At this year’s FDIC exhibition, four distinct areas showcased various fire apparatus. Separate booths highlighted new engines for the Carol Stream, Fermilab, and Northlake departments, while the MABAS 10 MVU (Mobile Ventilation Unit) was also prominently featured in the exhibit hall. Carol Stream’s new engine, positioned in the Alexis booth, stood out with its striking resemblance to previous models but ran on a Spartan chassis, giving it a fresh look.
*Image caption: A new engine for Carol Stream was shown in the Alexis booth. Larry Shapiro photo.*
Meanwhile, Fermilab’s Engine 702 took center stage in the UST Fire Apparatus booth, formerly known as US Tank. This vehicle, built on a Spartan chassis, featured a unique rear chevron design that caught the eye of many visitors. The officer’s side of the vehicle displayed painted roll-up doors, adding a touch of customization.
*Image caption: A view of the rear chevron on Engine 702. Larry Shapiro photo.*
In another booth, Northlake’s new engine, presented by Marion, sat elegantly on a Spartan Metro Star chassis with the Evolution Series trim. This model offered a modern take on firefighting vehicles, combining functionality with sleek aesthetics. On the driver’s side, the clean lines and polished finish made it a standout piece.
*Image caption: The driver’s side of Northlake Engine 806. Larry Shapiro photo.*
Also making waves was the MABAS Division 10 MVU, housed in Lyons and displayed at the event. This mobile ventilation unit represented a crucial advancement in firefighting technology, offering increased efficiency and safety during operations.
The exhibition itself took place across two venues: the newly constructed convention center and the sports arena. Over the years, most fire apparatus manufacturers have transitioned to the larger space provided by the convention center, as seen in images from previous years where the sports arena once held numerous fire trucks.
Retro vibes filled the Pierce booth, where the company showcased their latest innovation—the Dash CF cab and chassis, unveiled last year. Featuring a grille design that mimicked the Velocity, Impel, and Arrow XT models, the Dash CF quickly became a topic of conversation. However, under closer inspection, it was revealed that the engine resides at the back of the cab, with the grille serving purely aesthetic purposes.
This year, Pierce introduced a new twist by displaying a 105-foot rear-mount, PUC, quint on the Dash CF chassis sans grille. Beyond the one-piece windshield and cab-tilt cutouts, the vehicle’s cab face evoked memories of earlier Pierce models like the Arrow and the short-lived Javelin.
*Image caption: A 105' aerial mounted on a Dash CF chassis without the grille. The cab face has the appearance of an early Pierce Arrow and the short-lived Javelin. Larry Shapiro photo.*
As the sun set on another successful FDIC event, attendees left with a renewed appreciation for the evolution of firefighting technology and the dedication of those who continue to push boundaries in the industry.
Auto Repair Socket, Metric Short Socket,1/4 Mirror Socket,1/2 Pneumatic Short Socket
Ningbo Anyun Tai Metal Products Co., Ltd. , https://www.eurokingtools.com