Charlie Barnes is hoping to have the historic fire truck up and running in time for Milltown's 2024 Fourth of July Parade.
Photo Credit: Charlie Barnes
Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of the Milltown Fire Department
Charlie Barnes is hoping to have the historic fire truck up and running in time for Milltown's 2024 Fourth of July Parade. Photo Credit: Charlie Barnes
This 1947 American LaFrance Series 700 former Milltown Fire Department truck is being restored by Charlie Barnes. Barnes, a 17-year-old junior MFD volunteer firefighter, has started a GoFundMe to help get the engine back on the road.Photo Credit: Charlie Barnes
By Dawn Miller
PublishedJanuary 10, 2024 at 8:16 PM
MILLTOWN, NJ - The Milltown Fire Department dates back to 1911. Its rich history has been embraced by borough resident, Charlie Barnes. The 17-year-old attends the East Brunswick Magnet School and is also a junior firefighter for the Milltown Fire Department and a certified EMT with the Milltown Rescue Squad. Recently, the teen embarked on a project which is near and dear to his heart; refurbishing one of the Milltown Fire Department's historic trucks. The truck has a long history in the borough as well.
The fire engine was purchased by the MFD back in 1947. Back then, the engine was state of the art and a serving part of the Milltown Fire Department from its purchase through 1973. Eventually, it was sold to Franklin Pierce College in Rindge, New Hampshire. Years later, the fire engine found its way back to the borough courtesy of Milltown firefighter, former chief and longtime resident William Petry Jr. Petry restored the engine and enjoyed using it for special events.
After his passing away in 2010, the fire engine was covered with a tarp and placed behind the Main Street Firehouse. It would reside there for more than 15 years. In 2020, the fire truck was donated to the New Jersey Fire Museum and Memorial in Allentown. Today, the historic American LaFrance Series 700 fire engine is on the verge of a new life thanks to Barnes.
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"My father, grandfather and many uncles have all been volunteer firefighters in Milltown, so you could say it's in my blood," Barnes explained. "I've always loved the history of Milltown and especially the fire department. I can tell you about any fire truck Milltown has ever had and the history behind them all."
This is the main reason why Barnes has taken on the big job of restoring the 1947 fire engine back to its original condition. He'd like the engine to return to its previous form in memory of Petry.
"As far as I know, he was an enthusiast like me," Barnes said. "He loved the fire service and especially loved Milltown. He was a firefighter in town for many years. He was also a fan of older fire trucks. He and Chief Harto ran their very own fire truck show in Milltown."
"He passed at a young age," Barnes continued. "I never got to meet him, but I'm sure we would've been great friends. I want to dedicate the truck to him and his memory, his service to Milltown, his work tracking down the truck and restoring it originally."
Barnes's goal is to have the truck ready to be unveiled for the 2024 Fourth of July Parade in Milltown. Fourth of July in the borough is an all-day event, attracting visitors to the town from all over the Garden State. The parade also has a long history and is an integral part of the annual July 4 festivities.
"I would love to drive it in the Fourth of July parade," Barnes said. "As far as I know, its last time at the parade was 1972."
Of course, since the truck has been idle for almost two decades, getting it road ready is not an easy or budget-friendly task.
"Because my truck was built in 1947, it needs a lot of work, especially because it sat outside for over 15 years," Barnes said. "Currently, it needs a new paint job, new tires, brakes, electrical components, and especially engine maintenance, along with other small things like redoing the seat covers."
To help with the costs, Barnes started a GoFundMe page this week, hoping other fire engine enthusiasts and history lovers will help him reach his goal of bringing new life to the 1947 American LaFrance Series 700 fire engine. Once the engine is restored, Barnes doesn't want it to go back under a tarp or sit on display.
"I would love to take it all around the state going to car shows, musters, parades and various other events like birthdays, Milltown Day and many, many more," Barnes said. "I really love to see the looks on everyone's faces seeing it."
In addition to realizing his goal to restore the truck, Barnes' future plans also include becoming a paid Emergency Medical Technician as well as a firefighter in nearby Edison or New Brunswick. He's hoping the GoFundMe will help keep the historic fire truck restoration project moving forward.
"I'm doing all I can with the resources I have, but I need help from the community, Barnes added. "Every donation helps us; from purchasing a screw to hold on a light to a brand-new battery. Every donation is amazing."
So far, Barnes' GoFundMe page has raised a little over $1600 towards his goal of $15,000.
"I hold this project very close to my heart and I hope everyone will see how much this means to me and everyone else who remembers this truck and the original owner who left one hell of a legacy," Barnes said.