July 27 1 P.M . 
A restored 19th-century fire hose wagon will be presented to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) at a ceremony on July 27 at the Owls Head Transportation Museum.The restoration project was spearheaded by Andy Swift of Firefly Restorations in Hope, ME, and Ken Soderbeck of Jackson, MI, both nationally recognized fire engine restorers, to honor New York's firefighters following the events of September 11.
Working with major support from the Maine State Federation of Firefighters, as well as fire departments around the country, Swift and Soderbeck have transformed the 1890s horse-drawn hose wagon into a funeral caisson that will be used to honor future New York City firefighters. "In the firefighting profession, honoring your dead is something sacred", said Swift. "It is a great honor to pay tribute in this way. "
According to Swift, he and MSFF approached New York City fire officials in the fall of 2001 with an offer to restore an antique firefighting vehicle. He acknowledges a hose wagon was not what he intially had in mind, but with the charge to convert it into a funeral caisson, "it made perfect sense." Swift says more than 2,500 hours went into the restoration including several days to research the original design and traditional paint scheme. Except for adaptations to people- rather than horse-power, the restoration is accurate down to the finest detail.
This past spring, with the project nearing completion, discussion began about where to make the presentation of the finished caisson. "It was my wife, Kathy, who suggested the presentation should be in Maine from the people of Maine," said Swift. She further suggested the Owls Head Transportation Museum as an appropriate venue for the occassion.
"We were only too happy to offer use of our facility to Andy Swift and the Maine State Federation of Firefighters to host this event", said OHTM Director Charles Chiarchiaro. The presentation will take place during the Museum's annual two-day Truck, Tractor and Commercial Vehicle Meet. "The truck meet attracts antique fire engines from thoughout Maine and New England," said Chiarchiaro, "It will be a wonderful opportunity for the people of Maine to celebrate and honor New York City firefighters. My hat is off to Andy Swift and all the people involved in this restoration," Chiarchiaro added. "This is what a tribute is all about. It is not about money. This comes from the heart."
The presentation will take place on Saturday, July 27 at 1 p.m. A delegation of six representatives from the FDNY will travel to Maine for the event. The caisson will be on display in the Museum throughout the weekend.
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