The Chicago Fire Department is rolling out one of the largest emergency-vehicle buys in North America, signing a deal for 120 new rigs in a move city and vendor statements say tops $100 million. The order covers 42 pumpers, 38 aerial ladder trucks and 40 ambulances, all billed as part of a major fleet-modernization push to replace aging frontline vehicles and improve responder safety across Chicago. Officials and union leaders say the size of the purchase is expected to reshape how the department staffs and sustains front-line companies over the next several years.
Order details and who’s building the rigs
The purchase was arranged through Midwest dealer Fire Service, Inc., and, according to a press release from E‑ONE, includes 42 E‑ONE pumpers, 38 E‑ONE aerial ladder trucks and 40 Wheeled Coach ambulances. The manufacturers say the vehicles are being spec’d for durability, upgraded scene-safety systems and heavy urban use. Fire Service, Inc. also confirmed the sale and noted it will support the department with sales, service and parts throughout the delivery process.
Manufacturers and dealer weigh in
Mike Virnig, president of Terex Specialty Vehicles, said the company is “honored to partner with the Chicago Fire Department,” language published in E‑ONE’s announcement. Shawn Junker, president of Fire Service, Inc., called the purchase a “significant investment in public safety,” according to Fire Service’s posting on the order. Vendors framed the deal as a way to deliver modern equipment built for the demands of one of the nation’s busiest fire departments.
Why the city moved now
Union leaders and industry advocates have been pushing for new apparatus for months, warning that many reserve and front-line rigs are well past their expected service life and have failed in critical moments. The International Association of Fire Fighters reported that Local 2 expects the first portion of the order to arrive in roughly 18 to 20 months, with smaller groups of vehicles arriving annually until the contract is filled. Those delivery estimates, along with concerns about aging trucks and long lead times, were cited as central reasons Chicago opted for a large, single order.
Production pressures and delivery outlook
Industry outlets covering the deal note that the order’s size will put significant pressure on regional manufacturing capacity and supply chains. Fire Apparatus Magazine reported the purchase as a more-than-$100-million investment in front-line equipment and flagged the logistics challenges departments face when placing large custom-build orders. Vendors have said the vehicles will be built with dedicated attention to quality and safety as deliveries are scheduled.
The buy marks a major, multiyear infusion of new apparatus into Chicago’s fleet and comes as departments across the United States contend with longer lead times and higher prices for custom emergency vehicles. For now, the city, the dealer and the manufacturers say they will coordinate deliveries and service to get the new pumpers, ladders and ambulances into rotation as quickly and safely as possible, according to industry coverage of the announcement. JEMS noted the vendors’ statements and published details from the manufacturers’ release.
