“The new Station 35 has increased security, which is important in any government building, as well as a climate-controlled workout area, which is an improvement to the overall safety of the firefighters. The apparatus bay was designed and built large enough for a type 1 Engine for responding to structure fires, vehicle fires, motor vehicle accidents, and medical emergencies as well as a type 3 engine for responding to wildland fires in the vast wildland urban interface areas of the district. The interior of the station was designed to accommodate a 4-person crew comprised of a Captain, Engineer, Firefighter/Paramedic, and a Reserve Firefighter,” Velasquez noted.

"Anybody in Bath County, that loses their house to a fire or a natural disaster, We're able to let them live here for a month or so until they can make arrangements with their insurance company or get other housing," said Jeff Grimm, building chair.

Total cost of the work was 214,000 dollars and it was all community donated.

The ambulance was traveling west on Palatine Road when the van struck it at the intersection of Rohlwing Road, according to the preliminary investigation by Palatine police.

The ambulance rolled onto its side and the van spun before striking a light standard and knocking it down, police said.

Two other vehicles sustained minor damage after being struck by the van and the light pole, police said.

Along with a fresh coat of paint, an extended front bumper, brush rails, and slip-on unit was added. 

The slip-on has a 1,048-gallon water tank and foam capability. 

"The addition of the slip-on unit with foam capability will help to increase our firefighting capacity because the foam has a cooling, wetting effect," said Eliasville VFD Fire Chief Jason Henderson in the press release. "The combination of the foam and water increases the effectiveness of the water helping it to go further and making it wetter."