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‘We should not be using 20-year-old rigs': Tire falls off Chicago fire truck

A tire came off a tower ladder assigned to Truck 23, damaging two vehicles

By Bill Carey
FireRescue1

CHICAGO — A Chicago fire truck lost a tire on Nov. 9, causing damage to two vehicles while returning from a drill.

Pat Cleary, president of the Chicago Firefighters’ Union, said the incident was not surprising, noting that many Chicago Fire Department trucks are in poor condition, WGN9 reported.


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“This truck is approximately 20 years old. We should not be using 20-year-old rigs as assigned rigs in the Chicago Fire Department,” Cleary said. “They should be maintaining their rigs and using new rigs, not using old broken-down rigs.”

Police said no one was injured in the crash and no citations were issued.

The department did not issue any information on a possible replacement vehicle but the mayor’s office told WGN9 that Truck 23 is back in service.

“This truck has been repaired and is back in service. 2FM Fleet Operations and the Chicago Fire Department will continue to work together to provide a more sustainable equipment replacement plan.”


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