Galesburg Fire Chief Tom Simkins announced the arrival via an email Wednesday morning and said firefighters will train on it this week with Alexis Fire Equipment. The new engine will be in service early next week.  

“The 78-foot ladder truck is known as the Swiss army knife of the fire service because of its versatility and capabilities that are a mix of a pumper, ladder and rescue truck,” Simkins wrote in the email.  

Galesburg City Council approved the purchase of the new truck in February 2018 to replace the 1988 ladder truck damaged in the Route 41 crash. The cost was $684,174, according to City Council documents, and the department’s insurance carrier covered $623,775 for the claim.