From the Winfield Fire Protection District Facebook page:
Engine 31 which is our only operational fire engine is going back to the factory for a major overhaul of the engine, pump, mechanical systems and rotting frame rails. Our only fire apparatus left is Tender 31, which was designed to haul water to areas with no hydrants. With repairs to Engine 31 expected to take 3-6 months and no reserve fire apparatus, the West Chicago Fire District loaned us their engine that has been retired from service because it is 27 years old. So when you see a West Chicago vehicle driving around Winfield this is the reason.
Winfield Fire Protection District photo
Winfield Fire Protection District photo
Winfield Fire Protection District photo
thanks Danny
#1 by FF51 on January 30, 2021 - 8:38 PM
Winfield has a Facebook group called “Save the Winfield Fire Protection District” which explains that the district is operating on a budget that was capped by law in 1991. They have tried numerous times over the last 30 years to pass referendums, but each time the residents vote against it. Thus, the District is being forced to operate on a budget that is 30 years old.
#2 by Mabas Guy on January 30, 2021 - 7:43 PM
Engine 32 is out of service at Station 32 tank is rusted out and the frame is damaged
#3 by rich s. on January 30, 2021 - 7:11 PM
It never ceases to amaze me how everyone on here has the stones to judge these departments. If you are sure a wiz with budgets and leadership why aren’t you running these departments??? I’m not by any means a Pierce fan and I don’t understand why departments continue to purchase their equipment, but some departments don’t have 600,000 to throw at a new rig so they make due with what they have and do their best to get out the door for the community they serve. just my thoughts
#4 by harry on January 30, 2021 - 6:23 PM
back in january 2019 i know winfield still had the old pierce reserve and winfield told me while they were training at carol stream that the old pierce runs great now this is about 2 years ago so i dont know why it is gone but that old pierce was a 1990 i believe
#5 by Lee Hickman on January 30, 2021 - 5:59 PM
From the outside looking in, it would appear that Winfield is throwing good money after bad putting that much money into a rig. Maybe trade it in to Pierce on a new one?
#6 by cmk420 on January 30, 2021 - 4:25 PM
Yes, we all agree that this is bad situation & fingers can be pointed in any number of directions; however, I think it is great that West Chicago still had that 1994 engine available for use. I was just on the Winfield FD Facebook, and the next post, right after this one, said that while they were still working to get their equipment onto the West Chicago engine, Tender 31 went out of service with mechanical issues for about an hour. What would have happened if that engine was not available to them?
Look, we can all agree that there is plenty of mismanagement in the fire service (and all over for that matter); it is well documented on this site; however, let’s stop for a minute & remember that there is still a “brotherhood” here & this is just another example of it.
#7 by Tim on January 30, 2021 - 3:38 PM
Anyone know if they still have that engine 32 or they sold it? Blows my mind in the day and age being a suburban fire district you are in this situation! This should be consolidated if you cant take care of your residents!
#8 by Michael m on January 30, 2021 - 2:27 PM
I am surprised West Chicago kept their 94 Pierce. I would have thought they would have gotten rid of their 90’s Pierces when they got the Ferrara at Engine 5 in 2014 I believe. I thought they would have loaned them the 2000 Saber.
#9 by Michael m on January 30, 2021 - 2:24 PM
I believe Engine 31 is a 2008 Pierce Saber PUC. I know Tender 31 is a 2010 Pierce. Tender 31 I believe was the first tandem axle PUC pumper-tanker that Pierce built. Since then they have built a few more, one I think is a Quantum that is with Fairfax County in Virginia.
#10 by Mike C on January 30, 2021 - 1:58 PM
Imagine that…a biodegradable Pierce. Blows my mind, departments still buy from this brand. The PUC option indicates this engine isn’t even that old!
#11 by Cmk420 on January 30, 2021 - 1:38 PM
They did–there was an Engine 32 & it was kept at the closed station near Route 38 & Winfield Road; however it is/was a late 80s/early 90s Pierce that I believe had a lot of problems. They also just went to referendum, last fall, for this very reason, or at least partially because of this.
#12 by Rj on January 30, 2021 - 1:27 PM
Anyone know why they don’t have any reserve apparatus? Sounds pretty irresponsible for an FD.