May 22, 2009

Michigan Historical Center Director Sandra Clark and Michigan Historical Commissioner Tom Truscott gathered in the Capitol Rotunda earlier this week with local dignitaries and friends and family of Eastpointe Fire Chief Danny H. Hagen to celebrate Hagen as the recipient of the 2009 Governor John B. Swainson Award. Hagen earned the honor for leading the effort to restore East Detroit/Eastpointe's original Model T fire truck.

Senator Dennis Olshove, Representative Harold Haugh and Eastpointe Mayor Suzanne Pixley were on hand - along with Hagen's parents and other volunteer members of the restoration team - to enjoy the day's ceremony and admire the newly restored fire truck, which was proudly on display at the Capitol.

Given annually by the Michigan Historical Commission to state, county or municipal employees who have gone above and beyond their official job duties to help preserve Michigan's history, the prestigious Swainson Award originated in 1996.

"Our historic resources are among Michigan's greatest treasures, and the Swainson Award helps us pay tribute to those who serve as stewards of our state's rich heritage," said Clark. "Danny Hagen has certainly earned the honor this year, not only because of his passion for keeping history alive in the city of Eastpointe, but also for his desire to share that history with everyone he meets."

"I'm not a car guy, but I am a history guy. When I saw this fire truck, I guess my role was having the patience and the foresight to see how we could bring a piece of history to life," said Chief Hagen. "The project has been great for everyone involved, and the guys at the station have really taken pride and ownership in the truck. Everywhere we take the truck, we're able to show new generations of kids this little engine and they can see how far we've come."

Chief Hagen recognized the historical value of Eastpointe's #1 vehicle, a rare 1921 Model T chemical truck that used a mix of soda and acid to douse fires. When the truck no longer ran, he covered it and kept it safe, hoping that it could one day be restored. In 2003, the East Detroit Historical Society approached Hagen with a plan to utilize volunteers and donated funds to help him restore the truck to running order.

Working with a volunteer restoration team and paint donated from local businesses, Hagen completely restored the truck, retaining the original parts as much as possible. The project was finished in May 2008, and the truck was proudly returned to the Eastpointe Fire Department for the department decals, hose and brass work. When not traveling to parades and displays, the truck is on display at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, 461 Piquette, Detroit (www.tplex.org).

The Michigan Historical Commission advises the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) on the work of the Michigan Historical Center. Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, HAL also includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.