Built by a fireman in Houston, Missouri who wanted to get kids interested in becoming firefighters, The Little Fire Truck is a Cushman golf cart that has been custom-built to look like an actual fire truck.
In July of 2022, Jeff was searching for a pumper truck for the Benson Fire Department. While searching, he happened to find a listing for a golf cart that was built to look like a firetruck. He immediately called Janie and told her to take a look. The gears in Jeff’s mind were already turning, and he told Janie he thought that they should get it while explaining his vision. Janie said, “This is definitely your passion. Give him a call.”
Jeff went ahead and called the contact for the golf cart but was met with surprise when he found out he was one of 2000 people interested in purchasing it. He shared his vision with the seller, and two weeks later they got the call that the truck was theirs.
In August of 2022, Jeff and Janie officially purchased the Little Fire Truck and began their family-owned 501c3 business located in Benson, MN.
Their mission is simple: to honor all fallen heroes, including military vets, law enforcement, front-line workers, firefighters, EMS, and dispatchers. Along with honoring these heroes, they are getting kids excited about the possibility of becoming a firefighter and educating the general public on fire safety and prevention. They bring the Little Fire Truck to different events and raise funds for the MN Fallen Fighters Association, the Wounded Warrior Guide Service, and the Eagles Nest in Sauk Center through donations.
Since taking possession of the truck in August of 2022, the Reuss’s have done three events in September of 2022, have many bookings already for 2023, and are already looking at 2024 and beyond.
Janie adds, “Bring The HEAT, doing business with J & J’s Tiny Teacher, a 501c3 company, is working to remind all ages that our heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice by putting their lives on the line for us and we want them all to be remembered. Check out our website Bensonlittlefiretruck.com to see more information on what we do and where we’ve been. We operate solely on donations and sponsorships. If you would like to donate or become a sponsor please contact us. If you would like us to come to your event please email us from our website or call us at 320-808-8196.”
The Little Fire Truck will be on display near the Met Lounge Beer Garden on Friday and Saturday at the Stevens County Fair from 4-7 p.m. The Reuss’s would like to thank The Fire Side for making this possible!
