Vintage Fire Truck To Promote Tampa Bay 1st Responders

TAMPA, FL -- It may not have all of the bells and whistles of its modern counterparts. But this 1957 fire engine makes up for it with its longevity and vintage style.

After being used for 61 years to fight fires, the restored fire engine will now be used to promote firefighters and other first responders at parades and other events throughout Tampa Bay.

Eddie Gomez, general manager and equity partner for Gordon Chevrolet Tampa, 16414 N. Dale Mabry Highway, and his son, Ryan Gomez, a former firefighter and current guest experience manager at the dealership, bought the fire truck as a way to give back to the community and to honor the first responders who risk their lives for the community.

The bright red truck was recently decorated with new graphics that read, "Proud to Support First Responders" and made its debut appearance at the Lutz Fourth of July Parade.

Gomez noted that the fire truck to honor first responders goes hand in hand with GM's recently launched first responder discount program available until Jan. 2 to paid and volunteer firefighters, police officers, sheriff's deputies, correctional officers, state troopers, federal law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and 911 dispatchers with a valid first responder ID.

Any community organization wishing to have the fire truck at an upcoming community event should contact Ryan Gomez at (813) 969-2600.

Image via Gordon Chevrolet

(For more local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Tampa Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)