The Avon Lake Historical Society is spearheading an effort to restore the city’s first fire truck, a 1939 Dodge American LaFrance known as ALFD1, with the goal of displaying it in the 2026 Memorial Day Parade.
For the past year, seven volunteers have been leading the project.
Dave Dlugosz, an Avon Lake Historical Society trustee, stated that the effort is about more than just restoring an old vehicle.
Deconstructing and cataloging small parts, stripping and repainting the body, redoing the brakes, resurfacing the ladder, refurbishing the cab interior, and rewiring the electrical system have all been part of the restoration process. (Submitted)
“It’s an obligation of the Avon Lake Historical Society to try to keep our history going,” Dlugosz claimed. “This was Avon Lake’s first fire engine.
“We just thought this could be our contribution to the people in Avon Lake, to maintain our history.”
The fire truck was decommissioned decades ago and passed through private ownership before being returned to the city, according to the Historical Society.
It had been sitting unused in storage until the Historical Society took it on.
Deconstructing and cataloging small parts, stripping and repainting the body, redoing the brakes, resurfacing the ladder, refurbishing the cab interior, and rewiring the electrical system have all been part of the restoration process.
The Avon Lake Historical Society is spearheading an effort to restore the city’s first fire truck, a 1939 Dodge American LaFrance known as ALFD1, with the goal of displaying it in the 2026 Memorial Day Parade. (Submitted)
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Dlugosz stated that one of the most difficult challenges came from the wheels.
“One of the biggest headaches we had was modifying the split rim tires,” he told me. “People don’t have those anymore, so we had to reconstruct and reconfigure the rims to keep the original wheels, but put them on brand new rims.”
The project receives support not only from volunteers but also from local businesses.
Argenti Auto Body in Lorain did the painting, and Chip Judge does the detailing and lettering.
Sylvester Tire and Avon Lake Sheet Metal are also assisting with the project.
Volunteers working with Dlugosz include Mike Bommer, Craig Cooper, Chuck Fye, Frank Landl, Roby Stern, and Alex Yenni.
The effort has been funded by two donations designated specifically for the fire truck’s restoration.
Dlugosz stated that the group deliberately chose not to make ALFD1 a museum-only piece.
Instead, the truck is being restored for parades and community events, where residents will be able to climb aboard and reconnect with the city’s history, he explained.
“Most of the guys who are volunteering, are lifelong Avon Lakers,” replied Dlugosz. “I have lived here for 74 years.
“There’s a lot of pride in our community, and we want people to be able to relive the good old 1939 fire truck.”
