Memorial Day 2002
The Naperville Fire Department invited the Aurora Regional Fire Museum and the Aurora Fire Department to join them in ending their Memorial day parade with a somber procession. Naperville's firefighters pulled their "Joe Naper" hand-engine, and members of the Aurora Fire Department pulled the ARFM's newly restored "Young America No. 2" engine.

The entire group of Aurora and Naperville Firefighters.

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Aurora and Naperville marched side by side during the parade.




Both the "Young America," and Naperville's "Joe Naper"
handpumpers were draped in black bunting and bore
signs saying, "In Memoriam"

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Following the parade both engines were moved to a nearby park
where we pumped some water...

As members of the Aurora Fire Department Explorer Post work the brakes...

...A powerful stream rockets from the nozzle...

...and shoots skyward, much to the surprise and delight of the crowd.

By day's end, we all were tired - but exhilerated.... The engine WORKED! We had a few minor problems, (we blew a gasket), but nothing that can not be fixed. As the engine was loaded back on to our new trailer, we all agreed, "we had FUN!"

Members of the Aurora Fire Department, (and David Lewis,
Curator for the ARFM) pose in front of the Young America No. 2

We wish to thank the following members of the Aurora Fire Department...

Joseph Bledsoe
Timothy Bradley
Gary N. Krienitz
Richard D. Lockman
Jason Morthland
John A. Nagy
Daniel J. Osman
William Rechenmacher
John Ross
Michael D. Zelensek

...and the Aurora Fire Explorer Troop...

David Christensen
Kevin Doyle
Nick Grana
Ricky Guttrerrez
Peter Jezyk
Joe Kavanagh
Kevin Lundgren
Derek Martin
Eric Reed

For answering our call and faithfully serving as an honored participant
during the inaugural parade and pumping, of our Young America Fire Engine No. 2