On Saturday, Feb. 18, Tulsa Fire Department completed phase 3 of the Station 66 rebranding, the department announced in a Facebook post. Phase 3 included the rehoming of a 1950 Ford Peter Pirsch Fire Engine at Station 66 on Historic Route 66.
The department recently rededicated the station and is excited to continue contributing to the excitement of Route 66 visitors through passport participation and photo opportunities.
In 1950 we purchased the Peter Pirsch truck. The truck that is being rehomed served the downtown area, and other Tulsa districts as a frontline engine for 10 years. It was then moved into reserve status, operating throughout the city, until 1967 when it was purchased by the Bristow Rotary Club to be used by the Depew Fire Department.
In 2021, Tulsa Fire Lt. Nick Swainston noticed the truck in a field in Depew. Swainston contacted the Depew fire chief and mayor to determine how we could bring the truck back home to Tulsa. Tulsa Fire Department Physical Resources Chief Mike Mallory worked with Swainston to acquire the truck and begin restorations. When the truck was finally acquired, the Tulsa Fire Department Garage staff worked tirelessly to fix some damages before sending the truck to Wizard Art Workz for detailed paint work and Poppys Patina for final clear coat. The truck maintains a worn weathered look and is a great addition to Station 66.
We hope that the improvements will add to the Route 66 travel experience and bolster the 100-year celebration in 2026.
