Why would a university buy a vintage fire truck? For MNU, the answer is simply history, mission and a whole lot of Pioneer fun.
Thanks to the generosity of Board of Trustees Chair Dan Rexroth, MNU recently acquired a vintage fire engine. But not just any fire engine — this very truck once served the Olathe community in the 1980s and even responded to calls on MNU’s campus. Bringing it back “home” is a way of honoring our story.
“Vintage fire truck shopping was interesting,” Dr. Rexroth says. “When we found one that had actually serviced the MNU campus back in the 70’s, it seemed like the perfect tie between the City of Olathe, its first responders and the university.”
For Dr. Rexroth, the gift also carries personal meaning. “My father-in-law was a wonderful Christian man, a career firefighter, who raised four children,” Rexroth said. “His children all attended Nazarene colleges, and they all grew up around the fire station. Establishing this icon on campus is a tribute to him that resonates on every level.”
The truck also reflects MNU’s ongoing legacy of preparing emergency responders, from police officers and firefighters to paramedics and nurses who step forward in times of crisis. The truck also symbolizes MNU’s enduring commitment to service — a hallmark of Pioneer life. President North explains, “As Pioneers, we’re called to rush into life’s toughest moments, to be of service. Whether a first responder or not, we hope our alumni live that way — running toward a broken world to help and serve.”
Olathe Fire Chief Dr. Jeff DeGraffenreid (’96, MED ’99) commented on the vehicle’s importance. “This fire truck serves as a tangible link to Olathe’s past while honoring the legacy of dedication and collaboration between the university, fire department and city,” he said. DeGraffenreid is the 2025 recipient of MNU’s Michael Copeland Civic Leadership Award.
The MNU Fire Truck, driven by Olathe Fire Captain Mike Hall, led student athletes from each sport into the Copeland Athletic Complex for the complex dedication October 3, 2025. Hall is the father of MNU football wide receiver Zane Hall.
And finally, the fire truck is just plain fun. Whether rolling in a Homecoming parade or standing guard from the sidelines, the fire truck will be a visible reminder of MNU’s spirit of service — and the spark that connects generations of Pioneers.
