The Waukegan Fire Department received a new aircraft rescue firefighting truck for the Waukegan Airport, which is replacing their current 30-year-old truck, officials said.
A dedication ceremony was held Friday afternoon at the Waukegan National Airport, 3530 North McAree Road in Waukegan.
The ceremony began with Waukegan Fire Chief George Bridges, Jr. speaking to the attendees and members of the media.
City of Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham and Waukegan National Airport General Manager Skip Goss also spoke at the event, along with Waukegan Port District Chairman Grant Farrell.
Following the remarks, the fire department presented the new Rosenbauer Panther 6×6 ARFF truck.
The new truck was approximately $750,000 and replaced the current ARFF truck, which was 30 years old and beyond economic repair, according to the Waukegan Port District.
The truck was funded by the Waukegan Airport tenants and Waukegan Port District.
“This new state-of-the-art apparatus will serve the citizens of Waukegan and all those at the Waukegan Airport for many years to come,” the fire department said.
Following the ceremony, firefighters pushed the apparatus into the Waukegan Fire Department Station #5, which is located on the airport property.