Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Pieces of firefighter history were given to the City of Warsaw Monday at the city council meeting.
Robert L. Fuson donated a 1912 American La France fire truck to the city. According to a letter from Fuson to the city, the fire truck is "arguably the earliest internal combustion fire truck still operational in the United States." The truck is the "most famous antique fire truck in the world by virtue of its participation in the Great American Race, including nine annual races across the United States."
In addition, Fuson is donating to the city early firehouse industrial antiquities and Great American Race memorabilia documenting racing history, antique clothing and mementos. Two of the items, which Fuson had at the meeting, included a fire chief's trumpet used in the 1870s to give orders and an 1870s helmet.
At the meeting, Fuson told the council he's been a fire buff for more than 40 years and wanted to donate the truck and accessories to the city "with the idea it's in good hands." He said he knew it would be put to good use as educational tools.
"I'm really pleased to donate these things to the city," he said. Fuson made the donation to honor the memory of firemen everywhere who have given their lives so others may live without personal regard for themselves.
The city council unanimously approved the resolution to accept the gifts.
Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins thanked Fuson for the gift and said, "I'm sure the City of Warsaw will be inundated from various departments with a lot of requests to use that vehicle."
