This website is best viewed in Internet Explorer 6 or higher.

"HELP SAVE A PIECE OF TOPANGA'S HISTORY"

In 1950 the County of Los Angeles Fire Department purchased three Model “L” Mack fire engines. These three fire engines went to fire station 66 (Pasadena), 64 (San Dimas) and 69 (Topanga Canyon). Engine 66 and 64 most likely ended up in Mexico as a donation and Engine 69 is now in possession of the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association (a non-profit organization).

In its day Topanga Canyon’s Engine 69 was the pride of the fleet. Sporting a Thermodine Gasoline engine and a 600 gallon water tank, this fire engine was one of Los Angeles County Fire Department's first red fire engines (prior engines were painted green).

Engine 69 was delivered to the County of Los Angeles Fire Department on March 15th, 1950. Thursday March 23rd was the Engine's first day of service at Station 69 in Topanga Canyon. Captain Whelan, Patrolman Balintine, and Firefighter Gray were all on duty. On the day of the delivery, Chief Rorison was the Battalion Chief on duty.

Engine 69 was only in service until 1955 or 1956 at which time it was replaced with a new Crown fire engine. After being retired from front line service, Engine 69 became reserve Engine 501. After retirement from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Engine 69’s history is tough to document. However, it appears that it may have been used in the motion picture industry.

Engine 69 resurfaced again in 1992. While driving through Camarillo, California, Los Angeles County Fire Captain Bob Hewitt came across an old fire engine for sale on a used car lot. Captain Hewitt wondered what department this unique fire engine came from and did some research. He discovered that this engine was Engine 69, an original Los Angeles County rig. Captain Bob Hewitt bought / rescued the rig, not really ready take on such a large project, but unable to let this rig be sold to someone who may or may not care of its historical value.

Engine 69 ended up sitting outside in the city of Phelan for the next four years.

In 1996, Los Angeles County Firefighter Specialist Marty Smith heard that Captain Hewitt had a cool old fire engine that he was looking to get rid of. Marty went and took a look and had the same thought as Captain Hewitt, he couldn't just let this piece of Los Angeles County Fire Department history slip through his fingers. Marty Smith had Engine 69 placed on a trailer and moved, eventually ending up parked in Rancho Cucamonga awaiting restoration.

In 2004, Marty Smith and the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association were able to come to an agreement. The County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association now owns Engine 69.

On February 12, 2005 Engine 69 was moved from Rancho Cucamonga to the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum in South Gate. Engine 69 is in desperate need of a restoration and will be immediately taken to an outside vendor to help evaluate and plan for the eventual restoration.

Every year the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association has to make the decision on what vintage apparatus to restore. This decision is driven by numerous factors, including but not limited to, rarities, historical value, cost, and time availability.

Because Engine 69 has significant historical value, to both the County of Los Angeles Fire Department and Topanga Canyon, the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum would like to expedite the restoration of Engine 69. The County of Los Angeles Fire Museum is looking for targeted funding to insure the restoration of Engine 69 in a timely manor. Targeted funding is money donated to the Museum that can only be used for the restoration of Engine 69. The estimated cost of this restoration will be between $35,000 to $45,000.

The Museum will set up a separate page on its web site to track the progress of the restoration. Once the restoration is complete, the engine will be on display at the Fire Museum. The Engine may also be used at select events promoting Topanga Canyon, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department and the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum. A plaque will also be placed on the Engine recognizing the people who made the restoration possible.

Running a museum is more than restoring old fire engines. The County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association cannot be judged merely on its extensive collection of restored and un-restored vintage fire apparatus. Its true value must be quantified by the benefits delivered by the preservation of the history of a proud and noble profession.

The County of Los Angeles Fire Museum is an extremely well respected and viable not for profit organization with power and vision to grow.

Joe Woyjeck
President,
County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association
e-Mail: Jwoyjeck@lacofd.org

See who we are and our completed restorations on the web at www.clafma.org

Donations can be made to:

County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association
C/O Fire engine 69
P.O. Box 3325
Alhambra, Ca.
91803