Volunteers at Packanack Lake Fire Co. No. 5responded to 545 calls in2015. The alarm sounds, and without hesitation they go. They serve to Willowbrook Mall and Pines Lake, and everywhere inbetween. Volunteers put in endless hours to keep their training current, practicing firefighting and rescue skills. Members present fire prevention programs to children in schools and the fire safety program atWayne’ s Safety Town. It takes alot to keep the firehouse running. So when the volunteer department wanted to restore aspecial truck, the town pitched in.
At one of their monthly business meetings, a1951 Mack Pumper truck came uponthe agenda. It was the first new truck that Fire Co. No. 5bought. It sat in the firehouse bay long before the two pumper trucks and rescue truck currently in service.
President Mark McGrath explains,“ We weren’ tlooking for an antique fire truck to restore, but aguy who tracked its original ownership back to us called to see if we wanted it back.”
Lieutenant Michael Payne worked with their’ 51 Mack Restoration Committee to get the job done right.“ A replacement siren was hardest to find, but we found one that’ s restored period correct,” he says.
Asecond committee was formed to discuss how and where todisplay it so everyone can see it. Asmall structure was added to the side of the
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firehouse. Site plans were approved by the town, and volunteers got to work.
Supporters from the local business community donated supplies, expertise and time. Firehouse members with construction experience took the lead in the project. They did the framing themselves to save money. The glass windows were hired out, and the community’ s support was generous. Annual Beefsteaks and barbecues were held to fund the restoration and construction.
McGrath says,“ I think this is special and right for this Packanack community. We lead the children’ s Halloween parade to the clubhouse. We pick up Santa when he arrives by helicopter. I can’ t wait to drive Santa up and down the streets of Packanack in this truck. This represents our dedication to the community and all the things we get involved with.”
The first ride on the shiny, restored’ 51 Mack Pumper with Packanack Lake Fire Co. No. 5 written in gold leaf lettering on the hood went to ex-chief Bill Butler, who is the only current active member of Fire Co. No. 5who actually rode on and drove the’ 51 Mac back in 1951.
“ Not that it’ sever going tobeput into service, but it will be able to pump and could perform in a dire emergency,” says Butler.“ But a lot of people won’ tbeable to drive it. It has no power brakes, no power steering, and it has manual transmission. I love it. I’ m going to miss the noise it used to make though. They put a muffler on it.” ■
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FIREMAN WILLIAM“ BILL” H. BUTLER |
RESTORATION ROAD In 1951, Fire Co. No. 5bought its first new truck, this Mack Pumper. The truck recently came back home and the first ride went to ex-chief Bill Butler, who drove it in 1951. |
TOP PHOTOS: COURTESY OF PACKANACK LAKE FIRE COMPANY 5; BOTOM PHOTO: ANNE-MARIE CARUSO |
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26 WAYNE MAGAZINE FALL 2016 |