As many of you probably already know, I bought a fire truck last August while we were in Idaho on a RV trip. I have wanted one for many years, just for fun. But after attended so many

retired firefighter funerals, I began to think, it would be great if we as a brotherhood could pay a final tribute to our brothers. A truck dedicated as a firefighters' hearse. A Caisson.
Well then the work started. I sent the word out to other retirees, and told them of my idea. The requests to help came flowing in. I then stopped by stores and booths at car shows telling the same thing. They seemed to all want to be a part of the project. Some people actually started to weeping when I explained the project. I went to get my teeth cleaned, and the dentist asked what I had been doing. When I told him, he went into his office and came out with a check for $100. The donations have been overwhelming at times. It makes me reverse my thoughts about the human race and people's attitudes, especially about firefighters.
Now, nearly 7 months later, and hundreds of man-hours, we are getting so close to painting the truck. We have sound deadened and insulated the cab, insulated the turbo, upgraded the fuel system, done a complete tune-up, replaced all the fluids and filters, replaced broken glass, pulled out the water tank, re-fabricated the entire hose bed to accommodate caskets and urns, built bench seating in back for pallbearers or honor guard personnel, rewired the truck, repaired air leaks and SO much more.

Now, don't think I come up with this idea. Well, sort of, for the Valley I did. There are many other community departments who have done the same thing. And the trend is growing since 9-11. Tucson Arizona has a beautiful old Mack for their Caisson. Their "Last Alarm Foundation" and us, made an agreement to cover the state of Arizona for ALL firefighters if requested.
I donated the truck to the Phoenix Fire Foundation because they are a 501 3-C non-profit organization which I help establish back in 1986. With the Foundation having ownership of the truck, it is easier to get donations from corporations for services and goods. The foundation in return, put me on the board as a member, and made me the Chairperson of the Caisson Project.

The Team Fishel construction company donated the use of a huge spray booth for our final preparations on the truck for paint. Pittsburgh Paint donated the paint, a local upholsterer donated his time and materials to re-do the interior and the list goes on. But the real credit goes to the retirees who have come to my shop and to the spray booth spending HUNDREDS of hours working on this project. I am proud to be a part of this project and to associated with these retirees. And lastly, thanks to all who sent their gratitude for our labors.

The final photo is the truck we are modeling our after.
Great Article
ReplyDeleteProject Centers in Chennai
Final Year Project Domains for CSE
JavaScript Training in Chennai
JavaScript Training in Chennai