By Casey Jay
The San Jose Mercury News
CAMPBELL, Calif. — Campbell’s famous Rescue 25 paramedic vehicle is now in pieces. But don’t worry; it’s just temporary.
The 1974 Chevrolet truck made history when Orchard City firefighter paramedics, the first to earn that title in Northern California, used it to respond to emergency calls and save lives. Although it has long been retired, the vehicle has always held a special place in the hearts of Campbellites, who recall those early years of paramedic service.
After more than two years of fundraising, the Friends of the Rescue 25 Restoration Project finally secured enough to bring the truck back to its original condition. The restoration process was officially begun on Aug. 20 at the deconstruction ceremony held at Cupertino Auto Body, 3016 Winchester Blvd. in Campbell.
More than 50 people attended the event, including Campbell Mayor Jane Kennedy and Vice Mayor Mike Kotowski, who was instrumental in saving the vehicle from being sold. Also in attendance were five of the original crew of eight men who made up the Rescue 25 team.
With the goal of unveiling the shiny renovated Rescue 25 this Christmas in mind, there was no time to waste. After some words from Fred Van Hook and Alan Lowder, two of the original Rescue 25 firefighter paramedics and the men behind the restoration project, the deconstruction began.
As the audience looked on, the siren lights were removed from the roof, followed by the front bumper. The rest of the real work will be completed by the technicians of Cupertino Auto Body over the next few months, with plans to display the sparkling vehicle at this year’s Christmas tree lighting in Campbell.
For more information, visit http://campbell-rescue-25.com.
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