A new home for Old Betsy

Gresham’s firefighting history is back in the spotlight. Old Betsy, the Gresham Fire Department’s first motorized fire engine, finally has a new home!

You can see her gleaming outside Gresham City Hall in a beautiful new display facing Eastman Parkway.

Children visit Old Betsy at Gresham City Hall.  

A classic gets a makeover

Restored by the Gresham Volunteer Firefighters Association in 1985, the 1928 American LaFrance engine had spent years in storage. This year, the volunteer association, Gresham Professional Firefighters Local 1062 and the City teamed up to give her a home: a 24-foot climate-controlled glass storefront.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Greg Moen, President, Gresham Volunteer Firefighters Association.

Built with community spirit

Firefighters led by Lt. Michael Snodgrass welded, prepped and painted the mini-museum in their off-duty hours. local businesses contributed materials and services at reduced cost. The City helped push the project over the finish line with a location seen by thousands of vehicles every day. Swing by City Hall and say hi to Old Betsy.

Old Betsy also got a glow up for the unveiling, thanks to firefighter sweat equity.

Left: Old Betsy cruises Main Avenue. Photo courtesy of the Gresham Historical Society. Right: Fire Lt. Kevin Larson and Greg Moen, Gresham Volunteer Firefighters Association.

A tradition rolls in

On July 28, firefighters and City leaders gathered as Old Betsy was pushed into her new home. The “push-in” tradition dates to the 1800s, when crews pushed fire apparatus back into the bay after unhitching it from horses.

“We want to make sure we keep that connection with our past,” said Assistant Fire Chief Michael Traeger, “because our mission remains the same.”

And she still runs!

To the delight of everyone, Old Betsy still runs. So don’t be surprised to see her parading around town at special events, including her 100th birthday party in a couple of years.

Watch this video and meet Old Betsy.

Kevin Larson and Michael Snodgrass, Gresham Fire Lieutenants. 

Old Betsy bits

“Old Betsy is just an integral part of that story of why you’re a firefighter here, and how Gresham Fire has developed over the years. The volunteers did a great job refurbishing this piece of history and it’s magnificent. It should be on display for all to see.” — Kevin Larson, President, Gresham Firefighters Local 1062

“What makes me excited is that she’ll be on display and protected for years to come. Because in two years it’s her 100th birthday.” — Lt. Michael Snodgrass, Gresham Fire