Elgin Community College receives donated fire engine for training

Elgin Community College students preparing for careers as firefighters have a new learning tool at their disposal after the North Aurora Fire Protection District donated a 1995 Pierce fire engine.

The new engine increases ECC’s Center for Emergency Services training fleet to two fire engines, one ladder truck and an ambulance. It will be incorporated into the college’s fire science and safety curriculum and professional development.

“Hands-on training is essential in emergency services education, and this fire engine will allow our students to build the skills and confidence they need before entering the workforce,” Ronald Two Bulls, ECC’s senior director of academic programming and public safety training, said in a news release.

Program officials say the truck will give students a chance to learn about the layout and functions of a working fire engine, from managing equipment to conducting coordinated response drills.

“The addition of this apparatus strengthens our training fleet and enhances our ability to prepare future firefighters through realistic, scenario-based learning,” Two Bulls said.

North Aurora Fire Protection District Chief Mike Klemencic said in the news release that he was happy to see the engine continue to have “meaningful purpose” as it ensures “the next generation of firefighters enter the fire service prepared to serve their communities safely and effectively.”