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As I was scrolling through some old photos, I stumbled upon images of the North Chicago Fire Department’s fleet, and it got me thinking about how much things have changed over the years. In northern Lake County, the department operates out of two stations and runs a mix of Pierce and Medtec units. Their coverage area spans around eight square miles and shares borders with the Great Lakes Naval Training Center on two sides.
Recently, they’ve added a brand-new 85-foot tower ladder from Pierce to their lineup. This impressive vehicle replaced a much older rig—a 1977 Hendrickson 1871-S/Pierce/LTI 85-footer that had served them faithfully for decades. Interestingly enough, they’re also expecting another new Pierce addition early next year. This one will be a custom Contender engine meant to replace a 1986 Pierce Dash model with open jump seats.
Looking back at their history, you can see just how far they’ve come. For instance, take a look at their Station 2 on Buckley Road. There, they house their most recent ambulance acquisition, which dates all the way back to 2009. Originally, this Medtec unit was a demonstrator built in 2002. When it first rolled into service, it came adorned with blue decals—a design choice made by Medtec to make the rig feel more like a traditional rescue squad. However, those blues were later swapped out for a more standard red color scheme. That’s why this particular ambulance looks slightly different compared to the others in their fleet.
If you flip through the photos, there’s even one showing this ambulance shortly after its delivery in 2009. Taken during a second-alarm fire response in Libertyville, it captures the vehicle still sporting its original blue graphics. It’s fascinating to see how small details like these can tell such rich stories about an organization’s evolution.
In another image, the same ambulance appears again but now with its updated red graphics. Over time, every piece of equipment undergoes changes—some cosmetic, others mechanical—but each update marks progress toward better service for the community. And while the North Chicago Fire Department may not boast the largest fleet or the flashiest designs, their commitment to protecting lives remains unwavering.
All in all, these snapshots offer a glimpse into both the past and present of a vital public service agency. They remind us that behind every shiny truck or polished badge lies countless hours of dedication and hard work.