A group of firefighters from the Boone County Local Professional Firefighter’s Association Local 5195 has come together with hopes to restore a 1964 fire truck that previously belonged to the Zionsville Volunteer Fire Department (ZVFD). The goal of the firefighters is to restore the truck so that it can be a permanent fixture in Town-wide events.
Zionsville Fire Department (ZFD) firefighter Brett Havlin found the truck in Sandwich, Illinois. He told firefighters Kendrick Davis and Bobby Smith who donated their funds to buy the truck and relocate it to Zionsville. In the spring of 2022, the Boone County Local Professional Firefighter’s Association Local 5195 voted to buy the truck.
Now in the hands of Local 5195 and owned by the Boone County Foundation, the firetruck is not currently drivable. It needs engine, transmission and brake repairs. According to ZFD firefighter Bobby Smith, also a member of L5195, the purpose of restoring the firetruck is to bring people together.
“A stipulation of the sale was that the truck would stay with future firefighters in Zionsville and the Boone County Local was able to do that for us,” Smith said. “We want the Zionsville Volunteer Fire Department firefighters and part-time firefighters to help restore it to create a bonding experience for our firefighters of the past and present.”
This truck was a primary fire suppression apparatus for the ZVFD in 1964-1965 and it served the Town of Zionsville until the mid-1990s. Once restored, the firefighters hope to feature it in ZFD’s annual area familiarization driver training with Santa in December and for it to be a permanent fixture in the Fall Festival Parade.
“The possibilities are endless, and we look forward to having this truck in Boone County for a very long time,” Smith said.
Community members can donate to Engine 6 restoration fund by mail:
Boone County Firefighters Foundation
1475 W. Oak Street #451
Zionsville, IN 46077
Community members may also contact Steve Hayes, President of the Boone County Professional Firefighters Local 5195, at shayes@L5195.org or 317-752-6681.