When retired City of Buffalo firefighter Gary Schultz saw that the Lackawanna Fire Department was auctioning off an old ladder firetruck, he could not let it go to scrap. His bid won and he decided to take the vehicle and turn it into a memorial for his fellow firefighters, EMS personnel and United States veterans. His plan is to ride it parades to thank first responders and our Armed Services for what they do for their communities and our country.
He contacted Niagara Career and Technical Education Center’s Diesel Technology teacher Wes Blidy and asked him if his students would be willing to do some basic maintenance to get it road ready and Mr. Blidy and his students jumped at the chance. “It’s a great opportunity to do something for these brave members of our community who protect us by putting themselves in harm’s way,” he says. “It is a great hands-on experience for the class and they can receive CDOS (Career Development and Occupational Studies) hours towards their coursework and work based learning experiences.”
The students performed basic maintenance, changed the oil, replaced lights and checked the mechanics from top to bottom. “They are so proud to say that they worked on this,” added Blidy.