1950 HVFD REO Renovation

The Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) is proud to announce the return of our long-lost 1950 Ransom Eli Oldsmobile (REO) fire truck! In 1949, the Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department purchased the REO/American 750 GPM pumper from the American Fire Apparatus Company in Battle Creek Michigan. Modest compared to other well-funded departments, it was our pride and joy. It serviced the Hillandale community until 1971 at which time it was sold to a small fire department in Pennsylvania. In 2017, after 46 years, HVFD reacquired the REO, returning it home to Hillandale! WE NEED YOUR HELP to restore the REO back to its former glory. We are now in the long and tedious process of renovating this engine to a serviceable state. Click here to watch our REO in action!

Thanks to Andy Cohen and Junkyard Empire, the REO is once again operating and roadworthy. The Velocity Channel has been documenting this effort and showcased it on Junkyard Empire. Click Here to watch the show which is entitled "The Big Red Build" (Episode 4)!

Your help is needed to assist us with the financial support needed to continue and complete the renovation. When completed the vehicle will be a stable part of our community education campaign that includes teaching CPR, Until Help Arrives, Stop the Bleed, Fire Prevention and other education programs. Additionally, we have reached out to Santa who has committed to ride the REO through the streets of Hillandale if we re able to get it restored.

Here are different ways you can help:

• Make a tax deductible donation by clicking here

• Purchase one of the following naming rights by clicking here

  • Body work, repair and painting - $10,000

  • Siren, Federal Q2B chrome, bumper mounted - $1,800

  • Bell, chrome plated finish, 12” with eagle and hardware - $1,625

  • Booster reel, used to store booster line - $1,000

  • Ladder, 2 section, aluminum, 24’ - $700

  • Hose, supply line - $550 ea. (20)

  • Hose, suction sleeve - $460 ea. (2)

  • Hose, booster line - $250 ea. (2)

  • Emergency beacon ray light, roof mounted - $220

  • Left and right chrome spotlights - $200 ea. (2)

  • Vintage antique fire extinguisher - $175 ea. (2)

  • Side view mirrors - $170 ea. (2)

  • Hose, attack line - $150 ea. (6)

Please note, you can purchase a partial naming right (i.e. a donation towards body work that is less than $10,000), and you will share the naming right for that purchase with other donors.

All funds collected for the REO go to that project. This project is managed, staffed, and supported  by the volunteers and friends of HVFD. Thank you to those who are sending us old pictures of the REO Firetruck!  If you have pictures, we'd love to post them on this website.  Please send them to hillandalefiredepartment@gmail.com

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!