Greenville TX Fire Department Wants to Buy Back Its Past

Local history buffs have an opportunity to help bring a bit of Greenville’s past back to life. The opportunity arises as the Greenville Fire Department seeks donations to reacquire a vintage fire engine and to make needed repairs to another.

The two vehicles in question are a restored 1948 Seagraves Pumper, which the department used to own and wishes to buy back, and a 1916 America La France, which is in need of repairs. The department hopes to be able to use both engines in parades and on other special occasions.

“Buying back the ’48 is significant because it was the engine the department purchased to replace the 1916, which was the department’s first (motorized) engine,” said Chief Jeremy Powell of Greenville Fire-Rescue.

In 1983, the Greenville Fire Department sold the 1948 engine to an individual who had it restored, and according to Powell, the buyer has since passed away and their grandson has expressed interest in selling the vehicle back to the department.

“We’re going to need about $8,000 to buy the 1948 and around $7,000 for repairs to the 1916,” Powell said. “With the 1916, we need to have the motor gone through, need repairs done to the drive train, and for the wooden wheels to be refurbished. It’s still in overall decent shape.”

Once the funds are raised, the department will send the 1916 engine to the Texas Fire Museum in Dallas for its repairs.

“They’re subject matter experts. They collect, store and restore antique apparatus,” Powell said. “When we send it to get it worked on, we’ll try to have some of our personnel go along to learn more about how it works and how to work on it.

“Working on the 1916 is a lot different than working on a modern engine,” Powell explained. “The 1948’s not all that different from engine’s today, but not so with the 1916.”

Both vehicles will be kept at Greenville Fire Station No. 3 where the public is welcome to stop by and see them.

So far, there are no immediate plans for the department to acquire a horse-drawn apparatus, the kind that the 1916 America La France was purchased to replace.

“Obviously, that would be amazing, but I’m not sure if that one still exists,” Powell said. “It would be a great opportunity, though.”

Those who would like to learn more about the history of the Greenville Fire Department since its founding in 1883 can read about it on the City of Greenville’s website.

Those who wish to make a donation to the project will make donations to the City of Greenville, indicating that the money is intended for the Fire Department.

Donors will be recognized for their support with the following levels: