22 JANUARY 2024 By Rachael Bouley Camelback Fire Department’s Engine 60 doesn’t fight fires anymore. Now, it serves a different purpose: bringing joy to the neighborhood. Most recently, Arcadians may have seen the truck at the AONA Fall Festival, or driving around with dressed-up skeletons or Santa and his reindeer hanging out on the back end. Engine 60 is all about fun. What started as a personal purchase blossomed into a successful business as people experience Engine 60’s appearances, thanks to Arcadia couple Ron and Beth Harris. Ron and his brother Randy have shared an appreciation of old, unique vehicles for as long as they can remember. While looking for a vintage purchase to commemorate Randy’s 60th birthday in 2020, the two stumbled upon a firetruck for sale in Wisconsin, and it was “fun” at first sight. “The previous owner convinced us to drive it from Appleton to Phoenix,” Ron said. “It was a very long trip – like driving a tractor 37 hours straight at a top speed of 55. Let’s just say it was a bonding experience we hope never to repeat.” A year later, Ron bought the truck from Randy. “I fell in love with the lines and era of this 1979 Seagrave pumper, with the idea of owning a symbol of giving, a piece of history,” Ron said. “It was also my reverence for first responders and their sacrifices on my behalf.” The firetruck, of course, would need a new name. Ron decided to go with something representing his neighborhood and home state. “We went to the Hall of Flame Fire Museum in Phoenix for ideas and eventually came up with Camelback Fire Department, Engine 60, to honor Randy’s 60th birthday,” Ron said. Before long, Ron noticed the truck was capturing attention whenever he took it for a spin. People wanted pictures and wanted to know about the history. When he drove Engine 60 to his father’s assisted living home in Paradise Valley, he was surprised to see six residents in wheelchairs waiting to get a glimpse of the restored red engine in all its glory. “Watching how much fun the residents were having made my heart smile. They all wanted their picture taken while donning a fire helmet and jacket,” Ron said. “They began singing a camp song about a firetruck from their youth I had never heard. It was magical and left me inspired to do more.” Requests began rolling in for party appearances. Ron has lost count of all the events he and Beth have done: heart- warming requests for picnics, birthday parties, Independence Day parades, store grand openings, Mother’s and Father’s Day drive-bys, and more. “Foam parties with our commercial foam cannon are a real hoot. We also try to decorate Engine 60 for the holidays. Our favorites are July 4 with flags, bunting, and Statue of Liberty on the back, and skeletons in fire outfits hanging all over for Halloween,” Ron said, “but Santa and reindeer for Christmas bring the most smiles, waves, and honking of horns by far.” He had no shortage of events this holiday season, with Engine 60 decked out for Christmas party photo sessions with Santa and his reindeer. Christmas props, music, fire jackets, and helmets made it a merry time for everyone. “My daughter expressed to me once that I was ‘serious about having fun,’ and I guess that’s appropriate,” Ron said. “Camelback Fire Department is all about joy, smiles and friendship, tidings and good cheer. We think you can never have too much of that.” The family also sees the public appreciation for firefighters firsthand whenever Engine 60 hits the road. “I am constantly thanked for my service, but I have to inform others that I was never a firefighter – I just own the truck,” Ron said. “First responders, you are loved and appreciated, and you should know it.” The Harris family says they’ve only just begun, with some special surprises in the works for the new year – but they are grateful and honored to be trusted each time they show up to bring good cheer and hope that Camelback 60 makes each event more fun. camelbackfire.com A TRUCKLOAD OF FUN! Decked out for Halloween. Holiday decorations bring the most smiles and waves from fans. Camelback Fire Engine 60 is equipped with lots of fun props – like dinosaurs – for parties and events. PHOTO COURTESY OF RON HARRIS

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