Special Projects

Refurbishing of an Antique Fire Truck

Heritage and history have played crucial roles in shaping Ajax into the Town it is today. The Town continuously preserves and displays historic artifacts to give current residents an idea of how the Town used to function in years prior. A fine example of this occurred on February 20, 2007, when the Town purchased back a 1942 GMC Fire Truck from the former Pickering Village Firefighters Association (PVFA). Upon purchase, the Town wished to refurbish the truck and use it for historical purposes. However, the process to get the truck back into the Town’s possession wasn’t simple or timely.

It all started when the resilient red truck was retired from service in the late 1950s. At that time, the PVFA approached the Town, requesting purchase of the truck. The PVFA made it clear in their written request to the Town that the fire truck would be put on display and only used for show, like in parades. The PVFA also assured that they would properly maintain the truck and would eventually return it to the Town.

With all of the details sorted out, the PVFA bought the fire truck from the Town for one dollar on June 4, 1979. There was one additional condition - upon disposition of the vehicle - the Town would have the first right of refusal, making it legally possible to eventually buy the truck back.

For several years, the truck remained in the PVFA’s possession and remained in fairly good condition. However, in November of 1989, the PVFA disbanded and wanted to dispose of the fire truck.

Private individuals started to approach members of the former association with regards to the purchase of the fire truck for individual use. There was discussion between members of the former PVFA and Town staff, including former CAOs David Low and Richard Parisotto, but no resolutions were made.

For years the fire truck remained in the PVFA’s possession and sat in a storage container. In the end, the Town exercised it’s first right of refusal, and bought the truck back for the amount it sold for - one dollar!

The fire truck is now in the refurbishing process, being worked on by the Town’s resident antique mechanic and other professionals, and will be completed by September 2008 for the official opening of the new LEED gold-certified Ajax Fire Station Headquarters.

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