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As I scrolled through some recent updates about the North Chicago Fire Department, I came across some interesting details about their fleet and equipment. Located in northern Lake County, the department operates out of two stations and manages a mix of modern and older apparatus. One of their most recent additions is an impressive 85-foot tower ladder truck from Pierce. This new vehicle has replaced a much older 1977 Hendrickson 1871-S/Pierce/LTI 85-foot tower ladder, which had been in service for decades. Interestingly, they’re also expecting another new Pierce rig early next year—a custom Contender engine meant to replace a 1986 Pierce Dash model with open jump seats.
The evolution of their fleet is fascinating, especially when you look at the history of these vehicles. For instance, the old 1977 tower ladder has since been retired and seems to have found its way into collections, like the one owned by Larry Shapiro. Meanwhile, the new tower ladder represents cutting-edge technology and capability, ensuring that the department can handle emergencies effectively within their 8-square-mile district, which borders the Great Lakes Naval Training Center on two sides.
Switching gears slightly, I also learned about Station 2 on Buckley Road, where the department recently acquired a unique ambulance. This particular vehicle was actually a 2002 Medtec demonstrator that the department purchased back in 2009. When it first arrived, it came with blue decals designed to mimic the look of a traditional rescue squad. However, those were later swapped out for red graphics, making this ambulance stand out as somewhat distinct from the rest of the fleet. It’s worth noting that this change in design happened relatively soon after delivery, as evidenced by photos showing the ambulance with blue graphics during its initial deployment in July 2009. Larry Shapiro captured one such image during a second-alarm fire response in Libertyville.
Today, the ambulance looks even more polished with its updated red graphics. The transformation reflects not only changes in aesthetic preferences but also a shift towards branding consistency across the department’s emergency vehicles. Despite its age, the Ford Medtec Type III ambulance continues to serve the community reliably, proving that sometimes, the best tools aren’t always brand-new.
Overall, the North Chicago Fire Department seems committed to balancing tradition with innovation, maintaining a fleet that combines historical significance with modern functionality. It’s inspiring to see how they adapt to meet the needs of both their personnel and the residents they protect.