Restored 1931 Ward LaFrance pumper #55 enjoyed being shown in the Hamlin Wheelfest's car show. Past Chief George Dorgan arrived early and moved "Bertha" to a place of honor at the head of the car show line up. The bright red engine was well received by the knowledgeable and novice car buffs all day. Jerry Clement put her away that afternoon. With parade season fast approaching, we will have many opportunities to appreciate the restoration work that the Exempts members and the Engine 55 Club invested in her. The weather was clear and warm and attendance was very good at all the events which included many bands, the car show, fire prevention and child safety, many vendors and fireworks that evening. Story by John Deserto Photo's by Tom Maier

Are you looking for facility to host group get together? You may want to try our Exempt Club. Located at 1382 Lake Rd, Hamlin, NY. Contact Paul at 585-964-3836 for more information on rental costs and dates.

The culmination of a 5-year restoration project on Hamlin Fire Department’s Engine 55, the departments first, will be celebrated on Saturday June 2 in Hamlin N.Y. with a series of special events. The 76-year-old truck has undergone a complete restoration and will be unveiled for the first time at this ceremony. You are invited to attend any and all of these events, which also coincide with Hamlin’s Annual Wheelfest celebration. 10AM reception at the firehouse with Senator Maziarz, Hamlin FD Chief Daryl Prince, Hamlin FD Vice President Paul Seifert and Engine 55 Club members. 11 AM Parade of antique Fire Engines. It will begin at the Hamlin Town Hall and proceed down Lake Road (Rt. 19) to the firehouse. 11:30 AM until 3:30 PM open display of engine 55 where the public can use the engines hoses and it will be pumping water. 4 PM all antique engines will join all other vehicles for Wheelfest Parade. A Short History of Engine 55 Engine 55 or “Bertha” as she is lovingly referred to by all Hamlin firefighters, has a long and esteemed history in this community. The 1931 Ward LaFrance was the Hamlin Fire Districts first new engine. “Bertha” replaced a Model T Ford Chemical Extinguisher truck and two hose carts that had been used to protect Hamlin even before the Hamlin Fire District was incorporated in 1927. The 500-gallon per minute pump on Bertha was a giant leap forward in 1931 when it was new. Engine 55 served Hamlin for 28 years until 1959 when it was retired from active duty but still used for training and parades. She was later transferred to the Hamlin Fire Exempts who are the current owners. A Short History of the Engine 55 Club In 2002 the Hamlin Firemen’s Exempts decided to restore Engine 55 to its original 1931 condition and the “Engine 55 Club” was formed to coordinate fundraising and keep the project moving. The $60,000 renovation included tearing the whole vehicle down to its frame and repairing and refurbishing every part and receiving a coat of gloss red paint. The money to fund the project came from the Engine 55 Club, which raised $30,000 in a two-year fundraising drive. In the last six months over $9,500 dollars were also collected. The balance of the money came from a grant from the New York State Senate. The result of all this work is a 75 year old fire engine that looks and operates as good as is first day out of the factory.