Central ND News

The City of Bismarck has reacquired a historic fire truck, known as the ’26 Seagrave, after purchasing it from the Beck family for $25,000. The vehicle was originally sold at a city surplus auction decades ago and had since been kept in storage.

“This truck is a symbol of the pride and honor that we have in our tradition and history,” said Bismarck Fire Chief Joel Boespflug. “We’re very excited to have it and to be able to display it. It’s a tribute to those who served before us. We are extremely grateful to the Beck family and to (Bismarck City Administrator) Jason Tomanek for helping make this happen.”

The process of bringing the truck back began when Bismarck City Administrator Jason Tomanek visited the storage facility where it was housed, following discussions with local residents about community history.

John Risch III Commissioner | City of Bismarck

“It was one of those moments where local people were talking about local history and the right things happened at the right time,” said Tomanek. “Jim Beck mentioned the truck was for sale and the City Commissioners agreed it was a piece of our history worth bringing home.”

City Commissioner and Fire Department Portfolio Holder John Risch highlighted the importance of the fire truck for Bismarck residents: “This fire truck means a lot to the community. For decades, it played a key role in protecting our citizens. It’s living history, not just a photo or a story. We want to have it out in the community, especially in 2026 when it turns 100 years old.”

Fire Captain Chris Anderson explained that the ’26 Seagrave represented an important transition from horse-drawn fire vehicles to motorized response for Bismarck’s fire department. He detailed its origins: purchased for $12,500 and built specifically for Bismarck in Ohio in 1926, arriving later that year.

The vehicle responded to its first fire on March 22, 1927. Notably, during the Capitol Building fire on December 28, 1930, it operated as the only responding unit after another truck became stuck en route. In 1946, it pumped water continuously for two days during an emergency response.

Unlike modern trucks that can pump up to 2,000 gallons per minute, this Seagrave could pump water from hydrants at up to 750 gallons per minute but did not carry water itself. The vehicle remained active until the 1960s; parts orders found by Anderson date back as late as 1963.

“Firefighters take a lot of pride in their work, their department and the history of their department,” Anderson said. “We were the first organized fire department in the Dakotas – this is a way to honor that legacy. With the research I’ve done recently, I’ve learned a lot about this truck and I’m probably more excited about it than anybody else. Seeing it in front of me, it was surreal. But as a department, we are all extremely excited and proud of what it represents.”

Until three years ago, residents often saw this historic vehicle featured in parades; however, it has not run since then. After its recent purchase by Bismarck officials, firefighters worked with Public Works staff to transport it so Fleet Division mechanics could begin restoration work on its mechanical systems.