This morning, the New Lenox Fire Protection District (NLFPD) blessed a new fire engine that is going into service today.

Fire Chief Adam Riegel, Deputy Chiefs Dennis Randolph and Terry Vavra, Battalion Chief Brian Applegate, Chaplain Bill Ciston and NLFPD Station 2 Lieutenant and Firefighters took part in the blessing of the new engine Thursday morning. It is part of a fire service tradition that dates to the days of horse-drawn engines. The new apparatus is blessed, then welcomed by pushing it into its new quarters at the fire station.

According to Chief Riegel, “The push-in ritual can be traced back to the late 1800’s when it was a challenge to get horses to push equipment backwards. As a result, firefighters moved the equipment into storage areas by hand.”

The new fire engine is a 2024 Pierce Saber with a 1500 gallon per minute Waterous pump and 750-gallon water tank. It is an Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipped engine, which gives it the same capabilities as an ambulance apart from transport. It is replacing a 2016 Pierce Dash, which will be used as a reserve engine.

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The mission of the New Lenox Fire Protection District is to provide a range of services designed to protect the lives and property within our district and surrounding communities through a high level of respect, integrity, professionalism, innovation, and teamwork.