07-03-2025
Old pumper fire truck on auction block
BESSEMER, Pa. (WKBN) – Bessemer is selling an old fire truck, one that carries plenty of history since 1981.
It's a Chevrolet 1-ton mini pumper fire truck with a Pierce Bed. There are more specifics for the gearheads, but one thing really stands out.
'The mileage is pretty low for a 1981. I think there's 10,000 miles on it, which doesn't paint the whole picture, but it's pretty low miles for that old of a vehicle,' said Greg Berry, founder of Municibid, the agency handling the auction for the mini pumper.
Municibid gives exposure for auctions like this and it costs the borough nothing. The buyer pays a 9% premium to the website after winning.
The truck was made for the North Canton Fire Department. It also served with Mahoning Township, before becoming Rescue 404 for Bessemer in 2022.
'Motor vehicle accidents, rescue, stuff like that as well as cross truck so it can be pumped and driven at the same time,' said Bessemer Assistant Fire Chief Griffin Holtom.
The truck has served during many emergencies and was out on the night of the East Palestine train derailment. The truck comes with red lights — it runs and is driveable.
'I'm kind of sorry to see it go because there's a special place in my heart for Chevy square bodies, and especially '81. It's got the 454 in it so it's got a special place in my heart,' Holtom said.
The Bessemer Volunteer Fire Department has outgrown the vehicle. It could become a parade vehicle, or be desired for someone in an industrial environment. That's up to the buyer. The auction ends at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
'I love to see the final action in the final minutes when the heat is on,' Berry said.
'I've been kind of checking it two, three times a day to if there is any interest in it, if there isn't, and where it will be going in the future,' Holtom said.
The truck has one key for the door and one for the ignition.
The bid is over $9,000 already.
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