POULSBO — Wanted: Mechanic with knowledge of Hall-Scott engines and willingness to contribute to local community. Owner’s manual available for use and inspection.

That’s the type of ad Poulsbo Fire Chief Jim Shields could run as he and other community leaders continue their efforts to restore a 1918 LaFrance fire engine that recently arrived in Little Norway.

“It’s an exact replica of the first fire engine the city purchased in 1936 and we’re hoping to have it available for the Viking Fest parade,” Shields said Tuesday afternoon.

The truck was purchased from its owner in Bend, Ore. and is in great condition except that it doesn’t run, he said, adding, “We’ve got the owner’s manual that shows most of the wiring and we’re looking for help from somebody with some experience to get it running.”

A photo of Poulsbo’s original fire truck hangs in Shields’ office and until the recently purchased truck is operational, it will remain in the fire department’s bay on Liberty Road.

Local do-gooder Bill Austin has already volunteered to help repaint the truck, including retouching the original gold plating that adorns it, Shields said.

“Right now, we’re looking for more donations either in cash or in in-kind labor,” he said.

PFD personnel are doing all they can to bring the truck back to life, but help is still needed.

Once the restorations are complete, another photograph will be taken with current PFD personnel as the truck becomes a showpiece for not only the department, but the community as well, Shields said.

For Glenn Anderson, whose grandfather Martin Anderson was a volunteer firefighter, the truck’s arrival is a phenomenal show of community support for the project.

“The response has been great but we still need some help,” Anderson said.

The truck will become a valuable educational tool and will also help the fire department with recruiting, he said.

“It’s all about preserving a piece of Poulsbo’s history,” Anderson said.

Donations to the Poulsbo Fire Department Fire Truck Fund can be dropped off at the American Marine Bank location in Central Market or mailed to the Poulsbo Fire Department Fire Truck Fund, 911 Liberty Road, Poulsbo, WA 98370.