Say Hello to Our Newest Little Friend

The Cal Fire Museum has a new acquisition! We’ve received the gift of a (mostly) restored 1953 GMC Model #1 to be housed in RRU. Chris Garbutt and his family have spent many hours working to get the engine renewed and running again, but they are relocating out of state and were unable to take the engine with them. We deeply appreciate their gift of this piece of history to add to our collection. They were sad to say goodbye, but glad to know it will be used and cared for by the Cal Fire Museum.

See more in our You Tube special peek here: https://youtu.be/LhhrzUz47eA

Click on any photo to enlarge

The engine served in RRU and MVU, ending up with a VFC near Julian in the 1970s. (see the old door seal) Its now back in good hands to be finished up and hopefully will be available soon for displays and events. With the cooperation from RRU Management, Jan Newman our President and museum manager was able to coordinate the donation, transfer and storage arrangements to make this possible. Many thanks also to the HFEOs from Bautista for helping us make sure this engine gets the care and respect it deserves!

One of the first generation of Model #1 firetrucks, designed to carry 4 personnel, with a two-speed rear axle, a 500 gallon tank and a 250 GPM Hercules/Berkeley pump was donated to the museum in May 2025 by the Garbutt family. The engine will be housed in RRU for further restoration touches and use in displays and events.