Will Straub 1963 900KB
Will purchased this 1963 Seagrave 900KB1000 pumper from Walker Church Volunteer Fire Dept. in Greensboro, GA in 1998 only a month after being taken out of service. It was originally sold to the Perseverance Volunteer Fire Company in Souderton, PA.
The engine was purchased in good condition and fully equipped, except for hose. Major components include: 1,000 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, ground ladders, hard suction hose, and a 5,000 watt generator. Also included were the original Operation & Maintenance Manual and Parts Manual. These have proved to be invaluable to maintain it in good working order. Also of interest was the run logbook for the original fire department it served.
Will's interest in fire trucks began as a young child. He grew up in the St. Louis, MO area where Seagrave rigs were plentiful. Will currently work as a Safety Coordinator and Assistant Fire Chief for an oil refinery in Corpus Christi, TX. He found the Seagrave through Firetec Sales while browsing for antique fire trucks, one day.
Living along the South Texas Gulf Coast presents some interesting challenges to owning an antique fire truck. Rust and corrosion prevention is a constant battle with the salt air, even with enclosed storage. Another challenge is finding ways to keep the engine from overheating during the summer months. Regardless of these challenges, Will still gets a thrill driving it in parades and other events. Will also gets a kick seeing the faces of children light up as he drives by with lights flashing and siren blaring. Who knows – maybe he'll inspire some child to own an antique fire truck someday – maybe even a Seagrave!
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