NEWS:  Twentynine Palms firefighters have launched a fundraising campaign to restore the department’s original fire engine.  The 1943 Mack Model 45 was purchased used from the Santee Fire Department when the Twentynine Palms Fire Department was formed in 1958.  The firefighters plan to celebrate the department’s 50th anniversary by having the engine running in time for 2008 Pioneer Days Parade held in October.

The restoration is estimated to cost $20,000 to $30,000 because the fire engine is missing its motor and transmission.  However firefighters have located a similar engine with the correct motor, transmission and many other valuable parts.  The firefighters need to quickly raise $8,000 dollars to have a chance of acquiring this parts vehicle.  No public tax money will be used on the project and firefighters will be working on the restoration during their off-duty time.

If you would like to donate to this project, contact the Twentynine Palms Fire Department at (760) 367-7524.  Chaplain Craig Walker is leading the fundraising efforts and Engineer Lee Martin is in charge of the restoration work.  Donations to a public agency are tax deductible.

Campaign Flyer (Adobe PDF)

Photo courtesy of Kelly O'Sullivan of The Desert Trail.