1922 American LaFrance Fire Truck Restoration
Engine 1 Runs Again in Fort Lauderdale
May we please have your attention…
We bring you tidings of great joy.
(applause)
Thank you. Please be seated. We have more.
The 1922 American LaFrance fire truck restoration at the Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum has reached a major milestone. After years of overheating issues and careful mechanical work, Engine 1 is now running at normal operating temperature and officially road capable once again.
Yes… she runs. (applause)
A Fire Truck With a Story to Tell
Engine 1 isn’t just an old fire truck sitting in a historic building.
She represents a turning point in firefighting history, when departments like Fort Lauderdale’s began transitioning from horse-drawn equipment to motorized apparatus. Built in 1922 by American LaFrance, she carries the marks of that era:
Chain drive.
Solid rubber tires.
Wooden artillery wheels.
Right-hand steering.
Everything about her tells the story of early firefighting in a growing city.
And for years, that story was quiet.
The Problem That Kept Her Silent
If you’ve followed Engine 1 over time, you already know the challenge.
Overheating.
It was the one issue that kept her from doing what she was built to do. Despite the care, the history, and the importance of preserving her, she remained mostly a static display.
Until now.
The Moment Everything Changed
This week marked a major breakthrough in the 1922 American LaFrance fire truck restoration.
A brand-new, custom-machined cylinder head was installed, a critical step in solving the overheating problem that had plagued the truck for years.
And then came the moment.
The key turned.
The engine caught.
And just like that… Engine 1 ran.
Not sputtering. Not struggling. Running.
The kind of sound that stops you for a second, because you realize you’re not just hearing an engine. You’re hearing history come back to life.
Road Ready and Headed Back Into the Community
With the overheating issue resolved, our Truck Maintenance Crew now believes Engine 1 is ready to return to public life.
That includes potential participation in:
- The 2026 Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade
- Local community events
- Educational demonstrations
This isn’t just restoration.
This is a return to service. (applause)
The People Who Made It Happen
Moments like this don’t happen by accident.
They happen because of people who care enough to show up, put in the time, and do the work.
We want to give special thanks to:
Bob Cangelosi
For his time, expertise, and dedication to keeping our apparatus running at their best. And if you’ve ever met him, you know… he truly loves it. You just cannot beat that.
Bill Sharp
For his strong participation and hands-on work that helped bring this project across the finish line.
Rob Brantley
For his continued support and involvement in helping move this restoration forward and keeping projects like this on track.
Taylor Beavers
For contributing hands-on knowledge and operational insight that helped bring Engine 1 closer to real-world readiness.
Neil Duffy
For his hands-on involvement during the Engine 1 restoration, gaining experience and knowledge in historic apparatus rebuilding. Neil is currently applying that knowledge to his own restoration project, “Rosie,” a 1945 Chevrolet/Peter Pirsch fire engine in Boca Raton.
And a special acknowledgment to Mike Grady, whose leadership, enthusiasm, and unmistakable voice helped rally support and bring energy to this milestone moment.
Because sometimes, you need someone to say it properly…
“We bring you tidings of great joy.” (applause)
Why This Matters More Than You Think
It would be easy to look at this and say, “Great, the old truck runs again.”
But it’s more than that.
When Engine 1 runs, history isn’t something you read about. It’s something you experience.
It’s the sound.
The movement.
The connection to the firefighters who once relied on this very truck to protect this city.
For kids visiting the museum, it turns learning into something real.
For longtime supporters, it’s a reminder of why preservation matters.
For the community, it keeps Fort Lauderdale’s fire service legacy alive.
Come See Engine 1 for Yourself
If you haven’t experienced Engine 1 in person, now is the time.
Because seeing her is one thing.
Hearing her run? That’s something you don’t forget.
Engine 1 is no longer just part of our past.
She’s moving forward again.
She’s road ready.
And she still has heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Engine 1 at the Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum?
Engine 1 is a 1922 American LaFrance Type 45 fire truck and one of the museum’s most important pieces of historic apparatus. It represents the early transition from horse-drawn equipment to motorized firefighting.
Why wasn’t Engine 1 running before?
Engine 1 had ongoing overheating issues that made it unsafe to operate, which is why it had been limited to a static display for years.
What fixed the problem?
A custom-machined cylinder head was installed along with additional mechanical work, allowing the engine to run at normal operating temperature again.
Is Engine 1 road capable now?
Yes. Engine 1 is now considered road capable and may participate in future events and parades.
Will Engine 1 be in the 2026 Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade?
The maintenance team believes it will be ready to participate, along with other community events.
Can visitors see Engine 1 in person?
Yes. Visitors can see Engine 1 during museum open house hours and special events.
How can I support the museum and restoration projects?
You can support the museum by becoming a member, donating, volunteering, or sharing the museum with others in the community.
