One man has built 50 custom firetrucks

CARROLL COUNTY, Ind (WLFI) - Tucked away in the corn fields of Carroll County, former Fire Chief Bill Schock works on a fire trucks for departments across the state.

What started as a hobby in 1969 has now grown into a full time business.

"Pretty soon it went one a year, for a few years, and then it all just kind of blossomed. I never advertised. They just wanted to come get a truck built," said Schock

Schock has built more than 50 vehicles from ground up, starting only from a chassis.

"I buy a new chassis or the fire department buy their own and bring it here, either way and I just build everything on top of that chassis," said Shock.

Schock has taught himself how to do the electric work, hydraulics, plumbing, painting, engineering, and designing.

"When you are a one man shop you've got learn how to do all the work you have to learn it all, and be a salesman," said Shock.

Schock says his vehicles can be found at the fire departments of Brookston, Battle Ground, Covington and Kingman, but they are also in towns across the Midwest.

"It's nice to watch your news, of an evening, and see three or four of my fire trucks on the scene of an accident or a fire somewhere and I can say, hey, that one is mine, that one is mine," said Schock.

His real pride and joy is an 1926 Model T fire truck. It was originally used at the Indiana Soldiers Home.

Schock says he has been blessed by the work he has done and the lives he has touched.