As Puyallup continues to grow, mobility becomes even more important to fire departments. And as taller structures are built, such as apartments, firefighters need to be able to easily reach those spaces, said Capt. Brice Johnston.

As firefighters were working to free the ailing driver, another car drove into the intersection and hit the fire truck. No one was injured in the collision, and the driver remained at the scene.

"It was quite a spectacle," Leonardi said. "It just made the best day better."

He said the two-year restoration project was funded completely through donations and thousands of volunteer man-hours. Many local businesses also donated or provided discounted services to help insure the project could be completed within budget.

No one has yet seen the completed project, Mascarella said.

"It is critically important to us that no one sees it until Tuesday night," he said.

Mascarella said the restored truck will be featured at upcoming parades and events during Monroe's bicentennial celebration this year.