Three members of the Engine 1 Restoration Work Group traveled to the paint and body shop last Sunday to pick up the truck’s glass and seats for refurbishment.

Mike Torres, the shop owner, had a pleasant surprise for us. While he was prepping the cab, he kept hearing a rattling sound between the interior and exterior panels of the rear cab. Mike reached in and pulled out a remarkable piece of the truck’s history (see image). We believe this is the truck’s original license plate and confirms it was assigned as “Engine 1,” the first truck out on a call.

This development adds another level of realism to the restoration and is another nudge for everyone who has served or had family that served in the NBVFD, to check those attics and basements for articles that can further help us celebrate our rapidly approaching century of service.