Aurora Fire Department officials announced last week that the department donated a fire engine to the Cairo-Auxiliary Fire Department in southern Illinois.
The reserve fire engine served the Aurora community for over two decades and was previously stationed at Station 3, according to a news release from the Aurora Fire Department. Aurora’s 2001 engine is a significant upgrade for Cairo-Auxiliary, whose current front-line engine, a 1995 model, was itself a donation from Round Lake in 2022, the release stated.
“This engine has been a steadfast piece of equipment for Aurora, and we’re thrilled to see it continue serving another community,” Aurora Fire Chief David McCabe said in the release. “Firefighting is built on teamwork, not just within departments but between them. When one department helps another, everyone benefits.”
The donation was facilitated through the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s fire equipment exchange website, and officials said in the release that it highlights the spirit of collaboration and mutual support within Illinois’ fire service community.
The Cairo-Auxiliary Fire Department, which is staffed by 12 volunteer firefighters, supplements Cairo’s full-time fire personnel and serves approximately 29 square miles, the release stated.
Chief Mike Turner of the Cairo-Auxiliary Fire Department and his grandson, Matt, made a six-hour drive to Aurora to pick up the fire engine, according to the release.
Officials said that the symbolic $1 transaction, paid by McCabe, underscores the shared commitment to ensuring fire departments across the state have the tools they need to protect their communities.
“Supporting fellow first responders strengthens communities across Illinois, and we wish the Cairo-Auxiliary Fire Department continued success in their mission to serve and protect their community,” officials said in the release.
