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Television's "Engine 51"
now in service at Yosemite National Park.
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Purchased to provide fire protection
for the Yosemite Park and Curry Company in 1937, this faithful
Seagrave served in the national park for 50 years. In 1987,
now-retired L.A. County Fire Chief John England arranged for
a 1972 Ward LaFrance pumper to be turned over to the fire
department in Yosemite in exchange for the ‘37 Seagrave,
which was then donated to the museum.
Originally, the Ward LaFrance had been
donated to Universal Studios by its manufacturer to serve
as "Engine 51" on the "Emergency!" television
series. When production of the series ended, Universal donated
the engine to the County Fire Department. The Seagrave is
still in its original paint and has changed little since first
delivered for service. Though we’re proud to have it
as part of our collection, we’re saving a spot for "Engine
51" when she retires from service in Yosemite. Eventually,
we hope we’ll be able to park her next to our most popular
piece, "Squad 51."
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