The engine was custom-built to the department's specifications by Custom Fire, Inc. of Osceola, Wis., and will replace two 30-year old vehicles. The engine was designed to allow the department to maintain its ISO rating, which affects property insurance rates in the area.

The engine, built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, features a six-person cab designed to double as a rehabilitation area for firefighters and victims of a fire incident. The cab is extra tall so firefighters can stand up fully and work with their breathing packs.

Included with the engine are a variety of innovations to make emergency response quicker and safer. A new set of extrication tools are on board and are designed to handle hi-tech metals in today's vehicles. An on-board breathing apparatus recharge station works with new higher-pressure air tanks that allow for twice as much breathing time.

The truck driver was ticketed for failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, and failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash, according to New Lenox Police Deputy Chief Robert Pawlisz. Witnesses said the ambulance's lights and sirens were operating, Pawlisz said. Also, the system that allows emergency vehicles to control traffic lights was operating giving the ambulance the right of way, Forsythe said.

The firefighter-paramedics who were in the ambulance, including the driver, all sustained minor back and shoulder injuries, Forsythe said. Ambulances from New Lenox and Homer fire departments transported all five people involved in the crash to Silver Cross Hospital. The man driving the truck had no apparent injuries but was taken to the hospital for evaluation, Pawlisz said.

The driver of the passenger vehicle suffered a serious head injury. The driver of the ambulance suffered head and leg injuries. A paramedic in the back suffered a minor head cut, while the patient being transported was not hurt.

For now, West Seneca Police charged the driver of the passenger vehicle with failing to keep right, unsafe tires and no seatbelt. They say more charges could still be filed.