Friends of the Appleton Fire Department

06/30/2026

Can't wait to see you next week!

🚒 Ever wonder how Appleton's historic Old Engine No. 5 found its way back home?

Join us at the Appleton Public Library for a special presentation on the history and restoration of the Appleton Fire Department's 1928 Seagrave, Old Engine No. 5.

Retired AFD Lieutenant Brad Brautigam will share the remarkable story of how this historic fire engine was located, brought back to Appleton, and restored to become the community treasure it is today.

As a fourth-generation member of the Appleton Fire Department and the driving force behind the Revive Old Engine 5 campaign, Brad offers a unique perspective on the history, challenges, and successes of this incredible project.

📍 Appleton Public Library
📅 Wednesday, July 8
🕡 6:30 p.m.
🎟 Free and open to the public
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DnKacKS6m/

And if the weather cooperates, Old Engine No. 5 will be on site for attendees to see up close!

We hope you'll join us to celebrate a piece of Appleton's firefighting history and learn how this nearly century-old fire engine earned its second tour of duty.

06/24/2026

Friends of the Appleton Fire Department is proud to share that we have been selected as a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grantee.

Through this project, the Appleton Fire Department will partner with City of Appleton Government Emergency Management to provide disaster preparedness education and emergency preparedness kits for older adults in our community.

The project will focus on practical planning, preparedness resources, and conversations that help older adults feel more confident before an emergency happens. Participants will receive guidance on disaster readiness along with supplies designed to support individual preparedness.

This project was funded by a grant from AARP.

Thank you to AARP Livable Communities for supporting this work and helping make Appleton a more prepared, resilient, and livable community for people of all ages.

Appleton Health Department
AARP Livable Communities
AARP Wisconsin

06/10/2026

🚒 Ever wonder how Appleton's historic Old Engine No. 5 found its way back home?

Join us at the Appleton Public Library for a special presentation on the history and restoration of the Appleton Fire Department's 1928 Seagrave, Old Engine No. 5.

Retired AFD Lieutenant Brad Brautigam will share the remarkable story of how this historic fire engine was located, brought back to Appleton, and restored to become the community treasure it is today.

As a fourth-generation member of the Appleton Fire Department and the driving force behind the Revive Old Engine 5 campaign, Brad offers a unique perspective on the history, challenges, and successes of this incredible project.

📍 Appleton Public Library
📅 Wednesday, July 8
🕡 6:30 p.m.
🎟 Free and open to the public
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DnKacKS6m/

And if the weather cooperates, Old Engine No. 5 will be on site for attendees to see up close!

We hope you'll join us to celebrate a piece of Appleton's firefighting history and learn how this nearly century-old fire engine earned its second tour of duty.

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