Engine #8

1975 Ford American

Former Murphysboro Engine 8, a 1975 Ford American
Former Murphysboro Enigne #8 and Engine #6 sit on the fire ramp at Murphysboro Station 1
On July 24, 1973, the City of Murphysboro, Illinois received a bid from the American Fire Apparatus Company of Battlecreek, Michigan for a 1000 GPM pumper to be built on Ford C900 chasiss for the sum of $49,386.00. A contract was approved and after many delays and additional costs, Job number 3751 was completed and The City of Murphysboro took delivery of the truck on December 11, 1975. Fire Chief Chester Steele and Volunteer Fireman Ron Manwaring flew to Battlecreek, Michigan to drive the truck home.

In 2000 the City of Murphysboro sold Engine #8 to the DeSoto Fire Protection District. It served the DeSoto Township Fire Protection District until being taken out of service in the fall of 2007.

In January 2008 Brian and Ron Manwaring purchased the truck from the Desoto Fire Protection District and began the restoration of old Murphysboro Engine #8. A new three-bay firehouse was constructed in 2008 to house Engine 8.
An unknown student fireman, and Captain "Mouse" Marnati stand next to Engine 8 inside Murphysboro Fire Station one.
Engine 8 outside Murphysboro Station 2 in the Mid 1990's.
Engine #8 (Left) and Engine #392 sit outside ACFD after a 4th of July Parade
Engine 8 and Snorkel 1 in the 1400 Block of Walnut Street. Engine 8 and Snorkel 1 in the 1400 Block of Walnut Street
Engine 8 at the B&K Furniture Fire
Engine #8 at the Murph's Tavern Fire in 1981
Engine #8 at the Mills Dist. Company fire in 1978
Engine #8 at the Mills Dist. Company fire in 1978
Engine #8 sits in front of it's new home while under construction in July 2008


The Apple City F.D.
Please send any comments to:
Ron Manwaring


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