Made in America Fire Truck Rolls through Summerville

Did you see the big, old red fire truck rolling around Summerville Friday through Monday? On its side is a banner that reads: "Buy American Made — Create Jobs for Americans."

Monday afternoon the truck sat next to Hutchinson Square downtown. 

Driven by Tim Morris and Aaron Lorell, the fire truck is pushing a message out to big-box stores like Walmart and Target: make it easier for consumers to find American-made goods by creating a "Patriot zone."

The truck has been rolling across the country since end of November.

Click here to follow the fire truck on Facebook! 

"Our idea is to get big-box stores to concentrate American-made products into one zone," Morris said. Morris added he'd also like to see big-box stores sourcing products locally. 

Morris said their message is a bipartisan effort.

"If shoppers could find American products easier in big-box stores, then we can save and create American jobs," he said. "It would be great for all Americans in the long run. The ship needs to be turned around."

Lorell began the tour when he lost his job. Friend Morris joined him in December.

Morris and Lorell aren't charging for their idea, just asking the big-box retailers to consider it and see it can be a profitable model. 

"It's a free idea," Morris said. "People get it right away ... We're giving them a billion dollar idea."

Morris said they have funded all expenses themselves — including fuel for the 5 mpg vehicle — though they are open to sponsorships, so long as there is no political agenda. 

The truck left Summerville for Hilton Head Monday.

Want to look at Summerville-made products? Check out stories from our Made in Summerville series here.