1934 Chevy fire engine returns

Roseburg Fire Department welcomed back one of its historic fire engines this week -- a 1934 Chevy fire engine that will undergo additional restorations.

The Fire Department shared:

Yesterday (Tuesday, Sept. 26) was a monumental day for the City of Roseburg Fire Department. On behalf of Fire Chief Christopherson and City Manager Messenger, Battalion Chiefs Drew Fairbairn and Chris Galligan took possession of, transported, and brought back a piece of department history to the excitement of department personnel.

A 1934 Chevy fire engine, previously owned by the City of Roseburg was donated back to the department by an anonymous family. The anonymous donor’s son, a local firefighter with a neighboring agency, suggested donating it back to the original department.

The 1934 Chevy fire engine was purchased originally by the Roseburg Fire Department in 1933, although the year of the engine is 1934. The engine was placed in service in 1934 and later converted into a salvage rescue vehicle for the department. Before returning to its original owner, the engine has been owned by at least two different families.

At the request of the anonymous donor, the department will be purchasing a plaque and installing it on the engine in memory of Fire Chief Bill Lemming. Chief Lemming was a volunteer firefighter for the Myrtle Creek Fire Department for over 45 years, where he also served as Fire Chief. Chief Lemming passed away in 2020.

In pictures posted here, the 1934 engine is shown in image one to the left of the boat in front of City Hall. In image two and three, you will see the engine converted into a salvage vehicle while in use at a commercial structure fire at the Indian Theater in June of 1969.

The City of Roseburg Fire Department is beyond grateful to the anonymous family for thinking of us and bringing this wonderful piece of history back to the department. The department will continue additional restoration of the engine. Fire department personnel are looking forward to sharing this piece of history with the community at local events and parades.