Refurbished antique fire engine unveiled at South Prairie event

The public is invited to the unveiling of the newly refurbished 1927 Howard Cooper fire engine that was used by South Prairie volunteers to protect the town. The unveiling will be part of the South Prairie National Night Out event, from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, August 3. The ceremony will take place at the East Pierce Fire and Rescue station, at 350 State Route 162 in South Prairie.

The restoration was a pet project of the late East Pierce Fire Chief Dan Packer. In recognition of his efforts, the engine has been dedicated to his memory. Packer was killed in a California wildfire in 2008.

The project was managed by Assistant Chief Barry Barquest and the repair work was done by Bill Jorgensen of Meridian Collision Center, Inc., in Puyallup.

Also during the ceremony, East Pierce will honor one of its long-time volunteers, Layne Ross, who retires after 38 years of service to the South Prairie community.