Preserving history

Fire department asks for public’s help in restoring Engine No. 5

    The Clear Lake Fire Department is asking for the public’s help in preserving a piece of Clear Lake’s history.
    In August of 1950, the Clear Lake Fire Department met in a special session under then Chief McGowan. The topic of that meeting was a new fire engine to serve the community.  On May 4, 1951, the order was submitted to Four Wheel Drive Auto Company of Clintonville, Wis., that “Engine 5” was to be painted on the door of Clear Lake’s newest fire engine. 
    The FWD 750 gallon pumper, Model F75T 200hp, CLFD Engine 5, was delivered for service on Aug. 2, 1951 at a cost of $15,000.  It boasted a top speed of 58 mph and was considered a modern apparatus of its time. Over 3,000 feet of new hose was delivered for Engine 5 in May of 1952.  It continued service to Clear Lake for the decades to come responding to structure fires, vehicle crashes and numerous other emergency incidents.                                                                              As new equipment and technologies are developed, newer becomes old and eventually falls victim to the “bigger and better” phenomenon, explained department members.  Engine 5 was not immune to this and was sold by the City of Clear Lake at public auction.  Engine 5’s ownership varied over the years and then ultimately called  Manly, Iowa home with Mark Tomlinson holding its title.  In a generous measure of good will, Manly Fire Chief Mark Tomlinson recently donated Engine 5 to the Clear Lake Fire Department.
    “Sadly this wonderful piece of history has deteriorated and is in need of some generous “TLC,” said Billy Krefft, a member of the committee working to raise restoration funds. 
    “It requires a new engine, transmission and other miscellaneous repairs and paint.  Our goal is to bring this apparatus to good working order so that it may be a functioning part of our community once again. Intentions are to restore the truck to a “run and drive” level,” adds Joe Golly, another committee member. 
    Expense would become too great to have the expectation of a fully operational fire truck, but the department feels Engine No. 5  would be a great historical piece of Clear Lake and an additional public relations vehicle for the department to use in parades, fire prevention, and other community events, as well as some very practical applications for use within the department. There are many options and all considerations will be discussed.
    “We look forward to community input and hope some readers can still remember the FWD when it was still in service,” said William Stuflick, for the group. 
    “The FWD Project, as it will be referred to, is important to the CLFD for obvious reasons but it can only become reality with the help of Clear Lake citizens.  With your help we will ensure our history is present for future generations of firefighters and community members in the years to come.”
     The CLFD is asking for donations, elbow grease, knowledge, parts, and paint.  Those who can be of assistance with its restoration in some way are asked to contact Billy Krefft, phone 641-420-1007, email krefft@mchsi.com; Joe Golly, phone 641-583-5350, email jgolly@mchsi.com; or William Stuflick, phone 641-494-9363.