The Freedom Engine

In the fall of 2001, East Tennesseans responded to the shock of 9/11 with an outpouring of love and support. In addition to volunteering in rescue and cleanup efforts, East Tennesseans launched a campaign to help the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) replenish its fleet.

Besides the Knoxville Fire Department and Rural/Metro, the Freedom Engine campaign was sponsored by the News Sentinel, the City of Knoxville, WBIR-TV 10, First Tennessee Bank, and Journal Broadcasting. The original goal was to raise some $300,000-$400,000 for a new pumper truck, but in an overwhelming response, East Tennesseans gave from the heart to more than double the goal, resulting in $950,000–enough to purchase a top-of-the-line, 95-foot tower ladder vehicle.

Project organizer Diana Morgan, then community and educational services manager for the News Sentinel, summed up regional sentiment by stating, “Let New York City remember that when the Freedom Engine rolls, it rolls with the heart and spirit of East Tennesseans all the way.”

The “Freedom Engine”, built by Seagrave Fire Apparatus of Clintonville, Wisconsin, went into service in March 2002 and was dedicated on September 11th of that year.

The Freedom Engine was stationed at the firehouse known as “Heaven in Harlem” (which lost three firefighters on 9/11) and provided protection to the community that includes Spanish Harlem and such landmarks of African American history and culture as the Apollo Theatre and Sylvia’s soul food restaurants.

Because New York City conditions are harsh on vehicles, FDNY typically retires theirs from regular service after about 10 years. This truck, per tradition, went into reserve status in 2013 and was made available to stations as needed.

Certain artifacts were carefully removed to be returned to the East Tennesseans who had so graciously supported the Freedom Engine project. The East Tennessee Historical Society is honored to be chosen as the permanent home for these artifacts. These items will be on view at the Museum of East Tennessee History through September 15 and include a well-worn bucket door, a captain’s helmet, the memorial plaque from the people of East Tennessee, and a presentation plaque containing a piece of World Trade Center metal.

The Museum of East Tennessee History was one of only eight museums nationally chosen to host the Smithsonian exhibition, “Bearing Witness to History: September 11, 2001,” which was on view at the East Tennessee History Center from January 30-May 23, 2004. “Bearing Witness to History” was, in fact, the first exhibit to appear following the reopening of the renovated and expanded East Tennessee History Center. Among the many artifacts featured in the exhibit was a 2.5 ton twisted steel support beam from the World Trade Center. “Bearing Witness to History” drew more than 53,435 visitors over its three-month Knoxville run, as lines often stretched outside the building, and many driving long distances to see the exhibit.