A piece of Winkler's firefighting history is returning home. The community's first new fire truck was a 1950 Ford 3-ton fire truck, purchased for $5,000. Now more than 65 years later it's been refurbished and returned to Winkler.

The 500 gallon pumper was purchased by the village of Winkler in 1952 and would go on to serve the department for the next 26 years.

The truck was outfitted with a 500 gallon water tank; today's fire trucks are equipped with 800 gallons

The truck was purchased in 1978 by the Darlingford fire department and continued to answer calls until being retired in 2004.

Winkler firefighter Ernie Froese purchased the vehicle at that time, before turning it over to the firehall to be refurbished.

Chief Richard Paetzold explains the truck was a crucial resource during the infamous 1961 fire in Winkler that decimated an entire street.

The truck is featured in many of the historical photos and records, "this fire truck is the one pictured pumping and pumping during that whole fire," he says.

Surprisingly, Paetzold notes they can still buy parts for the truck, adding Hometown Ford in Winkler still carries the original manual.

"It's just a nice piece of history to have back," he says.

The truck faithfully served the Winkler fire department for 26 years before a second career with the Darlingford fire department for another 26 years

Along with the replica of the original town fire bell tower, the vehicle is another nod to the department's history.

However, it's not an effort to live in the past, Paetzold explains, but like the replica of the original fire bell tower, "it's nice to bring significant pieces back that makes us remember where we came from, and to be grateful for the equipment we have."

The truck will soon be on permanent display at the Winkler Fire Hall Museum.

The refurbished truck with the replica of the original fire bell tower