Leyden Fire Protection District Showcases new Quint 133 Fire Truck Engine and Ambulance at Open House

The Leyden Fire Protection District, 2600 Manheim Road, Franklin Park, IL, hosted an open house on October 19 to showcase the acquisition of a new Quint fire engine-ladder truck, and Wheeled Coach Type III ambulance to their fleet. The purchase of this equipment was made possible by a 1.5 million bond issue voted for on the March 20 primary ballot. The referendum received an overwhelming 80% support. The ten-year bond take effect now and will increase fire district residents' tax bill by approximately $30 per year. "We want to thank our residents for their support. This fire apparatus will help us better serve them," said Fire Trustee, M. Mallek. The new equipment replaces a 1996 fire truck and a 2013 ambulance, both of which have outlived their life expectancy," said Chief Kory Ryan. "The repair and maintenance costs on the older equipment is just too expensive," he said.

The Quint gets its name from the Latin quinque, meaning five, and refers to the five functions the combination pumper provides: 1500 gallons per minute rated pump, a 500 gallon tank, 800 feet of 2 1/2 inch or larger fire hose and 400 feet of attack line, an aerial device, and 85 feet of ground ladders including two extensions, a straight ladder with hooks, and a folding ladder. The new Quint was designed to specifications set by firefighters at Leyden that include replacing roll up doors with cabinet style doors, the ability to bed hose from the ground, and a 68 foot ladder. The firefighters flew to Ocala, Florida to work with E-One, the leading emergency response vehicle manufacturer. "This new equipment is a necessity in moments of danger and crisis to give our residents a better quality of protection," Ryan said.

Leyden Fire Protection District is part of MABAS Division 20 covering unincorporated Leyden, and through a mutual aid agreement with surrounding towns also covers unincorporated Melrose Park, Franklin Park, and parts of Bensenville and Northlake. The firehouse runs three 24-hour shifts with four full-time firefighters and two paramedics per shift.

For more information call the Leyden Fire Protection District at (847) 455-0180.