Back in December, a few members of the North Patchogue Fire Department found their original 1964 Mack Engine 4, the first diesel truck in Suffolk County.

According to North Patchogue firefighter Steve Pfost, the truck is privately owned by Don Holden and operating in Connecticut, just north of Bridgeport. Though it took a few months, he said, they were finally able to get in contact with the owner, who was willing to bring it back for the annual Memorial Day parade.

Additionally, the department also knew their second Engine 4 was a 1989 Mack, owned by the Roosevelt Fire Department. They contacted that department and were able to borrow the truck for the parade as well.

“This year was special as it marked the 60th anniversary of NPFD Engine 4. We decided to keep this all a secret from the department, only a select handful knowing, and on Memorial Day surprised the department by having the trucks blaze around the corner with lights and sirens,” Pfost said of the special surprise. “The department was shocked; some members even teared up.”

The original chief chauffeur of Engine 4, Billy Smith, who is in his 80s, also attended and was awarded with a plaque.