The Journey

On the night of November 12, 1912, local businessmen met because they felt that protection from fire was of prime importance to this new community. At 8:00 p.m. that evening, the businessmen and residents established the Torrance Volunteer Fire Department. Within two days the ranks had swelled to 40 men. The Chamber of Commerce would act as an advisory board to this new service until the city was incorporated. 

During the early years, the old fire company grew as the city attracted more residents. The Volunteer Fire Department was also a social group and it was quite prestigious to belong to it. 

Towards the end of the decade the Fire Department purchased two 1949 Mack fire engines. One an open cab and the sister engine a closed cab. The open cab engine was purchased in 1974 by the Torrance Jaycees after serving the community for 25 years.

Restoration began on August 25, 1990 by Pete Eliopulos & the following year Dave Carpenter joined him. In 1992 the truck received a new paint job & new chrome on the front grill. In 1993 the front seats were upholstered.