1935 Hale REO Speed Wagon Pumper

"47-1"

Ordered on July 14th, 1935, and delivered on November 18th, 1935, the Hale Fire Pump Company custom made a brand-new Hale REO Speed Wagon for the Lionville Fire Company. It was equipped with a 500 gallon per minute Hale pump driven by the engine, a much safer and more sustainable method than the outgoing chemical fire engines. 

It was officially housed into the company later on in 1935, adopting the designation "47-1." This truck served the Lionville community responding to emergencies for over 45 years, finally retiring in the early 1980's. From that point forward, it still played a role in community outreach through parades and fire prevention events.

The 1935 REO is still in the possession and care of the fire company. In honor of the 100th anniversary of the company in 2011, the REO Speed Wagon was fully cosmetically restored to best represent its original beauty. The restoration was performed by Fire-Craft of New Jersey, originally contracted in 2009, and delivered back to the company on October 1st, 2011.

In honor of the extended term of service and history of this truck, the fire company has never used the designation "47-1" since purchasing this truck back in the 1930's. This is why all future pumpers, including our current first-out engine, are designated as "47-2" or "Engine 47-2."

Post-Restoration Photos

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