NEW TOWER LADDER.

Last weekend, members of the truck committee travelled to Appleton, Wisconsin for the final inspection of Chester FD’s newest apparatus; Tower Ladder 917.

At first glance, it may just look like a sharp, well-designed fire truck, but beneath the surface lies the result of countless hours of research, discussion, and careful planning by the committee.

Every detail of this rig was chosen with purpose. It was built not for flash, but for function, designed specifically for our first-due area and the surrounding community. From mounting our most-used tools in the cab for quicker deployment on scene, to shortening the overall length for better maneuverability in tight neighborhoods, this truck was made to meet the real-world needs of our operations.

While some may question the inclusion of a pump on a tower ladder, it serves a critical function. If the engine at Station 1 is ever out of service for maintenance, this unit ensures we still have front-line apparatus capable of fire suppression, ready to serve the Village of Chester.

This project has been a labor of pride and purpose, and I couldn’t be more honored to have been a part of it. A huge thank you to the Officers and Firefighters who served on the apparatus committee, your hard work and dedication will have a lasting impact on our community for years to come.

- Chief Tom Marchiano