1948 AHRENS FOX FIRE ENGINE - "The Joe J. Stone Engine #3"

LATE BREAKING NEWS! The fire engine was moved for painting on 9/12/09. Expected return February 2010. Click here for moving ... click here for more moving ... click here for more moving

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            In 1948, the Ahrens Fox Fire Engine Company of Cincinnati, Ohio built the fire truck “pumper” that is on display at the Sachse Historical Society Museum. This pumper was purchased new by the City of Dallas and used by the Dallas Fire Department for thirty years, before being retired and sent for sale at auction in 1978.

            The Sachse Volunteer Fire Department had made several unsuccessful bids on other fire trucks at auction. Knowing the 1948 Ahrens Fox pumper was coming up for auction, Sachse Volunteer Fire Chief Joe Stone went before the Sachse City Council and requested $2,300.33 to put a bid in of $3,333.33 on the truck. This bid was awarded. however to everyone’s chagrin, the next closest bid was only $300.00! 

            In February 2008 the Sachse City Council presented the truck to the Sachse Historical Society, and on February 10, 2008, the old pumper was moved to the Sachse Historical Society Museum. On June 27, 2009, the fire engine was christened the Chief Joe J. Stone Engine #3 in honor of Joe’s service to the Sachse Volunteer Fire Department from 1963 to 1987.

Read more about the restoration in the Summer 2009, Spring 2009 and Summer 2008 newsletters.

Read more about the Sachse Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies' Auxiliary.

Restoration of the 1948 Ahrens Fox fire engine is underway. Restoration levels range from (1) “preservation and prevention of further deterioration,” to (2) “display-only” condition, and finally to (3) full operating condition. The Sachse Historical Society has attained Level One, made significant progress on Level Two and is planning to achieve Level Three.

To help contact the Fire Engine Restoration Committee