PHOTOS: New Bern Fire-Rescueโs 92-year-old 1933 fire truck has been restored and is back in service, and will be on display at the cityโs July 4th celebration at Lawson Creek Park. According to a press release, the truck was originally purchased in 1933 and had been in service for over 50 years before being retired in 1985. The fire truck suffered a transmission failure in June 2021, but the internal committee was able to find resources and oversee repairs, with the new transmission gears being built by Gear Enterprise in California. The truck is now ready to be used again during special events, parades, and firefighter funerals.
โWeโve been lucky to have the Cityโs support in this project, right from the beginning,โ said Glenn Kiely, Fire Engineer, who spearheaded the 12-person committee that repaired and restored the old โ33. โThe City gave us a budget to work from, and several firefighters bought tools and equipment with their own money โ everyone was willing to help no matter what it took.โ Recently, staff have been taking the old relic out on the road. Fire Chief Damien Locklear went for his first ride several weeks ago. โThat old fire truck generated a lot of honks and waves,โ said Locklear. โItโs obvious weโre all happy to have it back in service โ the staff and the public!โ
