The city of Flowery Branch is looking at options to preserve a piece of its past, a fire truck that is nearly 60 years old.
The city has not had a fire department for many years, but the truck, originally used in 1959, has stayed in the city's possession to this day. At Thursday's city council meeting, officials offered the council the option to send the truck to an open auction as one of several surplus vehicles the city was looking to clear from its inventory.
The council voted to approve the auction of three of those four vehicles, asking to hold on to the fire truck for at least a little longer.
"It'd be a shame to see that go, because it's been here forever," Councilwoman Mary Jones said.
The truck is currently being held in a closed lot in the city. City Clerk Melissa McCain said officials may look for local auto repair shops who may be interested in restoring it before they pursue other options.
Officials said the truck has been used in city parades in the past, but the brakes on the vehicle are now not working, making it unsafe to put on roads. City Manager Bill Andrew said while it needs repairs, the vehicle is in surprisingly good condition.
"The door closes more solidly and beautifully than, like, any car," Andrew said. "It's amazing, it has a nice sound, it's got the original interior."
Neither city officials nor the city's website have information on when the fire department ceased operations. Councilman Christopher Mundy made the motion to hold on to the vehicle.
"It's worth a shot," Mundy said.
Flowery Branch Police Chief David Spillers also said he was interested in preserving the truck.
"I think it's a very enticing project to restore that piece of history and get some community involvement, perhaps, in it," Spillers said. "It would be an interesting addition to the September car show."
