Plainfield Fire Protection District Unveils New Engine To Replace Decade-Old Model

PLAINFIELD, IL — The Plainfield Fire Protection District unveiled Wednesday a modern upgrade to one of its fire engines.

The 2025 Pierce Pumper replaces a 2013 model, which will serve as a reserve engine within the department's fleet.

Firefighters and paramedics welcomed the new machine with a traditional "push-in ceremony," honoring a custom that dates back to the 1800s, when horse-drawn fire apparatus had to be manually pushed back into the station after returning from a call.

The new Pierce Pumper will be housed at Station Three, 25001 W. 119th St. It's equipped with a 750-gallon water tank and a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump, officials said. The engine also carries a full array of tools for structural firefighting, rescue operations and vehicle extrications in addition to life support supplies, allowing firefighters to provide high-quality patient care in emergencies.

"This new fire engine enhances our operational readiness and ensures we can continue delivering fast, effective service to our community," Fire Chief Vito Bonomo said in a statement. "We are proud to continue long-standing fire service traditions while investing in modern, dependable equipment."

Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect that the 2013 engine will serve in the district's reserve fleet, not the 2025 model as previously stated. Patch apologizes for the error.