The old ladder truck helped Kansas fire fighters put out hundreds of fires and saved countless lives during its long run of service. Now, the 1953 Peter Pirsch & Sons truck is back in Coffeyville, where it will be restored and put into ceremonial service.
“Local 265 members are excited to have the ladder truck back with us,” Mike O’Connor, a Local 265 member assisting with the purchase and restoration project. “While it won’t be responding to any more emergencies, we do plan to fix it up and use it in parades and other community events. We can’t wait for people to see it.”
The city purchased the truck as new 71 years ago. It stayed in Coffeyville for three decades before it was sold to a small airport in Oklahoma.
From there, the apparatus went to a series of private owners, including a dad who bought it as a gift for his 9-year-old son. It ended up with a collector in Raleigh, North Carolina, where it sat in a garage for several years.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago. That’s when a Local 265 member learned the department’s old ladder truck was in the North Carolina man’s collection.
“We found out that the apparatus has been taken care of over the years,” O’Connor said. “It will need some mechanical work, but there’s no signs of rust or serious structural issues. We are hopeful to have it running in time for the Christmas parades this year.”
The City of Coffeyville funded the $11,300 purchase and the union paid for it to be shipped back to Kansas. The union will also fund the restoration.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the restoration fund can Venmo @local265.
