It’s been several years since the Evanston Fire Department has replaced apparatus and now with the help of a grant and a donation from Northwestern University they are getting a new engine and a new tractor-drawn aerial (TDA). The engine was ordered from Pierce on an Arrow XT chassis with a 1500 GPM 2-stage pump a 500-gallon water tank. This will go to Engine 23 on Central Avenue. Engine 23’s rig will replace Engine 325 as a reserve piece. The new engine which is due in early September is a donation from the university. In recognition of the donation, there will be a plaque on the pump panel and a ‘Wildcat’ (the NU mascot) painted on the grille.
Evanston received a grant for a new TDA and they are in the process of going to bid on a 100′ TDA with independent suspension for both the tractor and trailer. This will replace Truck 22. The fire department is also hoping to get the go-ahead from the city to purchase a new tractor for their other TDA, Truck 23.
The last of the new apparatus orders is for a new ambulance. Reported to be on an International chassis, the new ambulance will be built by Medtec.
