SPRING HILL, Tenn. (WKRN) — Cities and counties around Middle Tennessee have seen unprecedented growth in recent years, but as change is happening in and around the City of Spring Hill, community leaders are struggling to preserve a piece of their history.
Spring Hill's 1957 Ford fire truck named "Fire Belle" is a staple at parades and community events. However, while the 67-year-old truck's exterior was recently refurbished, the engine needs repair.
"Right now it needs a new heart," said Spring Hill Fire Chief Graig Temple. "While it doesn't need a whole new engine, we need a specialist to look at this 1957 engine...we need someone to tell us what needs to be repaired for it to make sure it runs very well for us in the future."
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In the mid-50s "Fire Belle" was Spring Hill's only fire truck while the department was still run by volunteers. Two firefighters would ride in the front and as many firefighters as necessary for the emergency would stand on the back.
"This is a beautiful piece to have on display for the community, and to take us back when these old apparatus and the simpler things in life," Temple said. "Even the sound...the newer apparatus with all the emission standards and things are quieter. This sounds like a big truck and the community loves that and it brings us back in time."
Spring Hill resident, Dale Kinnard, used to be one of the volunteer firefighters riding on the back of the truck. "It's really one of the last physical parts of old Spring Hill," he said.
All these years later, Kinnard sees a bit of himself in the sparking, red, Ford.
"Just because you get older doesn't mean you quit functioning," Kinnard said.
Yet despite the community's love for the truck and months of efforts, they haven't found someone willing to work on the engine to get it ready for the road once again.
"A lot of places are just too busy with other car repairs, some are scared just because of the age and uniqueness of the vehicle," Temple said.
Temple asks anyone who may be able to repair "Fire Belle's" engine or even wants to just take a preliminary look to reach out to the Spring Hill Fire Department or the City of Spring Hill.
