Out where I live, most people know, or know of, Lee Chapman.

Longtime city of Bloomington firefighter, now retired. Player of "Taps" at military veterans' funerals. Provider of new bicycles, every Christmas, for kids whose families struggle to make ends meet. Tornado survivor.

Fire truck collector.

The man has three vintage fire trucks parked on his property north of Bloomington. For the longest time, I've been wanting to write a story about his fleet of fire-fighting vehicles: a 1957 Ward LaFrance, a 1975 International and a 1990 Ford.

This is the week. After hearing from Chapman about his most recent acquisition, a 35-year-old Ford that once belonged to Bloomington Township's Fire Department, I drove out that way for a visit.

My favorite is the 1957 model, with its giant artsy grill

See Full Page