Friends of the Appleton Fire Department

04/11/2026

🚒 A huge thank you to C R Canvas Specialties! 🚒

We want to recognize the incredible craftsmanship of Heather and Jennifer at C R Canvas Specialties in Greenville for creating an exact replica of Engine 5’s original hosebed cover.

Their attention to detail and dedication to getting it just right helps preserve an important piece of our department’s history. Projects like this keep the legacy of Engine 5 alive for our community and future generations.

We’re grateful for the time, talent, and care that went into this work. Thank you for helping bring this piece of history back to life!

12/13/2025

11/20/2025

During recent training, your firefighters practiced vent-enter-search (VES) tactics, entering through windows to rapidly locate and remove victims, while also providing advanced life support to patients exposed to smoke and toxic gases.

Fire companies performed coordinated rescues and simulated treatment of victims suffering from cyanide exposure, using tools like the Cyanokit to deliver critical care in the moments that matter most.

These scenarios push our skills, sharpen our response, and remind us exactly why training matters.

10/23/2025

🚒 A heartfelt thank you to the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region!!

We’re honored to share that the Friends of the Appleton Fire Department has received a generous grant to support critical brake system repairs for our beloved Old Engine No. 5.

This funding will help ensure that Engine 5 remains parade-ready and roadworthy for years to come, allowing us to preserve and share an important piece of Appleton’s firefighting history with future generations.

👏 Thank you to the Nelson Family Fund and the Community Foundation for supporting this project, and for investing in the people and stories that continue to shape our community.

09/25/2025

We’ll see you this weekend, Appleton!

🚒 Friday – License to Cruise
We’re rolling into downtown with Old Engine No. 5, Appleton Fire Department's restored 1928 Seagrave!
Come find us along the car lineup and say hi 👋
Donations collected Friday will go directly toward Engine 5’s ongoing restoration and maintenance.

🌶️ Saturday – Appleton's Octoberfest Chili Booth
We’re back again serving up our famous chili in front of Bazil's Pub until it’s gone!
Proceeds from Saturday’s chili sales support the Friends of the Appleton Fire Department and our mission to preserve fire service history and support the people who protect Appleton today.

📸 Bring your camera, your appetite, and your community spirit — we can’t wait to see you there!

07/20/2025

🔥 Engine 5 is on display at the Appleton Old Car Show!

Come visit us today at Pierce Park — Old Engine No. 5, is one of this year’s showcase vehicles!

You’ll find us here until 4 p.m. with some familiar faces from Appleton Fire and Retired Lieutenant Brad Brautigam, who’s sharing stories and answering questions.

💬 Stop by, say hello, snap a photo, and learn how Friends of AFD is working to preserve the past while supporting those who protect us today.

If you’d like to support future restoration and maintenance efforts, donations are always appreciated at 👉 https://afdfriends.org/ways-to-contribute/

📍 Free admission — we’d love to see you!

07/19/2025

❗ Reminder ❗

Catch the Appleton Fire Department’s Old Engine No. 5 as one of the two showcase vehicles at the 48th Annual Appleton Old Car Show and Swap Meet

📍 Pierce Park | 1035 W Prospect Ave, Appleton
📅 Tomorrow, Sunday, July 20th
🕗 8am - 4pm

🚒 Admission is free for spectators — see you there!

07/16/2025

🔥 Catch Old Engine No. 5 at the Appleton Old Car Show!

We’re excited to share that Appleton Fire Department’s 1928 Seagrave, Old Engine No. 5, will be featured as one of the two showcase vehicles at the 48th Annual Appleton Old Car Show and Swap Meet this Sunday, July 20 at Pierce Park!

🕗 Stop by anytime between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to check it out, and be sure to say hello to Retired Lieutenant Brad Brautigam, who will be there answering questions and sharing the history behind this iconic fire engine.

🚒 Admission is free for spectators — see you there!

06/12/2025

🚨 Happening Tonight! 🚒
Come see Appleton Fire Department’s restored Engine No. 5 on display at the Appleton History Museum!

📅 Thursday, June 12
🕕 Presentation at 6 PM
🎤 Hosted by retired AFD Lieutenant Brad Brautigam

Get an up-close look at a beautifully restored piece of Appleton’s firefighting past and hear the stories behind it.

📍 Free and open to the public — we hope to see you there!

05/25/2025

She’s back! 🚒
Appleton Fire Department’s 1928 Seagrave—Old Engine No. 5—is officially ready for her second tour of duty.

Thanks to the generous support of community members and local businesses, this piece of AFD history has been brought back to life.

You can see Old Engine 5 in action during her first public appearance in the Appleton Memorial Day Parade tomorrow, Monday, May 26.

We’re honored to have her participate in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 🇺🇸

04/19/2025

Stop by Classic Mechanics on Northland and see Old Engine 5!
We’ll be here until 11:00
🚒