Engine 53, a 1948 American LaFrance Pumper, was put into service 1948. Shorty after,the men and women of the Capitol Heights Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary went to work fund raising and building a new house for their equipment.

Engine 53 was in service until the late 1960's and was then sold when two more Ford Ward LaFrance Pumpers were put in service.

In 2000 we received a phone call from someone that had purchased some property in a government auction. After the property was acquired, the new owner found a 1948 American LaFrance Pumper in an abandoned barn on his property. The new owner was looking into restoring the pumper but later ran into some financial difficulties. Having the original certificate of ownership, the owner contacted Capitol Heights Fire Department to find a home for the pumper. The company re-purchased the engine in time for the 85th Anniversary Celebration in March of 2000. Check back for further updates.