MFRD’s District 1 responded to a rescue call at the Discovery Center in May. While crews were there, they noticed that the old 1954 Oren fire engine, donated to the Discovery Center in 2001, was in need of some repairs.
According to Discovery Center staff, the fire engine is one of the most popular exhibits at the facility. Children love to don fire equipment and climb into the front seat of the open cab engine. The high traffic of the exhibit has caused the large bench seat to wear and tear in several places.
A group of MFRD employees decided that they were going to replace the seat. Determined to pool together their own money to complete this project, the crews approached a company called “Sew Unique” to reupholster the seat. After hearing the story, the owner, John Vanderworp, donated all materials, parts, and labor to refinish the seat.
Engine 15’s crew installed the newly upholstered seat on June 12.
“We take pride in our old equipment, as it reflects a great part of the history of our department,” said Shift Commander Dale Maynard. “A special thanks to Mr. Vanderworp for donating his time, materials, and hard work and for helping us to make this project a success.”
Plans are in the works to make other cosmetic changes to the engine in the near future.