Restored Fire Trucks

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Story Published: Jul 18, 2008 at 5:31 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 11:23 PM MST

By Jennifer McGraw

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Carl Poulter is a retired Captain for the Idaho Falls fire department and for the past 17 years he has been refurbishing and old 1947 American la France.

Carl Poulter: "It was a mess believe me."

But for Captain Poulter this engine is more than just a fire truck.

Carl Poulter: "Means a lot to me. The fire department has been a part of my whole life."

Captain Poulter has fond memories of being a fire fighter and remembers his first big alarm in this truck.

Carl Poulter: "The first call we got it was raining like the devil and mud flew up and I had to stand up and look over the top because it was getting as much rain on the inside as it was on the outside."

He says he loves taking it in the parade and bring back memories for residents in Idaho Falls.

Carl Poulter: "When you have a parade or something a lot of gray haired people look at it and get a big smile on their face."

I talked to current fire fighters to see what it is that makes fire trucks so special.

Jonathon Walker, (IF Division Chief): "People fall in love with these trucks because they help make things better."

The Idaho Falls Fire Department is in the midst of refurbishing an old ladder truck to bring back a piece of Idaho Falls history.

Jonathon Walker: "This truck represents the history and the tradition of our department and this community."

Captain Poulters fire engine has been a special asset to the fire fighter community. It has even escorted fallen fire fighters in a ceremonial burial.

Poulter loves his truck and his memories of being a fire fighter.

Carl Poulter: "That's the way I'm going to go. I really am."

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