The Cape Coral Professional Firefighters Local 2424 of the International Association of Fire Fighters is proud to reintroduce one of the City's most memorable pieces of history. The American Lafrance Fire Pumper was purchased in 1980, (after an Engine rolled over in an accident in which two members were injured) this pumper, destined for the City of Memphis, Tenn. was taken off the assembly line and delivered to the City of Cape Coral and housed at Fire Staion 1. Engine 1, as it's call sign, served nearly 18 years for the City of Cape Coral Fire Department. In fact Engine 1 pumped some of the City's largest fires in it's history including the Tudor Manor Fire of 1982 and the Plaza 44 Fire in 1987.

However on February 17, 1984, one of the sadest days in the Cape Coral Fire Department would strike  Engine 1. Firefighter Michael T. "Mickey" McCarthy would make the supreme sacrifice. While extinguishing a fire assigned to Engine 1, Firefighter McCarthy would suffer a heart attack and die in the line of duty.     

Engine 1 and it's company would serve the citizens of Cape Coral for 13 more years before being retired from the Fire Department in 1997. It would not be until May of 2001 that Engine 1 was located by the Cape Coral Professional Firefighters in a used car lot. Even though Engine 1 was in poor condition the Firefighters once again solidified their brotherhood by purchasing it, in an effort to restore it to it's original glory.

On July 12, 2005 Special Recognizition was given to Lt. Paul Christman for his unselfish dedication to the restoration of Engine 1. Furthermore special thanks was awarded to Lt. Jeff Muchmore and MasterTouch Autobody for all of their help. Today Engine 1 stands soundly and proudly before all of the Citizens of Cape Coral and their Firefighters. The Members of the Cape Coral Professional Firefighters Local 2424 are determined to keep this apparatus in it's beautiful state. If you would like to be apart of commerorating this rolling piece of history and the men and women who served  on it please make your donation to:    The Cape Coral Professional Firefighters 
P.O. Box 152937
Attn. LaFrance Committee
Cape Coral, Fl. 33915-2937