Historic West Jordan Fire Engine Restoration
Donation protected
Recently the men and women of the West Jordan Fire Department were reunited with the Fire Engine that served West Jordan City in the 1950s. This was a genuine barn find. This Fire Engine started its life in the 1940s as part of the Salt Lake County Fire Department fleet. During this time the citizens of West Jordan volunteered on this Fire Engine while responding to calls. After serving the city of West Jordan for almost 20 years, this Fire Engine was sold and found its way in the hands of a local citizen who had the intentions of keeping its history alive. This is where the story was put on pause as it sat in his garage for over 50 years.
After his death the family sold the Engine to a friend who also had the desire to restore this classic. Being a young man and having life bring different opportunities, he too decided to put the Engine up for sale. He initially reached out to the City of West Jordan and West Jordan Fire Department to see if there was any interest in purchasing it. With recent financial strains from the on-going COVID issues, neither of these entities were able to purchase the unit.
Then one day a firefighter, who frequently searches for classic car projects, happened upon an ad for a 1946 Dodge Firetruck. At first, he saved it to show others because he thought it was a neat vehicle. One day while passing a series of pictures hanging in the hall of the fire station, he spotted something. There it was! Hanging on the wall was an old black and white photo of the original West Jordan Fire crew and THIS Fire Engine sitting behind them. Calls were immediately made and plans were initiated to acquire this Engine. After checking all options, it was decided that members of the Fire Department Union would pool together their own money to acquire it.
Now this Engine is back home with its original department. West Jordan Fire Department personnel have already begun volunteering their time and funds to start restoring this amazing timepiece in hopes that its history won’t be forgotten.
We ask for your help to restore this Fire Engine back to it original form, any donation is greatly appreciated! Thank You!!
After his death the family sold the Engine to a friend who also had the desire to restore this classic. Being a young man and having life bring different opportunities, he too decided to put the Engine up for sale. He initially reached out to the City of West Jordan and West Jordan Fire Department to see if there was any interest in purchasing it. With recent financial strains from the on-going COVID issues, neither of these entities were able to purchase the unit.
Then one day a firefighter, who frequently searches for classic car projects, happened upon an ad for a 1946 Dodge Firetruck. At first, he saved it to show others because he thought it was a neat vehicle. One day while passing a series of pictures hanging in the hall of the fire station, he spotted something. There it was! Hanging on the wall was an old black and white photo of the original West Jordan Fire crew and THIS Fire Engine sitting behind them. Calls were immediately made and plans were initiated to acquire this Engine. After checking all options, it was decided that members of the Fire Department Union would pool together their own money to acquire it.
Now this Engine is back home with its original department. West Jordan Fire Department personnel have already begun volunteering their time and funds to start restoring this amazing timepiece in hopes that its history won’t be forgotten.
We ask for your help to restore this Fire Engine back to it original form, any donation is greatly appreciated! Thank You!!
Organizer
Ryan Ottley
Organizer
West Jordan, UT
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