City wants to restore historic fire engine

NORWALK — A city committee is fundraising to buy and restore a historic Norwalk fire engine. A newly formed Norwalk 1912 Firetruck Restoration Committee, in collaboration with the Firelands Historical Society and City of Norwalk, wants to purchase "an important piece of Norwalk's firefighting heritage," according to a release from the city. Specifically: a fire engine from the year 1912, which represented the "largest and most powerful auto fire engine in the world" and "the first apparatus to replace the city's horse-drawn firefighting equipment." "Recently, I was approached by a local resident who knew that the original fire truck still existed, and he asked if there was any interest in obtaining the apparatus for historical purposes," restoration committee chairman Steve Gfell said. "Now, more than a century later, we have the opportunity to bring this historic fire engine home once again." The committee estimated that the restoration would cost about $225,000. If the funds are raised to purchase and restore the engine, it will be owned by the Firelands Historical Society until the restoration process is complete. Then, the society will donate the restored fire engine to the city and it will be put on display in the community room at Station 1912, the release states. Those with questions or wanting to sponsor the project are encouraged to contact the committee members: Steve Gfell, Nancy Gfell, city fire Chief Dan Strayer, Fred Downey and Stewart Downey. Those wishing to donate to the project can send checks payable to: • Firelands Historical Society, C/O — 1912 Firetruck • P.O. Box 43 • Norwalk OH 44857 The release noted that any excess funds raised for this project will go toward the historical society's expansion project.