In 2009, Hillsboro’s original fire truck, a 1946 Ford, was discovered in a salvage yard in Edgewood, New Mexico. The Hillsboro Historical Society negotiated a price with the owner and “passed the hat” around town to raise the money. Within a week, the purchase was complete, and one of the board members hauled the truck home to Hillsboro on a flatbed trailer.
The Historical Society now feel they are in a position to begin refurbishing the fire truck. They hope to repair the engine and clean it to the point that it can become a town display and be used in parades or other town events. Presently, there is not a detailed outline of the restoration. First priority is rebuilding the engine and doing whatever else is necessary to get it running. Cosmetic upgrades will then follow.
Hillsboro fire truck
The truck was purchased from the Hot Springs Fire Department around 1953, after three houses burned in a single event in Hillsboro. This was the beginning of Hillsboro’s rural fire department.
For more information please contact:
Harley Shaw
hgshaw@windstream.net
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