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Pompano Beach's original fire station, built in 1926, now is
a museum tracing the history of city firefighting and housing the city's first
two fire trucks. Many area residents have seen these trucks in local parades and
during special city events.
The station was in use as a firehouse until 1948 when it was
converted to city office space. Restoration began in 1986, and the station
opened in 1987 as a museum operated by the Pompano 5555 Society.
Pompano's first pumper, an American La France, was delivered
to the city on July 13, 1926, and was in
use until 1948. The truck was placed on reserve status and
was sold at auction in 1973. Unused and left to rust, the truck was rescued by
the Pompano Beach Historical Society in 1983 for $1,800. Over a period of 4
years, it was restored using the labor of interested firefighters and local
residents. Its six‑cylinder engine was rebuilt in 1988 and is undergoing
another engine rebuilding.
The second pumper to serve Pompano was a 1948 America La
France known as the "Invader." Powered by a V-12 engine, the fire
truck was used until the late 1970s when it was placed on reserve status. The
5555 Society restored the truck's engine in 1985.
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