The McLean Volunteer Fire Department’s vintage Peter Pirsch pumper, built in 1969 and used from 1970 to 1986, won honors for American Legion Post 270 in the recent President’s Day Parade in Alexandria.
It was part of a unit of 13 antique fire engines that made up the Post 270 unit in the parade.
The truck was first used in the parade in 1999, said Volunteer Fire Chief Clyde Clark. Gradually, more antique trucks from the Old Dominion Historical Fire Society joined in, until this year, there were 13 antique trucks in Post 270’s entry.
Vice Commander Jack McMahon, who originally recruited the fire truck for the parade, said a large plaque arrived at his home in the mail unexpectedly, announcing Post 270’s selection for having the best entry in the parade.
The Pirsch pumper had 52,000 speedometer miles and about 130,000 engine miles when it was retired, said Clark.