“They’re putting the pinstriping back on it, and they’re painting it on there,” Beesley said. “It’s not going to be like stickers.”
The project also gives Francis Tuttle students hands-on experience with a vehicle unlike most of what they would normally work on.
“The kids are all real excited to have the opportunity to work on that fire truck,” Beesley said.
Most of the restoration has been funded through donations. Beesley said the department will use some fundraiser money to finish the project, but donated sandblasting from Industrial Truck Equipment in Oklahoma City and paint from L&M Auto Color in Edmond helped lower the cost.
Beesley said the department hopes Engine 48 can eventually be driven in parades and placed on permanent display.
“It’s not going to be driven any great distances,” Beesley said.
The department plans to unveil the truck at its June 6 open house. Beesley said he hopes to have past firefighters, including some who may have responded to calls on Engine 48, take part in the unveiling.
The department will also dedicate a newer activeuse fire truck to retired firefighterThomasTillison, who paid for the truck after the department lost out on a grant for a vehicle to carry one of its skid units.
Beesley said the open house is a chance for residents to meet their firefighters, see the department’s equipment and learn about improvements made since he became chief.
“This open house is just an opportunity to kind of try and give back for the support that the community’s given us,” Beesley said.