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Decorating #1 for Christmas were (L-R) Dan Piermarini, Fire Chief Larry Southard, Bernie Haas, Karen Lombardi, Barbara Haas, Judy Sparkman and Terrie Southard. Holt Bodinson | Oracle Firewise
Dale Suter, working on #1’s brakes, took the lead in the mechanical restoration of Engine #1.
Holt Bodinson | Oracle Firewise
Be sure to visit Engine #1 currently parked outside the Oracle Fire Station. Holt Bodinson | Oracle Firewise
By Holt Bodinson
Oracle Firewise
You’ve probably seen it cruising down the street in local parades over the years or maybe parked outside the Oracle Fire Station over the Holidays. It’s Oracle’s original Engine #1, and with the help of local volunteers, it’s been recently restored and ready to roll again.
Engine #1 has an excellent pedigree. It’s a 1940 International Viper. The Viper is an open-cab pumper powered by an inline, 6-cylinder, flat head engine. It’s been garaged most of its life, but after 75 years, the Viper began to show its age so a team of Oracle residents with a diverse mix of skills volunteered to put #1 back in shape.
Dale Suter and John Medley focused on the brakes, engine and plumbing system as well as the firemen’s pike poles used to tear out burning or burned material. Dan Piermarini restored the wood ladders. Brian Kirkpatrick refinished the wheels and Kevin Armbrust restored the hose bib.
Recently decorated for Christmas by another team of volunteers, Big Red #1 is once again on view in front of the Oracle Fire Station.
It makes a great backdrop for an intriguing and unique seasonal picture. Stop by!
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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