Kingsport Fleet Services restore city's first fire engine

Kingsport’s Fleet Maintenance Division has finished the restoration of the city’s first fire engine back to its original condition on a project that took two years to complete. During their spare time, employees worked to restore the 1917 American LaFrance truck – nicknamed Old Huldy – that went into service 106 years ago at the city’s first fire station on Watauga Street. With a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour and starting with a hand crank, the engine carried hoses, wooden ladders, axes, and about 100 gallons of water. Lanterns had to be hung from the side of the truck to operate it in smoky conditions. After his retirement, the engine went on display at Kingsport’s Fire Station No. 2 around 20 years ago, but many felt more should be done to preserve the engine. The engine is now within 80-85% of its original condition and will be housed at Fire Station No. 1 until the completion of the new Fire Station No. 2. The restored engine will be used for parades and special events in Kingsport.