Jalopnik
Tucked into a corner of the basement is a 1937 Seagrave Safety Sedan, known amongst fire truck junkies as the Detroit Safety Sedan and it represents one of the more interesting untold stories here at Detroit. When a firefighter falls in the line of duty, there is a longstanding tradition of using a firetruck as the funeral hearse to honor the family and the deceased. The tradition of the final ride has become difficult, as fire trucks have grown in size and height. Seeing the problem, the Detroit Fireman's Fund Association decided to set out to do something about it.
The organization decided the best way to serve the duty and keep operational firetrucks ready for emergencies at the same time would be to set out to purchase and refurbish a classic pumper truck. Seagraves were the predecessor the the later dominant Mack offerings, but at the time the Detroit Fire Department owned about 80% of the Safety Sedans ever made. The example we see here was one of the early Seagraves in the DFD fleet of 87 total.
The original chassis has been replaced with a modern one from Mack, and Chrysler was generous enough to contribute a new Detroit Diesel power plant. Nearly four years of labor and dedication have gone into getting the truck to this point and the craftsmanship is unbelieveable. We're sure when it's finished, the hours of hard work from countless volunteers will be well worth the effort. If you'd like to contribute the effort or just want to know a bit more, you can go directly the Detroit Firemens Fund website.
Comments
No doubt it is a Detroit treasure that its Fire Department employees, associates, and their families are, and should be proud of. Thanks Ben, for sharing a little bit of Detroit's Heritage with us.
and keep operational firetrucks ready for emergencies at the same time
What few operational firetrucks Detroit actually has...
Sweet looking ride, the firemen really take care of their equipment. It will be gorgeous.
But I still hope it sits in a corner and never needs to be used.
That's really cool.
Kinda too bad to have a project that you hope you never end up using. No one wants the dubious honor of being part of its maiden voyage.
My childhood fascination with fire trucks will apparently never, ever die.
I can't think of a more fitting tribute to the people who've lost their lives fighting fires and saving lives.
A fitting honor for those who willingly run in when everyone else is running out.
Firefighters - the only civil servants you actually want to never do what they're being paid to do.
In many places they use reserve apparatus for the final run or have a reserve unit take the place of the rig out for the sad duty.
That said, this is probably more practical and of course doesn't expose the casket to the elements.
Beautiful. Makes Barrett-Jackson look like a whorehouse.
Wonderful job. Love that seat. Is that brushed stainless do you think?
Chuckie- no- just steel. It looks like it's been prepped and is ready for finishing.
Absolutely beautiful piece. I really hope it never turns a wheel.
I had the privilege of participating in the funeral procession for a firefighter from the city (Brawley, CA) that I was working for at the time. They used one of their reserve rigs and some of the neighboring cities actually sent rigs and crews to man the Brawley stations so that the service could be properly held. Without a doubt the classiest, most honorable event I've ever taken part of. You hope it's never needed, but if ever somebody was deserving of such a final honor, it's a firefighter. Beautiful machine, and I hope it sits on display for a long time.
I kind of hope it seems some non-tragedy duty, in a parade and as a public relations and education machine--so that it can roll now and then without there having been a fatality.
It's a creative and touching tribute in any case.
I was with Ben when the story of the 37 Seagrave was told and I have to admit it was one of the better parts of the Detroit Auto Show. While every booth and its mother is unveiling the latest and greatest concepts, this provided a more "human" aspect to the auto show.
@BSAKat: there's stuff left in detroit worth saving?
@camp6ell:
Loren D. Estelmann?
i really like that..
trust me i never want to use my fire engine for that purpose
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