Wilmette’s old ambulance and ladder truck were donated to South America
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In recent years, the small town of Las Parejas in Buenos Aires has seen some significant support from Wilmette, a suburb in Illinois. They were gifted an ambulance and, perhaps even more notably, a 1985 EONE RM 110-foot aerial ladder truck. The backstory behind these donations is fascinating, and multiple articles provide further details on this unique tale of international cooperation.
Initially, Wilmette had placed an order for an EONE HP95 mid-mount tower ladder, which arrived but was ultimately rejected. A photograph from a ceremony at Station 26 captures this mid-mount truck before it was returned to the manufacturer and eventually swapped for an HP95 rear-mount tower ladder. Interestingly, despite removing the original identification signs from the old ladder before shipping it off, the Wilmette insignia and markings largely remain intact. In fact, the Las Parejas Fire Department has embraced these remnants of Wilmette’s legacy, adding their own custom signage while leaving the original Wilmette lettering untouched. They’ve even incorporated Wilmette-inspired embroidery into their uniforms, alongside the Las Parejas insignia.
The accompanying image shows the Wilmette Fire Department's former Truck 26—a 1985 EONE Hurricane 110-foot RM quint—prior to its retirement and shipment to Buenos Aires. This striking piece of firefighting history was captured by photographer Larry Shapiro.
Beyond the vehicle donation, Wilmette has also contributed surplus bunker gear, hoses, and other essential equipment to Las Parejas, a department operating without municipal funding.
For those interested in reading more about this inspiring exchange, here are links to additional coverage:
- [Article 1](#)
- [Article 2](#)
- [Article 3](#)
An excerpt from the *Wilmette Life* and *Pioneer Press* highlights the ongoing efforts between these two communities. Recently, Wilmette acquired a brand-new quint truck through a substantial $675,000 federal grant. This state-of-the-art vehicle replaces their aging 1985 model, which still holds significant value despite its age. While Wilmette couldn’t outright donate the older truck, its depreciated book value stands at just $30,000. Realizing the potential benefit to another department, the fire chief, James Dominik, sought out a recipient who could truly make use of such a resource.
Las Parejas, a rural area home to over 11,000 residents, fits the bill perfectly. However, getting the truck from Illinois to Argentina presents logistical challenges. This donation not only strengthens Las Parejas’ firefighting capabilities but also symbolizes the enduring bonds between communities across continents. As both sides continue working together, the story serves as a testament to the power of generosity and shared purpose.