Ed. Note: Preserving the history of our fire departments is critical. We learn from the past and gain a greater appreciation for what the founders of our fire deprtments sacrificed to bring them into service.

The truck was brought to Station 1 on Thursday, after long-retired Modesto Junior College counselor Bill Spidell spent 12 years or more restoring it. Spidell and his wife, Alma, bought the old engine in 2002 for $3,500, and MFD Interim Chief Alan Ernst said it cost them thousands more to bring it back to its original condition.

The restoration was largely complete in 2014, but the Spidells held onto it until a secure place to house and display it could be found.

Ed. Note: It is critical to plan ahead for replacing vehicles. Whether your deprtment leases or purchases the rig, managing finances to ensure it is prepared to replace a vehicle is essential to firefighters' safety responding to, operating at, and returning from incidents.

The $455,000 custom-built vehicle was ordered in August 2016 and purchased with federal Community Development funds through a six-year lease-to-own deal.

Since 2002, all fire department apparatus has been purchased with Community Development money, Fire Chief Donald Leshko said. Each year about $6,000 or less will come out of the general fund to pay interest, he said.

The apparatus replaces a 1992 pumper truck that was purchased out of the city’s general fund.