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Ill. FD retires fire engine with final extrication drill

Rock Island Engine 32, decommissioned due to a cracked frame, was used in a simulated crash and extrication drill

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Rock Island Fire Department recently retired one of its fire engines with a simulated emergency vehicle accident, marking the end of nearly 20 years of service.

According to a Facebook post, Engine 32 had a cracked frame and failed an inspection and could not be resold or repurposed in any way.

With the help of Rock Island Public Works, the department used the engine for a unique fire apparatus extrication drill.

“E32 served us well for almost 20 years, saving countless lives and millions of dollars of property value,” the department stated. “She made the ultimate sacrifice to help us learn, just one more time before she went to her final resting place.”


Preventing and reducing fire apparatus crashes should be a leading initiative in all fire departments
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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.