In Memory Of Francis Walsh

This 1962 Dodge C900 began its working life as a fire truck tanker in Theresa, NY.  When two local boys in Norfolk, NY tried to steal gas from the fire trucks in the station they ended up burning the station down, trucks and all.  Theresa’s volunteer fire department donated the Dodge to Norfolk to help replace their burned trucks, and it served through the 1990s.  Before selling the truck to its new civilian owner, the fire department removed the tank.  After passing through another pair of hands, the Dodge was purchased by Francis Walsh, who thought it would make a good-looking tractor.  He shortened it, installed air-ride, and painted it to match the rest of his fleet, green and silver with a red frame.  The current owner, Michael Caskinette of Norfolk, NY bought the truck five years ago after Francis Walsh passed away.  The truck is powered by a 413 Dodge V8 engine backed by a five-speed transmission with a two-speed rear.  Michael said, “The ratio is 6.6 on the high side and 8.4 on the low side – it’s really fast!”  When Michael had his name lettered on the driver’s door, he had it done in gold leaf as a nod to the truck’s history as a fire truck.  No longer a working truck, the Dodge now enjoys attending truck shows and appearing in local parades.  Michael dedicated it to the memory of its builder, Francis Walsh of Walsh Trucking Services.