Oldest Operating Fire Engines Were in Dieterich Parade

Print

Published on July 13 2015 3:40 pm
Last Updated on July 13 2015 3:44 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

The two oldest fire engines in Effingham County were a part of this year's Dieterich 4th of July Parade.

Dieterich Assistant Fire Chief Ross Martin said the parade featured the original Dieterich fire engine. The unit, a 1935 Ford pumper, was purchased by the Village of Dieterich brand new and then was transferred to the Dieterich Fire Protection District when it was established. 

The Dieterich engine is one year older than the "Caledonia", the last surviving fire engine that helped battle the St. Anthony Hospital fire in 1949. The units were built by the same company, just one year apart.

This was the first year for the Dieterich vehicle to be rehabilitated so it could appear in the parade.