Just steps away from Tucson Fire Station 10 on the Southside lies a workshop surrounded by modern fire trucks, where a dedicated team of eight retired firefighters is on a mission. Their goal is to restore a 35-feet bare bones fire engine from the 1930s to its former glory. This endeavor is part of the Tucson Fire Restoration crew, an initiative that was reinvigorated in 2006 through collaboration between Tucson Fire, The Greater Tucson Fire Foundation, and the local union.

A Walk Through Firefighting History

Volunteer John Roads, who spent an impressive 48 years fighting fires across the country, emphasizes the importance of preserving the past while working toward the future. Roads, who retired just two years ago, shares his deep-rooted connection to firefighting, tracing it back to his childhood in Illinois where he would chase fire trucks on his bike.

A Family Legacy in Flames

Roads’ commitment to firefighting runs in the family. With two uncles who were firemen and a father who bought engines for fire stations, he is continuing a legacy. The family’s involvement extends to the Rincon Valley and Phoenix districts, with numerous relatives following in their footsteps.

From Cincinnati to Tucson: The Firefighting Connection

The roots of Roads’ firefighting lineage go back to Cincinnati, where his grandfather worked at the Lunkenheimer factory for 50 years, starting at the young age of 15. The factory produced parts for American LaFrance and Ahren-Fox model fire trucks, and Roads can still spot its logo on the Tucson engines he works on today.

Restoring History, One Truck at a Time

The restoration crew has already completed three trucks, and their current project began in 2021. All four trucks were present at the 1934 Hotel Congress fire, a historic event that led to the capture of notorious gangster John Dillinger. Weather permitting, the restored trucks will be showcased at the upcoming Dillinger Days event.

The Future of Restoration Efforts

Despite their passion and dedication, Roads expresses concern about the future of restoration efforts. As the youngest member of the crew, he acknowledges that their generation is wearing out, and there is a lack of successors stepping up to continue the legacy.

Conclusion: Upholding Tradition in the Face of Challenges

The Tucson Fire Restoration crew stands as a testament to the commitment of individuals preserving firefighting history. As they face the challenges of aging and potential discontinuation of their efforts, it becomes crucial for new generations to recognize the importance of maintaining this link to the past. The restoration of these fire trucks not only honors the legacy of firefighting but also serves as a tangible connection to the events that shaped history.