John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum Exhibit to Honor Fire Brigade

A photograph of the John Deere Fire Brigade in November 1951.
A photograph of the John Deere Fire Brigade in November 1951.

The Waterloo-based John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum announced on Sept. 21 that it will be opening a temporary exhibit on Sept. 26 to kick off Fire Prevention Week. The “Keeping the Factory Safe: The John Deere Fire Brigade” exhibit will include a Kalamazoo SL2500 Fire Truck from 1975, as well as a number of Fire Brigade artifacts.

The exhibit is hosting a series of special events to recognize Fire Prevention Week. From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., a Fire Brigade program featuring current and former members will be hosted. Between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., the Waterloo Fire Department and one of their firetrucks will be on hand for demonstrations and photos.

"Many employees throughout the company's history served on the brigade and contributed to the safety of the factories, allowing John Deere to focus on building the best tractors and engines in the industry,” said Dawn Hendershot, manager of the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum. “In fact, the fire brigade is still active and plays a very important role in our company. This new exhibit celebrates the history of the John Deere Fire Brigade and the employees who kept the factory safe. We look forward to opening it to the public."

All past and present members of the Fire Brigade will have free admission to the museum on the day of the event. The John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum is typically open to the public between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday.