Fire Wire Editor Fulfills Lifelong Dream and Buys Fire Engine

After talking about it and dreaming about it for over 20 years, Fire Wire Editor Peter Makowski fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing his own fire truck. In October of 2002, Makowski submitted a bid to the Pipestone Fire Department for a 1971 Ward LaFrance pumper. He got it!

Last spring, Makowski and his friend Jesse Nyhus of Chisholm drove the engine back to the Iron Range. For several months, Pipestone Engine 1 was transformed into Engine 51, named after the fictitious Engine 51 from the 1970's TV show "Emergency." Makowski, who watched the show religiously, had always hoped to buy a fire engine, which would be identical to Engine 51. While he never gave up his dream, there were times when it seemed nearly impossible. "I guess if you believe in your dream, you just keeping following it until it comes true," said Makowski. "I'm glad I continued to be so persistent."

Makowski hopes to take Engine 51 on the "parade circuit" in 2004. Perhaps his biggest goal with the truck, however, is to be able to give rides to physically challenged children. "I think every child at one time or another wants to be a firefighter. Some won't be able to do this, but at least I can meet them part of way on their dream," added Makowski. "I plan to share my dream with these kids if I can."

Here's some statistics about Pete Makowski's Engine 51:

* 671 Detroit Diesel

* Allison automatic transmission

* Hale two stage pump (1250 gpm)-fully operational

* 500 gallon booster tank

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