The Utica Community Fire Protection District will receive a new Pierce Heavy Duty Rescue Truck, and the public is welcome to attend an open house this Thursday, Sept. 14, from 5–7 p.m. The traditional “Push-in” ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. at the station, located at 2945 North Route 178. The new $706,000 truck will replace the department’s 28-year-old rescue truck.
The District purchased the truck in December 2021 from Pierce Manufacturing, Appleton, Wisconsin. Additional new equipment purchased through grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) AFG grant program, Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant (VFA) through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Corteva Community Grant, donations from the Catholic War Veterans of LaSalle and fundraising events held over the past few years will also be added.
Brown said the “vehicle is our toolbox on wheels.” Though the District will primarily use this truck for Motor vehicle accidents, State Park responses, and other “rescue” related calls, Brown said it had many more capabilities. The new vehicle will also support structural fires, water rescue, industrial accidents, and grain bin emergencies.
‘This vehicle will greatly enhance the capabilities of our responders,’ Brown wrote. ‘We hope to have all members trained and equipment moved into this vehicle by Columbus Day weekend (Oct. 9). The public is welcome, and the department encourages everyone to attend. We look forward to seeing everyone at our open house.’
For more information on the open house, call 815-667-4113 or email the District at uticafire@gmail.com.