Last September members were informed that Ed Golden, the owner of one of Hudson FD's former engines, had passed away. The estate was looking to donate the vehicle back to the fire department.

The truck, a 1956 American Lafrance 700 series pumper, had been purchased in 1979 by Edward Golden of Chatham at a city auction for around $100.00. The vehicle it was learned had only been moved twice since 1979. First from Hudson to a garage on Moore Avenue in Chatham in 1979, and again in 1989 when it was driven to White Mills Road to another garage by one of Ed's close friends, Billy Gile.

Several members immediately went to inspect the truck and to their surprise, the vehicle was still fully intact and mostly original. Dust covered from years of sitting, it still sported several markings from it's proud service and history. On the windshield the radio number 11E28, the front doors displayed the badge surrounded number "2" indicating the truck was in service with the H.W. Rogers Hose Co. #2, and at the rear were two axes, still mounted, with the markings "Rogers Hose".

After several months of waiting members were informed the truck was clear to be donated. With the help of Mayor William Hallenbeck, along with Common Council President Don Moore, and the entire Common Council a resolution was passed and signed into law allowing the truck to be received by the City of Hudson and immediately transferred to H.W. Rogers Hose Co. #2.

On Saturday June 6, 2015 Chris Stalker, owner of Hillsdale Repairs, donated his time, manpower, and equipment to retrieve the truck and bring it home to Hudson.

The truck was received at the station by 50 year Rogers Hose member, and past Hudson FD Chief James Coons, 50 year Rogers Hose member, and Past Captain George Harp, Past Rogers Hose Captain Robert "BJ" Pendergast, and Rogers Hose President Edward Bratton. Current Captain Nicholas Pierro was able to pilot the truck onto, and off of the tow truck.

With the help of Chief Coons, the truck was pushed into it's bay at the Central Fire Station.

Plans are already being made to get the truck running again and then restored for use in parades and other details.

The Hudson Fire Department would like to give special thanks to William "Billy" Gile for affording us the opportunity to bring this historic piece of apparatus back home. Without his help this homecoming may not have happened at all.

We would also like to thank Chris Stalker and Hillsdale Repairs for being generous enough to donate his equipment and excellent recovery skills to bring 11E28 home safely.