Similar Content: Illinois DOT Adds Snow Fighting, Safety Software
New York County Restores Antique Snow Thrower
The 1959 FWD snow thrower served Putnam County’s Department of Highway and Facilities for nearly 40 years before the restoration project began.
November 17, 2021
The vehicle was originally purchased new by Putnam County on December 15, 1959.
Photo: Putnam County Department of Highway and Facilities
1 min to read
The Putnam County, New York, Department of Highway and Facilities announced that it has completed the restoration of a 1959 FWD snow thrower following an inventory check of the county’s snow equipment.
The vehicle was originally purchased new by Putnam County on December 15, 1959. The vehicle was in service for almost 40 years and served from 1959 to 1998 where it sat dormant since.
After discussions between Commissioner Fred Pena and Fleet Manger/Chief Mechanic Chris Vitiello the restoration project started in 2017 as a part-time effort to determine if the classic could come back to life. With that, the vehicle was towed to the county's Lead Diesel Mechanic, Lonny Vlashi.
Vlashi investigated and restored all major systems, including both gasoline and diesel motors, the snow thrower, and the entire drivetrain. With Vitiello’s help in finding some rare missing parts — which cost the county about $5,000 — Vlashi proceeded to rebuild all major mechanical and brake components, and then painted the classic to its current “presentable” condition.
More Operations
BRINC Drones Adds Free Wildfire and Smoke Tracking as Agencies Across America Battle Active Fires
New map layers give public safety agencies real-time fire detections and smoke conditions integrated directly into LiveOps at no additional cost.
Read More →
Sponsored•August 10, 2026
Hidden in Plain Sight: Fleet Compliance Risks
Your fleet may have the right policies, but are they being followed consistently? This practical guide highlights six hidden compliance risks that can undermine public sector and shared fleet operations and shares proven approaches to improve oversight, drive accountability, and maintain audit readiness.
Read More →
Dealing With Workplace Fraud in Fleets
Workplace fraud in government organizations can result in significant financial losses, but understanding its causes and implementing effective controls can help mitigate the risk.
Read More →
Mercury Associates Returns to Independent Ownership
New owners John Martin, Brad Smith, and Daniel Reichmann plan to expand Mercury’s analytical capabilities while continuing to grow the CFMO program.
Read More →
Fleet Technology Targets Inspections, EV Procurement, and Parts Sourcing
How new technology is addressing routine operational challenges, from vehicle inspections to cooperative purchasing.
Read More →
Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Orders Three New Aerial Ladder Trucks
As Murfreesboro's population grows, its fire fleet is growing with it. Three new aerial ladder trucks will replace existing frontline apparatus and equip a new ladder company planned for Station 12.
Read More →
Fleetio Launches PartsTech Integration, Helping Fleets Save up to 15 Minutes on Each Purchase Order
Integration brings parts sourcing and ordering into one connected Fleetio workflow to reduce administrative work.
Read More →
What’s Holding Your Fleet Back?
Catch up on the week with news around creating a more structured operation, examining an outdated garage, and more.
Read More →
When Better Communication Makes Fleets More Efficient
How government fleet operations can use routine communication to address underused vehicles while giving employees and customer departments a clearer way to raise concerns.
Read More →
How Dakota County Built a More Structured Fleet Operation
Kevin Schlangen shares how Dakota County’s fleet moved from reactive repairs and limited oversight to a more structured approach built around planning, training, and long-term cost control.
Read More →