piece of firefighting so future generations can experience and appreciate it. We are working to keep this historic apparatus running, driving, and proudly representing the long tradition of volunteer firefighting in Columbia.

Restoring a 100+ year-old fire engine is no small task. Mechanical repairs, specialty parts, transportation, preservation work, and historical restoration all require significant time, effort, and financial support.

We are asking for your help in saving this remarkable piece of local history.

Every donation, large or small, will directly support the restoration and preservation of the 1917 American LaFrance. Together, we can ensure this historic fire engine continues to tell the story of Columbia’s firefighting heritage for generations to come.

Thank you for supporting this important project and helping us keep history alive.