By Joey Oliver
mlive.com
BAY CITY, Mich. – The Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum has announced the acquisition of a historic firefighting vehicle but is looking for community support to help transport the massive piece of history across the country.
The museum has acquired the Super Tender from Ruth Wick of Hemet, California, assembling two pieces of firefighting history that once comprised the “legendary” Fire Department of New York Super Pumper System, museum officials said.
“We’re honored to bring the Super Tender to Bay City and reunite it with the iconic Super Pumper,” Dale Bash, board chairman of the Antique Toy and Fire Truck Museum, said in a statement.
“This is an opportunity to preserve and share a pivotal piece of firefighting history. We are honored to be given the opportunity by Mrs. Wick to celebrate her husband’s vision to preserve and restore the FDNY Super Tender, while making it available for the public to see firsthand.”
Originally commissioned in 1964 for the New York City Fire Department, the Super Pumper was a groundbreaking system, capable of pumping 8,800 gallons of water per minute.
The pumper was designed for large-scale industrial fires and emergencies. Its partner, the Super Tender, provided critical support, supplying large diameter fire hose, a 10,000-gpm water monitor gun, and additional equipment.
The Super Tender was purchased through a FDNY deaccession process in 1989 by Hewy Wick, who drove the unit cross-country from New Jersey to his California home. Wick restored the unit and routinely displayed it in community and fire history events.
The Tender was frequently featured as California organizations memorialized the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
Bringing the Tender to its new home is still a hurdle, however. The museum has launched a fundraising campaign, seeking $80,000 to cover the cost of specialized transportation, logistical planning, and preservation needs.
Donations can be made through the museum’s website, through upcoming fundraising events and benefit auctions or by simply sharing the campaign with friends and family.
Donors contributing $250 or more will receive an invitation to the Super Pumper System’s unveiling event, planned for early 2026.
“This is not just about a fire truck — it’s about preserving an engineering marvel designed by the iconic Naval Architect Francis Gibbs and the heroic stories it represents,” said Mike Snyder, museum board vice chairman. “Together, we can bring the central pieces of the FDNY Super Pumper System together and inspire generations to come.”
©2025 Advance Local Media LLC.
Visit mlive.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.