175 East 3rd Street
Palisade, CO 81526
P: (970) 464-
F: (970) 464-
Monday -
8:00am to 5:00pm
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Copyright © 2007 -
Old Red the 1937 Ford Fire Engine still lives at the Palisade Fire Department
On March 19, 1937 sealed bids were requested from the Town of Palisade for the purchase of a new fire truck. This was to be the first new apparatus ever purchased by the town. In the request letter the town asked that the sealed proposals for the one and one half ton truck be delivered no later than March 22, 1937
Some of the then “high tech” specifications were to include a 157” wheelbase, a
shatterproof windshield, four 6.00 X 20.00 tires, overload springs and a four speed
transmission. A request was made for “an open truck job for fire fighting purposes”,
a hand search light, hose clamp to allow for repair of 2-
W. S. Darley and Company of Chicago Illinois was the winning bidder at $1,551.20 and was awarded the contract by telegram on April 15, 1937. The unit was to be picked up at the factory in Chicago.
Then as now communication between the apparatus builder and the fire department was ongoing. Palisade requested that aluminum matting and not the “regulation” rubber matting be used on the floor boards of the drivers compartment. This option still looks good today.
Work began on Old Red in late April of 1937 and was finished in mid June 1937 with the installation of the F500 front mounted fire pump with a 4” suction hose outfit.
On Saturday June 27, 1937 the assistant Fire Chief of Palisade, Duane Hoffman, left W. S. Darley and Company in Chicago Illinois with the new fire truck we know as Old Red. The truck made the journey of 1157 miles to Glenwood Springs Colorado where it was placed on display at the State Firemen Convention. The fire truck made the trip in three days without incident. Some members of the Palisade Fire Department were so excited at the prospect of having a new truck they made the trip to Glenwood Springs just to see the truck.
The new apparatus was delivered to the Palisade Fire Department after the pump test on May 25, 1959 where it remained in service as an engine until late 1970. The truck was then converted into a rescue vehicle, refurbished and outfitted with various equipment to serve in that capacity. It was finally donated to another department and replaced with the current Rescue 41.
Old Red was restored to its original state in the late 1980’s through the generous
efforts of many fine people
This wonderful part of history has and will endure at the Palisade Fire Department long after other engines, ambulances and firefighters have long since passed away.
It can still be seen around town on special occasions, like the Fourth of July or the Palisade Christmas Parade of Lights, carrying the Town Mayor, Santa, some dignitary or just a bunch of luck kids!!!
Palisade Fire Departments next fire engines were purchased from other departments on the western slope of Colorado. The Palisade Fire Department was not to have another new apparatus until the 2005 award from the FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant. The department purchase a 1500 GPM pumper with a Spartan Big Easy enclosed cab and hydraulic ladder rack.
The Palisade Fire Department and its members wish to thank FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program for their gracious help and consideration!
Old Red remained the town’s principal fire apparatus until the late 1950’s when the Town of Palisade once again requested bids for a new pumper. Specifications were drawn up and the Central Fire Truck Corporation was awarded the bid for the new apparatus.
