In Wadsworth, Illinois, within the northern reaches of Lake County, the Newport Township Fire Protection District serves an area covering 33 square miles. Their primary station, located off Wadsworth Road just east of US 41, houses an impressive array of vehicles including a tanker, two engines, a pumper squad, two ambulances, a utility vehicle, staff car, ATV, and a brush unit. To improve response times in the northern part of their jurisdiction, the FPD leases a section of a barn from Doug Reno, a member of the department.
Adjacent to the main station, Doug Reno—a passionate collector of vintage fire trucks—has established quite the assembly of firefighting memorabilia. His personal collection includes a 1975 Ward LaFrance Ambassador engine originally marked for the Wadsworth Fire Department in Ohio, equipped with a 1,250-gallon-per-minute (GPM) pump and a 500-gallon water tank. Another highlight is a 1971 CF Mack engine that was refurbished in 1987 by Pierce for the Geneva Fire Department in Kane County. Additionally, he owns a CF Mack engine from Duncannon, Pennsylvania.
Doug’s expansive collection also features a 1977 CF Mack engine with a striking black cab roof, which once served in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, and was acquired through the efforts of two department members. There's also a 1951 Willy’s Jeep fitted with a 100-GPM front-mounted pump and a 150-gallon water tank, used primarily for parades. A beautifully restored 1969 Dodge Power Wagon W-300, previously the department's brush rig, stands proudly among the collection. Other notable pieces include a 1981 R-Model Mack box truck serving as a 'Heavy Rescue' unit stocked with Technical Rescue Team (TRT) supplies and a 1988 R-Model Mack flatbed with a 6,000-pound knuckle boom crane, capable of carrying either a trench box or bulk foam for the ARFF unit.
At Doug’s facility, you’ll find these treasures meticulously preserved and displayed. One end of the building shelters two of his engines, including the crane truck 1455, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a museum dedicated to fire history. The collection also includes a 1981 Mack R-Model flatbed with a 6,000-pound knuckle boom crane, which once served as a heavy rescue vehicle and now holds TRT supplies.
Doug’s passion extends beyond mere ownership; he frequently shares stories about the history and significance of each piece. For instance, there's a 1988 Mack flatbed truck that originally functioned as a foam tender for the Quad 2 ARFF unit. Another standout is a 1981 Mack R-Model box truck, now repurposed into a Heavy Rescue unit, housing essential TRT supplies. These vehicles not only reflect Doug’s dedication but also serve as a testament to the evolution of firefighting technology over the decades.
Despite the impressive lineup, the Newport Township FPD continues to rely on modern equipment for its operational needs. Their fleet includes a 1977 CF Mack engine with 4,000 feet of 4-inch hose, a 1981 Mack flatbed crane truck, and a variety of support vehicles. Each piece plays a crucial role in ensuring rapid and effective responses across the district.
For those interested in fire history, visiting Doug’s collection offers a unique opportunity to explore the past while appreciating how far firefighting has come. Whether it's the meticulously restored 1969 Dodge Power Wagon or the 1975 Ward LaFrance Ambassador, every piece tells a story, capturing the essence of firefighting's rich heritage.
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