In 1950 the County of Los Angeles Fire Department purchased three Model “L” Mack fire engines, these three fire engines went to fire stations 66 (Pasadena), 64 (San Dimas) and 69 (Topanga Canyon). Engine 66 and 64 most likely ended up in Mexico, and engine 69 is now in the possession of the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association (a not for profit organization).
In its day, Topanga Canyon’s engine 69 was the pride of the fleet. Sporting a Thermodine gasoline engine, a 600 gallon water tank, and custom Los Angeles County Fire Department specifications, Engine 69 was one of Los Angeles County Fire Departments first red fire engines (the prior engines were painted green).
Engine 69 was delivered to the County of Los Angeles Fire Department on March 15th, 1950 and Thursday March 23rd was its first day of service at station 69 in Topanga Canyon. Captain Whelan, Patrolman Balintine, and firefighter Gray were on duty along with Chief Rorison, the Battalion chief.
Engine 69 was only in service until 1955 or 1956 at which time it was replaced by a new Crown fire engine. After being retired from front line service, Engine 69 became reserve Engine 501. After retirement from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Engine 69’s history is very sketchy, however, it appears that it was used in the motion picture industry. Engine 69 resurfaced again in 1992.
In 1992, Los Angeles County Fire Captain Bob Hewitt was driving through Camarillo and came across an old fire engine for sale on a used car lot. Captain Bob Hewitt wondered what department this unique fire engine came from and did some research, discovering this was Engine 69, an original Los Angeles County rig.
Captain Bob Hewitt bought/rescued the rig, even though he wasn’t prepared to take on such a large project. However, he was unwilling to let the rig be sold to someone who may not care about its historical value. Even so, Engine 69 would end up sitting outside in the city of Phelan for the next four years.
In 1996, Los Angeles County Firefighter Specialist Marty Smith learned that Bob Hewitt had a cool old fire engine that needed a new home. Marty contacted Bob because he felt that he couldn’t just let this piece of Los Angeles County Fire Department history slip through his fingers, so he had Engine 69 loaded on a trailer and moved to Rancho Cucamonga.
In 2004, the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association acquired the engine from Marty. On February 12, 2005, Engine 69 was moved from Rancho Cucamonga to the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum in South Gate.
The Mission
Each year, the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association
makes the decision on which vintage apparatus to restore. This decision is driven by numerous factors, including but not limited to, rarities, historical value, cost, and time availability.
Because Engine 69 has significant historical value, both to the County of Los Angeles Fire Department and Topanga Canyon,
the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association would like to expedite the restoration of Engine 69.
Engine 69 is in desperate need of restoration and will be immediately taken to an outside vendor to help evaluate and plan for this restoration.
The Plea
The County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Assocation is looking for targeted funding to insure the restoration of Engine 69 proceeds in a timely manor. Targeted funding is money donated to the museum that can only be used in this particular restoration project (engine 69). The estimated cost of this restoration will be between $35,000 and $45,000.
After the restoration is completed, Engine 69 will be on display at our museum. Select events promoting Topanga Canyon, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department and the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum (such as the Topanga parade) will be in Engine 68's future. Also, a plaque will be placed on the engine recognizing the people who made the restoration possible.
Electronic donation
Mail Donations can be made to:
County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association
C/O Fire engine 69
P.O. Box 3325
Alhambra, Ca. 91803
