I just heard from a good friend about a terrible situation involving someone I deeply respect in our community. Ken Soderbeck, a renowned fire historian, antique restorer, and respected member of SPAAMFAA, recently experienced a catastrophic fire in his workshop last week. If you're familiar with his work, you know how much this loss means—both personally and professionally.
Ken is the owner of Hand in Hand Restoration, where he has dedicated countless hours to preserving some of America's most cherished firefighting artifacts. Thankfully, five major pieces he was restoring—two steamers, two hand carts, and an American LaFrance Roadster—were salvaged, though some suffered minor damage. Unfortunately, much of his personal collection was completely destroyed. This included helmets, buckets, bugles, precious photos, negatives, silk screens, and invaluable historical records chronicling the legacy of American LaFrance. It’s heartbreaking to think about all the irreplaceable items lost.
When I visited over the weekend, I spent several hours helping polish the chrome and brass on one of the steamers, along with other essential parts. The emotional toll of this disaster is immense, not just for Ken but also for everyone who knows him. His workshop wasn’t just a business—it was a lifelong passion project and a cornerstone of his identity.
In times like these, it’s inspiring to see the outpouring of support from friends, family, and colleagues. People have already started traveling to Jackson, Michigan, to lend a hand, and this generosity will undoubtedly continue in the days ahead. For those attending the annual fire flea market in Jackson, you’ll remember visiting Ken’s shop—it was always a hub of activity and learning.
If you’re in a position to help, there’s a fund set up specifically to assist Ken and his wife, Aggie, during this challenging time. To learn more about how you can contribute, click [here](insert link). Even small gestures can make a big difference.
For context, the next GLIAFAA Fire Flea Market is coming up on Saturday, April 24, 2023, at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. More information can be found by calling George at 734-621-0350 or visiting [www.gliafaa.com](insert website).
It’s moments like these that remind us how resilient communities can be. While nothing can fully replace what Ken has lost, every bit of support helps. Let’s rally around him during this difficult period and show him the same dedication and care he’s shown to preserving our shared history.
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