DETROIT -- An icon of the Detroit Fire Department -- a 1937 Seagrave Safety sedan fire engine -- will be revealed at the 2008 North American International Auto Show as a fitting tribute to firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty. Upon full completion of the replication process, the sedan's new task will be to carry fallen firefighters to their final resting place. This vehicle will be on display, as a work-in-progress, at booth #13 in Michigan Hall, as part of a display recreating the fire houses and streets of Detroit from the 1930's with vintage memorabilia.
Known to Michigan firefighters as the Memorial Rig, this historic apparatus has found its way back home. It was originally purchased by the Detroit Fire Department back in 1937 and was in service until 1967 as Engine #13. Now, 40 years later, Engine #13 will be re-commissioned and ride once again to preserve the historical heritage of the firefighter's last ride.
"When a firefighter dies in the line duty, they are traditionally carried to their final resting place on a piece of fire apparatus," said Arn Nowicki, Sergeant of the Detroit Fire Department. "It is a gesture of respect and aids in the healing process of family and comrades. This Seagrave Safety sedan is ideal for this purpose because it lends itself to the solemn nature of this service."
The replication effort combines old world craftsmanship with modern technology as this sedan undergoes a major refurbishing to meet today's stringent vehicle guidelines. Undertaking this enormous task are various companies donating money, time and materials. Through the Detroit Firemen's Benevolent Fund, a subsidiary of the Detroit Firemen's Fund Association, more than $75,000 has been raised and thousands more in time, talent, and parts.
For the past year-and-a-half, Todd's Customs and Rods, a company that specializes in restoring cars and street rods, has donated time and materials to rebuild this vehicle from the ground up and replicate the exterior and interior. Motor City Solutions, a company that specializes in automotive fleet management, vehicle preparation and event support, will donate time and materials to complete the exterior paint and finish as well as offer support setting up the auto show display. Finishmaster, a local paint supplier, is providing finishing materials to work on and complete this replication.
Also helping out with this project is DaimlerChrysler, who donated a Mercedes-Benz engine, a Freightliner chassis and an automatic transmission. Contributions have been given by firefighters and their families, along with the community at various fundraisers hosted by the Benevolent Fund.
"This is truly a remake of a vehicle that has strong roots in the city of Detroit," said Thomas Suchora, Retired Detroit Fire Chief and secretary of the Detroit Firemen's Fund Association. "We have had big corporations, small businesses and members of the community donate time and money to support this great effort. We couldn't have done it without them."
"When I first heard of this opportunity, I knew right away we had to get involved," said Chris Beall, Motor City Solutions vice president. "My grandfather was a firefighter so this is a project that is very close to my heart. I am proud to be a part of this replication to pay respect to those who risk their lives everyday."
The finished product, set to be completed by Memorial Day 2008 will be available, at no charge, to any Michigan and Windsor Fire Department that suffers a line-of-duty loss.
