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North Chicago is on the site
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 both sides. Recently, they received a new 85-foot tower ladder from **Pierce**, replacing an older 1977 **Hendrickson 1871-S/Pierce/LTI** model. The department is set to receive another new **Pierce** unit in January—a custom **Contender** engine that will replace a 1986 **Pierce Dash** with open jump seats.
The new 85-foot **Pierce Arrow XT** tower ladder has already made its mark, offering improved performance and modern technology. It’s a significant upgrade for the department, especially considering the age of the previous unit. This kind of investment shows their commitment to keeping their equipment up-to-date and efficient.
At **Station 2** on Buckley Road, the department’s latest ambulance has been making waves. Purchased in 2009, this was originally a **Medtec demonstrator** built in 2002. It arrived with **blue decals**, designed to appeal to traditional rescue squads. However, the blue color was soon replaced with **red graphics**, giving it a more distinctive look compared to other North Chicago ambulances.
This unique design was part of a strategic move to make the unit stand out while still maintaining functionality. The shift from blue to red also helped align the ambulance with the department’s overall branding. Despite its age, the vehicle continues to serve the community effectively, proving that even older models can be valuable assets when properly maintained.