The Indomitable Journey of the Little Red Engine

Maricopa, AZ – The Maricopa Historical Society recently highlighted the legacy of a 1949 Ford fire engine that served as the inaugural fire truck for the community for nearly 15 years. This resilient vehicle, referred to as “The Little Red Engine that Could,” played a pivotal role in safeguarding the community from fire threats.

In 1978, firefighters Don Pearce and Dwight Hamilton journeyed to Superior, Arizona, to assess a fire truck available for purchase. The Superior Fire Department had originally bought the truck, which had served its community for nearly three decades. When Maricopa decided to acquire the truck, the community raised $1,000, but the full price was $2,000. Pearce stepped in, lending the Maricopa Fire Department the additional funds, ensuring the truck made its way back to Maricopa.

This small yet mighty fire engine tackled numerous blazes over the years, offering vital protection and potentially saving lives, as noted by the historical society. Its departure marked the end of an era, but its contributions remain etched in the community’s memory.

As the Maricopa Historical Society reflects on this chapter, it underscores the importance of community involvement and the legacy of service that such vehicles represent in public safety efforts.

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