Carbondale (IL) Fire Department 107-foot Ascendant aerial ladder quint. Enforcer cab and chassis; Cummins ISL9 450-hp engine; Pierce 1,500-gpm single-stage pump; UPF Poly 500-gallon tank.
The latest Wilson County Emergency Management Agency station held a grand opening ceremony, including a hose uncoupling, Monday at 3:30 p.m. at 13151 Cainsville Road in Norene.
“Most importantly are the men and women who wear these uniforms,” said Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto. “It’s a different lifestyle than many of us are accustomed to. We get to get out in the morning and go to work. We get to come home in the afternoon and see our families and enjoy them. These men and women spend 24 [hours] on and 48 [hours] off. They spend every third night in a bed that’s not with their family, and their families know that at a moment’s notice, they may get a call that they’re not getting to come home; and sometimes that may be for good.”