1928 Ahrens Fox – History

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1928 Ahrens Fox – Before (2007) & After (2010) Restoration

In 1927, the City of Tucson purchased a new 1928 Ahrens Fox pumper. The Model M-S-3, Serial # 1750 was shipped to Tucson on January 16, 1928. The apparatus operated as a front line pumper for many years and then was placed in Reserve status. While still listed as a reserve apparatus, the pumper was initially disassembled in the mid 1990’s to be rebuilt. However, due to budget constraints, the project foundered. Another effort was attempted in February of 2003, only to also fail. In June of 2006 a group of retired firefighters were able to secure funding, and with the financial support of the Tucson Fire Department and Firefighters Local 479, an all volunteer crew began a successful restoration of the pumper. The Restoration Committee consisted of Chuck Thim, Todd Vossler, Ted Geare, Dan Larkin, Doug Edwards, Lee Sebring, Don Uthe, Al Moritz, Chuck Damerow, John Roads, Jeff Corey, and Jay Smith. The museum quality restoration was completed in the fall of 2009 and was delivered to Fire Central for permanent display in December of that year.