Hopkinsville welcomed Fire Engine #1 back to what was formerly the Central Fire Station, but what is now the Woody Winfree Fire Transportation Museum, after being painstakingly restored by local firefighters.
The ceremony took place at the museum Friday afternoon and attendees were able to admire the restored the 1928 American LaFrance pumper truck, also known as Fire Engine One. Museum Director Alissa Keller says the truck served the city well—taking firefighters to approximately 1,800 fires before being retired in 1940.
The truck was purchased by John “Woody” Winfree in 1968, who would donate it to museum in 2004, according to Historian William Turner, who thanked the Hopkinsville fire fighters who put such care into its restoration.
HFD Battalion Chief Phillip Ferguson says thanks to fundraising efforts by the museum and the hard work and dedication of many fire fighters for many hours, they were able get Fire Engine One back in good condition and back home.
A proclamation declaring it Fire Engine Number One Day was read by Judge-Executive Steve Tribble and City Councilmember Amy Craig. The original fire alarm that used be on a truck and then would ring at the station when a call was made, was donated to museum by Cody and Jo Beth Applebee, relatives of Woody Winfree.
The truck will now spend its days on display, for visitors to see and marvel about how firefighting has changed in the many years since it first began its work.