Some new features include Class A foam capabilities, an air priming system and storage for helmets. It also carries 1,500 gallons of water, compared to 1,000 gallons of water for the old truck. “We have got more water on it, for the rural end,” Moritz said.

Capt. Chad Klavinger said the truck has a tight turn radius. It’s able to do a figure 8 in the small Walbridge fire station parking lot.

The trustees voted in September to buy the All American fire truck from Sutphen Fire Truck Manufacturer. It replaces a 20-year-old engine.

Moritz said that truck will still be used for large fires and as backup.

East Alton Fire Chief Rodney Palmer said 20 years is generally a full life of any fire apparatus. Currently the fire department has a two-vehicle response system, a pumper truck and a rescue truck. The new pumper would condense the two vehicles in to one.

Chief Palmer told the Big Z that condensing down to one truck will be safer and cheaper.

A fire department committee began putting together bid specifications in 2007 before the Great Recession. The city spent $420,000 last year to buy the 2008 Pierce Quantum 105-foot aerial ladder truck. Northern Illinois University contributed $275,000 as part of its fire service agreement with the city.

Fire officials spent more than a year searching for a used truck before finding a suitable one in Florida. The new truck replaces a 1990 Grumman aerial ladder truck, nicknamed “Big John."

"The fire department ladder truck is one of the most identifiable vehicles in the city's fleet," Fire Chief Eric Hicks said. "It's at every fire in the city. ... The truck also represents us at community functions and parades. Most of the kids who grew up in DeKalb know who Big John is, since he's been serving the community for over 25 years. We hope 'Rip' Roaring has the same effect."

 It is now used in parades and fire prevention events, but is in need of a new coat of paint as well as ladder repairs.

Huntsville Fire Chief Tom Grisham says the Huntsville community donated all the items up for grabs, ranging from guns to coolers to chainsaws, and the support does not surprise him.

"They just about stand behind anything that is worthy," Grisham said, "and I think they see the cause here and everybody in the world has seen this firetruck going up and down the roads in parades. And every kid in Walker County has road on it one time or another. And who doesn't like firetrucks? Everyone likes firetrucks!"