I joined my local volunteer fire department in 1971. Through my interest in the fire department, I began collecting anything "Firefighter".

My collection started about 25 years ago when my niece, Linda, gave me a candle (above) that was shaped like a "little" fireman. From that first piece evolved a massive collection of figurines, toy fire trucks of all sizes and shapes, hose couplings and appliances, advertising, Christmas ornaments, stuffed animals, photographs, mugs, cups, glassware, pocket knives.......the items are too numerous to name!

Many of my family members have contributed to the collection over the years. My brother-in-law, Don, is notorious for coming up with the most fantastic sculptures and gizmos that are in the collection. He is a fellow fireman and knows just the right thing to buy to add to the collection.

Some of my favorite pieces are the large-scale stamped steel toy Fire Trucks. I am nearing completion of the full set of Nylint trucks. I also have a Structo hook-n-ladder truck and several Tonka fire trucks.