Old Betsy Fire Truck Restoration
A restored symbol of service, history, and community pride, Old Betsy is a 1953 Ford fire truck that served LaBelle for more than 50 years. Restored through local generosity and community support, the truck now stands downtown as a tribute to LaBelle’s volunteer firefighters and civic heritage.
Honoring LaBelle’s Firefighting History
The men and women of LaBelle’s Volunteer Fire Department thoughtfully named this 1953 Ford fire truck “Old Betsy.” She served the LaBelle community from 1953 to 2006 and was originally housed in what is now the Firehouse Community Theatre.
Old Betsy was purchased for the City of LaBelle by the late Jimmy Pendrey, Fire Chief in 1953. At the same time, a sister truck was purchased for the City of Clewiston. In 1955, Fire Chief Harold Curtis, who served from 1955 to 1994, transported Old Betsy to the neighboring community of Alva to have the 1,000-gallon water tank and hoses installed.
Over the years, Old Betsy responded to many fires and helped save acres of LaBelle property. Beyond her service as a working fire engine, she also became part of the community’s public life. In 1995, when the LaBelle High School Cowboys football team competed in the State playoffs, Old Betsy made several appearances at the games. In 1999, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson rode on the truck in the annual Swamp Cabbage Festival Parade. Her final public appearance before restoration was in 2001, when she led the LaBelle High School Homecoming Court during the Homecoming Parade.
Today, Old Betsy stands downtown as a preserved piece of LaBelle history.
Project Impact
- Preserved a historic 1953 Ford fire truck
- Honored LaBelle’s volunteer firefighters
- Restored a visible piece of downtown history
- Created a public landmark connected to the Firehouse Community Theatre and LaBelle’s civic heritage
Thank You to Our Donors
LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation is grateful for the generosity of the donors who helped restore this important piece of LaBelle history. We extend a special thank you to Ramiro Rodriguez for his vision, leadership, and commitment to the restoration effort, and to Osvaldo Camacho, who lovingly restored Old Betsy to the beauty she is today.
Blaze Donors | $10,000+
- Ramiro Rodriguez
- Osvaldo Camacho
Fire Donors | $1,000–$2,000
- Jose Gomez
- James Cochran
Flame Donors | $500–$999
- Marines Tires & Road Services
- Tim’s Towing & Recovery
- David Lyons
- Greg Bone
- Firehouse Community Theatre
- Heartland Registry Inc., Rose Williams & Christine Offutt
- LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation
Spark Donors | In-Kind
- Synovus Bank, Sue Williams
- Hendry County Board of County Commissioners
- City of LaBelle
Project Details
Support Future Preservation Projects
Projects like Old Betsy help preserve the stories, landmarks, and community spirit that make downtown LaBelle special. Your support helps LDRC continue honoring local history while investing in the future of downtown.