In December, Des Plaines received their third Pierce engine. Going into service at station 3, Engine 63 replaced a 1995 E-ONE Hurricane 1500/750 top-mount. The new engine is the
first Arrow XT in Des Plaines as Engine 61, Engine 62 and Truck 81 are all on Dash chassis. The E-ONE is now designated Engine 64R and the 1993 Spartan/Darley that was previously lettered as Engine 64R has now become Engine 65R. This unit will be stored at the public works facility and will primarily act as a reserve piece for the truck companies. Most of the hose has been removed and it will carry as much of the truck tools as it can. For the detail people who follow apparatus, it is interesting to note that the rig has a 1500-GPM pump but is listed on the Pierce website as having a 2000-GPM pump.
Squad 55, the 6×6 military surplus TRT unit is sporting a new canvas cover for the bed. The OD-green cover has been replaced with one with a camouflage design.
