THE "WARRIOR" PROJECT
The "Warrior" is a 1992 Sutphen fire engine which was purchased by the City of Wylie under supervision of the first paid Fire Chief, Jimmy Lynch. The engine was used by the volunteer firefighters, part-time firefighters, and was also the first apparatus used by the first full-time paid firefighters. The Warrior was also the first fire apparatus in the Department history which was given a name. Everyone in Wylie, especially the children, was familiar with the "Warrior" because the name was so prominent and the engine went to all public education shows in Wylie.
The Warrior served as Engine 1 until the first Quint (ladder truck) was purchased. It was then renamed Engine 2 and was the first engine to run calls out of the new Station 2 in 1998. After the Warrior was removed from front line service, it became a very dependable reserve engine that continued to remain in service until just a few years ago.
Due to the historical significance to Wylie Fire-Rescue, it was decided that the Department would keep the Warrior. Due to a increase in requests to ride on Fire Department vehicles by various groups, the Department wanted to modify the apparatus to be used at City functions, parades, and special events in conjunction with the "General".
The Department also wanted a way to honor the brave men and women that have served Wylie Fire-Rescue through the years by converting the Warrior into a caison that could be used at firefighter funerals.
The volunteers from The Friends of Wylie Fire Rescue held multiple fundraisers and was able to pay over $7500.00 for the Warrior conversion which was completed by Performax Trailers of Wylie.