PORT ANGELES — Sparky is likely getting a new owner.
The venerable Port Angeles Fire Engine No. 5 will be transferred from the city to the Port Angeles Firefighters Association if the City Council approves the $1 surplus sale today at its regular meeting.
The association, a division of the nonprofit Port Angeles Fire Department Auxiliary, plans to restore the 1954 Seagrave fire engine and use it for community events, city officials said.
In addition to parades, the engine was used as the primary transport for second-graders on “Sparky Week,” a long-time tradition where students rode to and from the fire station.
It has also been used in “Operation Candy Cane,” a 32-year-old holiday food bank collection.
Every December, Sparky is adorned with holiday lights as firefighters cruise the neighborhoods handing out candy canes in exchange for nonperishable food and cash donations to the Port Angeles Food Bank.
“Grandparents, parents and children alike all share in its traditions,” city spokeswoman Kari Martinez-Bailey said in a news release.
Port Angeles Fire Chief Ken Dubuc has said the engine has reached the end of its useful life.
“Repairs for the engine are cost prohibitive and parts are no longer available,” Dubuc said in a memo to the council.
“Per Council direction, the Fire Department has identified a community group that is willing to take possession of the engine.”
According to a proposed resolution, the transfer of the engine will be subject to the following conditions:
• The auxiliary will provide regular updates to Fire Department administration on the status of the engine.
• It will maintain the vehicle in good working order, make necessary repairs and keep it out of the elements.
• The auxiliary will give the city a right of first refusal should it decide to relinquish Sparky in the future.
Dubuc and City Manager Dan McKeen were not immediately available for comment Monday.
Sparky will be on display at City Hall at 321 E. Fifth St. beginning at 4:30 p.m. today.
The council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the council chambers.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at [email protected] dailynews.com.
