MAINE TOWN (WBNG) — Traveling from New Jersey to Weltonville to West Colesville, retiring and getting a makeover in the Maine town, father-son duo Joe and Bob Chicuorka are working to make a fire truck like new again.
“I bought the truck but never got a chance to work on it until he said, ‘Dad, let’s get it running.’ And it’s been running ever since,” Bob Chicuorka told 12 News.
Bob bought the truck in the 2000s and never imagined he would share his passion with his then 10-year-old son.
Joe said working with his father was special.
“It’s been great,” said Joe Chicuorka. “I love every second of it.”
The family owes much of their work to technology teacher Tom Palazzo of Maine-Endwell University.
Joe, only 15, gradually brought the parts to school with Palazzo and welded them together.
“He has a lot of ambition and motivation to get things done,” Palazzo said. “He actually keeps me on my toes.”
Bob, Palazzo and his mother Lisa Chicuorka all describe Joe the same way.
“Determined,” said Lisa Chicuorka. “When he starts something, he finishes it. That determination is in this truck.”
On August 24, Joe’s truck will be on display at the Southern Tier Antique Gas and Steamer Association car show at Town of Maine Park.
He told 12 News that his favorite thing about car shows is seeing the kids enjoy his truck and that he hopes to get them interested in old cars.
All rights reserved.
