The Harvard Rescue Squad has this 1977 Ford/Welch unit. Bill Friedrich photo Tonica Fire Rescue in LaSalle County ran with this 1977 Ford/Welch (X-Harvard Rescue Squad in McHenry County). Bill Friedrich photo Auto Water Bottle Filling Capping Machine Auto Water Bottle Filling Capping Machine,Bottle Sealing Machine,Induction Sealing Machine,Bottle Capping Machine WENZHOU BROTHER MACHINERY CO., LTD. , https://www.chinabrother.net
The color of fire trucks – Harvard/Tonica
Readers have shared their thoughts on our recent post about the non-red apparatus in MABAS Division 5, specifically mentioning a new chapter for the 1977 Ford/Welch rescue squad from Harvard. One reader provided a detailed account of the truck's journey over the years.
"The Harvard Rescue truck was acquired by the Tonica Volunteer Fire Department in the late '80s and underwent a full restoration. It was then repainted in a striking chrome yellow and white color scheme. Later, it was sold by Tonica to a chemical plant in Henry, Illinois, where it served as part of their hazmat unit. I was one of the firefighters from Tonica who went to Marengo to pick up the truck when we first bought it. Tonica is a not-for-profit organization that relies entirely on donations and grants, with no tax funding."
Here’s a photo of the original rig:
From Bill Friedrich:
"The truck was still in good shape when it came to Tonica. We were happy we captured it at that time. We often travel far and wide to find what we call 'old friends.' Tonica is located in the southern tip of LaSalle County."
Here’s another image showing the truck in its new home: