photo by: University Archives/Spencer Research Library

The brand new American LaFrance pumper truck is offloaded from a boxcar on March 16, 1955. This photo appeared on the front page of the Lawrence Daily Journal-World the next day. The pumper now sits at Douglas County Fire Medical's investigation center, 1839 Mass., awaiting restoration by current firefighters.

photo by: Douglas County Fire Medical

In this undated photo, pumper No. 68 helps put out a fire in Lawrence. The pumper, first purchased in 1955, was in full service until 1968 and then was a reserve truck until the 1980s. The pumper is now awaiting restoration.

photo by: Douglas County Fire Medical

The 1955 American LaFrance pumper truck drives in a parade down Massachusetts Street in 1988. The pumper is awaiting restoration.

photo by: Lawrence Retired Firefighter Society

Harold Mallonee stands next to the 1955 American LaFrance fire pumper he won at auction. In 2009, Mallonee, a retired fire lieutenant, donated the truck back to the Lawrence squad for restoration.