Ceremony Celebrates New Fire Truck in Elmhurst

Elmhurst, IL — The city of Elmhurst officially welcomed a new tower ladder fire truck July 11 with a ceremonial unveiling.

Father Andrew of Saint Demetrios Church in Elmhurst blessed the truck, and Interim Fire Chief Bill Anaszewicz thanked Elmhurst's elected officials and the apparatus committee for the work they put into designing the new apparatus.

“Your support of this purchase allows our department to continue to provide the best service possible to the residents of Elmhurst.” Anaszewicz said.

The truck was purchased in June 2015 from Emergency One Incorporated for about $960,000. It is expected to last more than 20 years.

The truck underwent a year of building and testing in preparation for service. It is 45 feet, 5 inches long and the ladder can extend up to 95 feet.

Features include a new pump configuration and controls, improved LED lighting and a state-of-the-art basket design, which makes it easier for firefighters to carry tools, conduct rescues and access roofs.

The ceremonial unveiling of the ladder truck included a “wet down,” which is a long-standing fire service tradition where a new apparatus is anointed with water by local clergy, cleaned and then slowly rolled backward into the bay by firefighters.

Also in attendance was special guest Jim Dram, a 94-year-old retired firefighter who was one of the last drivers of Elmhurst's antique Seagrave Pumper truck. After the ceremony, firefighters took Dram for a ride on the antique fire truck.

Submitted by the city of Elmhurst.