Box 42 was formed on April 24, 1942 by a group of Detroit Fire Department Auxiliary Firemen at Engine Company 42 and Ladder Company 21 located at 6324 W. Chicago @ Livernois in the 5th Battalion. The name was chosen in respect and tribute to the Firefighters of Engine Company 42, who unselfishly devoted their time and experience to training members of the auxiliary force.

Upon being phased out at the end of World War II, the auxiliaries decided to keep Box 42 alive and dedicated their services to assisting the Detroit Fire Department in various ways. Our members have always stood ready to assist the department in any capacity. One of our most visible accomplishments was the restoration of old Engine 13, a 1908 Ahrens horse drawn steam pumper, a job which took more than two and a half years. This old timer was proudly displayed at parades, musters and the annual Fireman's Field Day, and is a favorite of the crowds. The rig now sits in the Michigan Firehouse Museum, proudly on display with many other Michigan fire apparatus.
 

The first Box 42 photo tour of the year will take place on Saturday, May 19, 2012. We will meet at 10:00 A.M., at the Riverview (Michigan) Fire Department located at 14100 Civic Park Drive. We will be stopping at the following fire departments to get photos of their apparatus as well they are: Trenton Fire Department (both stations), Gibraltar Fire Department, Brownstown Township Fire Department Station and Flat Rock FD. Directions to the various fire departments on the route will be provided the day of the photo tour to those attending. A lunch stop will be made around noon at a family style restaurant in Gibraltar. If planning on attending please let Anthony Rzucidlo know by Saturday, May 12th by email at ajr107@peoplepc.com.