New Dive Rescue Vehicle Converted From Old Ambulance In Evanston

EVANSTON, IL - From the Evanston Fire Department: The Evanston Fire Department is proud to announce Dive Rescue 21 as a new addition to the fleet. Dive Rescue 21 is a converted Evanston ambulance that has been brought out of retirement and placed back in the starting lineup. With the cooperation of City Council, CFO Marty Lyons, Fleet Manager Rickey Voss, Fire Chief Brian Scott, and the Evanston Foreign Fire Tax Board, the vehicle conversion has been completed and it will be put in service August 30, 2017.

"The goal was to design and build a vehicle, which would give divers the ability to get in the water faster and more efficiently. We accomplished our goal by using an old ambulance, which gives us a larger amount of space within the rear compartment and allows each of the nine divers to have their equipment in a constant state of readiness. When it comes to water emergencies, time is critical, and every second counts," said Fire Captain David Smrha.

"The collective effort of multiple departments within the City of Evanston has produced something truly special. Dive Rescue 21 will undoubtedly be beneficial to the firefighters and the community it serves. Most importantly, it will dramatically aid in rescues of civilians. A great job by all involved," said Fire Chief Brian Scott.

Image via Evanston Fire Department