The Walpole Island Fire Department is looking to revitalize its first-ever fire truck.
The vehicle, a 1942 Bickel Seagrave Maple Leaf Chevrolet fire truck, had been stored inside a shed since being retired in the 1970s. It had been used for several years, starting sometime in the 1950s.
Fire Chief Bob Smith told CK News Today he and two other firefighters were cleaning out the shed when the truck grabbed each's attention.
"We just didn't know why it was put in the shed... it had mechanical issues, but we didn't know what," he said.
The three decided to roll it out since its wheels were still in decent shape. That's when the idea came to restore it.
"We want to get it mobile, safe to drive, and make it a historic piece. Maybe put it in some parades," explained Smith.
The cost to restore the truck won't be cheap, with some estimates putting it around $40,000. That's why the fire department has started a GoFundMe campaign.
Along with being a parade showstopper, Smith hopes it can also be an educational piece to show how far equipment has come.