Germantown Fire Chief John Selberg well remembers getting out of class to respond when a blaze broke out somewhere in town. Into the late 1970s - way past its early days as a sleepy horse community - the suburban city enlisted the boys of Germantown High to respond to fire calls during the day.
Before today's professional fire department evolved to protect the city of now more than 40,000, a less formal network of volunteers of varying ages protected the community using the truck purchased for about $6,500 from a Cordova fireworks company that closed after it stopped making munitions at the end of World War II.
Though its days of active service are long since over, the 1942 American LaFrance truck dubbed Red Devil 1 remains as a reminder of Germantown's simpler times. And it'll soon be getting a face lift that will allow it to serve as a fitting historic display.
A committee formed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen has begun exploring restoration for the truck, with a goal of returning it to the splendor of its heyday. Retired from service when former Mayor Boyd Arthur and aldermen declared it obsolete in 1983, Red Devil 1 became a landmark at Cloyes Park but has fallen into disrepair with peeling paint and damage from critters that have made the outdoor display their home.
The truck was moved recently from the park to the city's Fire Station No. 4 on Forest Hill-Irene, where it will remain in a metal building behind the station until restoration is complete. And that job will be a long-term process, said Selberg, 56, who has been chief about 51/2 years.
The price tag of the restoration is a big question mark right now. Selberg said there's really no estimate until the committee dealing with the restoration has more time to explore the issue.
Fundraising is expected to take place to help with the project as well. Representatives of the Fire Department, Historic Commission, Public Safety Commission and other community members will be involved.