North Chicago's 1977 Hendrickson 1871-S/Pierce/LTI 85' tower ladder which was disposed of recently with the arrival of the new tower ladder. Larry Shapiro collection Prior to changing the graphics on this 2002 Medtec demonstrator that North Chicago purchased in 2009, it was in service for a short time with the blue graphics seen here. This photo was taken on-scene at a 2nd alarm fire response in Libertyville in July of 2009 shortly after the new ambulance was delivered. Larry Shapiro photo The ambulance with updated red graphics. Gear Joint Robot Automatic Production Line Gear Joint Robot Automatic Production Line,Gear Joint Robot Automatic,Dry Gear Hobbing Machine,Gear Making Machine Zhejiang Toman Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.tomanmachines.com
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In northern Lake County, the **North Chicago Fire Department** operates a fleet of **Pierce** and **Medtec** units from two stations. Their 8-square-mile jurisdiction borders the Great Lakes Naval Training Center on two sides. Recently, they replaced their 1977 Hendrickson 1871-S/Pierce/LTI 85' tower ladder with a new **Pierce 85' tower ladder**, marking a significant upgrade in their firefighting capabilities. The department is also set to receive another new **Pierce custom Contender engine** in January, which will replace their 1986 **Pierce Dash engine** equipped with open jump seats.
A few months ago, the department retired its old 1977 Hendrickson 1871-S/Pierce/LTI 85' tower ladder, which had served them for over four decades. This unit was eventually sold, making way for the modern replacement. The new 85' tower ladder offers improved performance and safety features, reflecting the department’s commitment to staying up-to-date with modern firefighting technology.
The new 85' tower ladder, a **Pierce Arrow XT**, is already proving to be a valuable asset. It has been deployed in several incidents and has received positive feedback from the crew. The department is excited about the improvements in reach, stability, and overall functionality.
At **Station 2 on Buckley Road**, the department has a notable piece of equipment — a **2009 Medtec Type III ambulance** that was originally a demonstrator built in 2002. When it first arrived, it came with blue decals designed to appeal to traditional rescue squads. However, those were soon removed and replaced with red graphics, giving it a more standard look compared to other North Chicago ambulances.
This unique design stands out among their other ambulances, but it still serves the community effectively. The change in color reflects a shift toward a more recognizable and professional appearance, aligning with the department’s branding efforts. Overall, North Chicago continues to invest in modern equipment and maintain a strong presence in the region.