Our ornament this year is a 1948 American LaFrance 700 series pumper!
This popular model was purchased by both the City of Aurora and the City of Batavia. This engine had the latest firefighting technology and it was said that you could balance a coin on the hood while the engine was running, the motor was that smooth!
These two engines crossed paths during a devastating fire. On March 26, 1967, the vacant Cotton Mill on North River St. in Downtown Aurora caught on fire. The building scheduled for demolition had its sprinkler system shut off so the fire spread quickly. While Aurora Fire Department worked to quell the Cotton Mill fire with their 1948 American LaFrance the Batavia Fire Department sent their own 1948 American LaFrance to work out of Central Station to respond to any other calls the department received.
Unfortunately, Aurora’s 1948 American LaFrance 700 series pumper was destroyed in the Cotton Mill fire. Assistant Chief Norm Buhrmann, when interviewed about the fire, explained that “the number three truck was attached to a hydrant when the heat became very intense…a set of high tension wires fell on the vehicle.”
To honor these two pumpers that both worked to protect the city of Aurora during a devastating fire, our 2025 Holiday Ornament showcases one town on each side of the ornament.
Pre-order your ornament today at: https://bit.ly/2025ARFMHolidayOrnament
Ornaments are $20 or 2 for $35. They will be available for pickup or delivery and are expected to arrive around Thanksgiving.