I recently came across some fascinating details about the Gurnee Fire Department, which has just been added to the list of fire departments featured on our site. Located in Lake County within MABAS Division 4, the Gurnee Fire Department covers an area of 33 square miles, including popular sites like Six Flags Great America amusement park and Gurnee Mills, one of the largest outlet malls in the country. Their firefighting fleet consists exclusively of E-ONE apparatus, and all four of their current ambulances are Type I models sourced from Road Rescue, built on either IHC 4700 or IHC 4300 series chassis. They’ve also placed an order for a new Type I ambulance from Wheeled Coach.
What caught my attention was the department’s involvement with some unique MABAS assets. They house a rather unusual 1991 Mack/Volvo roll-off chassis that serves to transport metal storage containers filled with essential equipment and supplies for MABAS Divisions 4 and 5. These containers include resources for the Technical Rescue Team (TRT), such as specialized tools and lumber, as well as gear for the Wildland Task Force, which carries an ATV and other critical wildland firefighting equipment.
One of the standout pieces of equipment in their arsenal is their E-ONE Hurricane tower ladder, which boasts a fixed cab and reaches an impressive 95 feet. Interestingly, their fleet features a wide variety of chassis and cab styles, showcasing the adaptability of E-ONE apparatus. For instance, they have two Cyclone tilt-cab engines with earlier grille designs, while their tower ladder is built on a Hurricane chassis with a fixed cab. There’s also a Cyclone II engine with the newer tilt-cab design, adding another layer of diversity to their fleet.
Another notable vehicle is their E-ONE Sentry HDR squad car, which was initially equipped with a four-door cab and a vista roof. This particular model is easily recognizable due to its distinctive straight door lines on the driver’s side. When it was first delivered, the squad car had specific graphics, but these have since been updated.
Overall, the Gurnee Fire Department stands out not only for its coverage area but also for its diverse fleet, which reflects both modern advancements and some classic models. It’s always exciting to see how departments adapt and evolve over time, especially when it comes to maintaining readiness for emergencies across such a dynamic region.