June 6, 2011 – Before the City could retire all of its old fire engines, Anchorage, AK Local 1264 opted to refurbish one for a good use. Excited about the possibilities, members took matters into their own hands and dedicated personal funds to the project.

With an auto shop of his own, Local 1264 member and engineer Darren Storrs took the initiative and presented the City with an estimate of what refurbishing the engine would cost Local 1264. With no objections to the project, Storrs, with the moral and monetary support of Anchorage, AK Local 1264 President Rod Harris and its members, moved forth with a project that would give fire fighters an even stronger presence within the community they serve.

“With this new engine, the possibilities are endless,” says Harris. “Having our name on something helps both members and the public identify with us. They see this engine at events and they see that our members stepped out and did something.”

The E-1 fire engine was rehabilitated with a new engine, brakes, paint and running gear. The engine will be available to active members and will be used for the local’s public relations efforts.

The engine was debuted at this year’s annual open house where the community comes to learn about fire education and engage in family fun.

Harris is proud of what his members have accomplished and says that this experience and ones like it “absolutely boost solidarity.”