A red 1953 Ford truck, a relic of the past, faces an uncertain future with South Whidbey Fire/EMS.

The former workhorse for the fire protection district sits covered in a parking spot at the district’s Freeland station, collecting rust and gathering dust.

“I don’t see us spending funds to restore it,” said Chief Rusty Palmer.

Commissioners with the fire district were hesitant at their Nov. 14 meeting to make a decision about whether to scrap it or direct Palmer to devise a plan to clean and keep it.

“My concern is it’s going to start falling apart just sitting out there,” Palmer said.

Commission Chairman Mike Helland asked to table the issue so he and fellow commissioners Bob Elliot and Kenon Simmons could think about their next move with the “antique.”

“I’m not ready to get rid of it yet,” said Simmons, whose family has a long history of firefighting on South Whidbey.