A "new" Fire Truck brings back old memories for first responders in Wyoming County

Factoryville Fire Company Ward LaFrance pumper truck bought back after it was lost decades ago.

Author: Jack Culkin
Published: 10:48 PM EDT April 11, 2026
Updated: 10:48 PM EDT April 11, 2026

FACTORYVILLE, Pa. — Wooden ladders and a three-person bench seat wouldn't cut it for a fire engine in modern-day departments.

"It was our first fire truck that we purchased as a department."

But for members of Factoryville Fire Company back in the 1930's, this Ward La France pumper, bought for $750 dollars at the time, was the top of the line."After reorganizing in 1930 and we chartered, uh, we bought this new, we ordered in 1932, it was delivered in 1933," said Chief Brian Gow.

Fire Chief Brian Gow says the piece of firefighting history was taken out of service in 1971 and bought back by Ward Le France.

"They used it as a promotional piece, a safety color that was being introduced for visibility purposes...they outfitted it with beer taps and and 8-track player, and it toured around the East Coast," said Gow.

It did make the occasional trip back, seen here in Factoryville's centennial parade in 1983.

But as it passed from one owner to another, it became lost."It got locked up between acquisitions and bankruptcies in New York State, and it ended up in a guy's garage, so, you know, it hasn't been seen for years until it popped up on Craigslist."

That Craigslist ad 10 years ago was the sign Gow needed to bring the truck back home.

"We sent him a deposit on it. I think it was $100 to hold it. And then we arranged to drive out to Elmira Heights to see it and, uh, we went with money, and we arranged transportation, and there was no question we bought it."

The buy brought back a piece of history that this year is now officially owned by the fire company.

While the seat may be tattered and a few paint chips show the original fire truck red, Gow says the truck will likely stay the way it is.

Reminding members what came before and the advantages they have today.

"To preserve the history in general, especially for us, I mean it means a lot."

Credit to WNEP 16