Cobourg Fire Department’s 1932 Seagrave Pumper is now part of the Canadian Fire Fighters Museum (CFFM) display of vintage fire apparatus.
“Ol’ 32″ served for many years with the Cobourg Fire Department before it was taken out of service many years ago.
The Seagrave pumper was Cobourg’s first triple combination pumper.
This Canadian manufactured pumper was purchased for a total cost of about $10,000 in 1933. The Victoria College Auditorium Fire in 1989 was the pumper’s last call for service.
In 1991 the decision was made to take the truck out of service after almost sixty years – an extremely unheard-of amount by today’s standards.
The pumper had been cared for in the typical manner during its years of service.
However, as can be expected, it had its share of dents and scrapes until 1996 when a full restoration was conducted at a cost of about the same amount as its purchase price.
Even real gold leafing was included in the restoration to bring the truck back to its original glory.
It was the Cobourg Firefighters Association (full-time and part-time members) that paid for the repairs.
Today it sits along with other CFFM apparatus to illustrate the progression of fire engines dating from 1866 to 1956.
Fortunately, the CFFM Board of Directors are now aiming for a museum re-opening date of May 2026 after six long years of closure.
In the new Museum location on Furnace Street in Cobourg, Ol’ 32 will now be admired by many visitors and take its place in history along with a large collection of other vintage fire apparatus and artifacts.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
