READING, PA - With the closing of the North Charleston and American La France Fire Museum and Education Center in South Carolina, a Sotheby's auction was held near Miami.

Members of the Reading Area Fire Museum were aware that Reading and Berks County's first motorized fire truck was about to be auctioned off. A winning bid was placed; and on March 9th, a flatbed truck brought their famous truck to the Reading Area Fire Museum, located in the old Liberty 5 firehouse at S. 5th and Laurel St.

When the rig was off-loaded, it was backed into its original spot in the Liberties, where it ran out of for many years. At that time, this unit was considered a great advancement in firefighting, as the response time was three times quicker than what the horses were. 

The Liberty No. 5 1911 ALF was known as a Type 5 Chemical and Hose Wagon. It had 23 karat gold leaf decoration, twin nickel plated copper chemical tanks and features a metal Statue of Liberty atop the bell. This unit reflects the unparalleled craftsmanship from that time period.