In the mid-20th century, a common site to see when the fire whistle blew in Clearfield was the “Foxy Car.”
Wilbert J. “Foxy” Kerr was the fire chief of Fourth Ward Fire Station. This amazing fire car was built largely through the efforts of Foxy Kerr. The chassis was a Willys-Knight sedan.
The firemen stripped it down and rebuilt it to their needs. Many parts were donated by businesses and industries in the Clearfield area.
The car hit the road in 1936 and would travel to local scenes where the volunteer firemen were needed.
Wilbert John “Foxy” Kerr (1892-1944) was a well-known Clearfield resident that was always willing to assist in any community affair when needed. He was a leader in managing local baseball teams.
Foxy was a veteran of World War I. He belonged to the American Legion where he was the local commander.
He was foreman of the Fourth Ward Fire Co. and in 1936 he was elected chief. He also was highly involved in politics, serving as the Republican party chairman and county treasurer.
Foxy Kerr was interested in many hobbies, one of which was gardening.
He pursued his passion for flowers to the fullest extent when he served as chairman of the committee in charge of preparing the fairgrounds for the county fair.
This was during the time the firemen sponsored the fair. He also directed the industrial exhibits that were held at the Clearfield County Fair.
After his death at the age of only 52 years old, the Clearfield County Fair named an award for harness racing, the W.J. “Foxy” Kerr Memorial Award.
Helmold & Stewart Insurance Company sponsored the award in memory of the dedication that Foxy Kerr poured into his community.
