How many people can say they have their name on a fire truck? Well, one resident can actually say he has a fire truck named after him.
On Monday October 1st, long time resident Mark C. Batson had his picture taken next to the latest addition at NL Fire Station One.
Mr. Batson made a donation to the fire district last year to offer his appreciation of the firefighters and paramedics. With Mr. Batson’s generous donation the fire
district purchased a 1971 Pierce Osh Kosh Snorkel to be utilized for fire prevention, public events and is also a reserved piece of equipment. “The snorkel has been tested and certified to be used as a reserved piece of equipment in the event of a very large fire”, states Fire Chief Jon Mead.
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The fire district is using the snorkel for the public events and parades so they do not have to take a front line vehicle out of service with on duty personnel. Firefighters take the snorkel to parades and other requested events to educate the public on the fire service, the equipment and vehicles.
“With such a generous donation, we wanted to show our
appreciation to Mr. Batson so we decided to put his name on the snorkel,”
stated Chief Mead.
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The lettering and striping for the snorkel was also a generous donation from Kevin Petrie of M.O. Graphics on Schoolhouse Road in New Lenox.
“Another generous donation that was unexpected, it is very humbling the support the fire district receives from citizens and businesses” Chief stated.
Mr. Batson was more than delighted to see his name on the front of the snorkel and loved the idea of the uses for the fire truck.
The snorkel will be at the Fire District’s Annual Open House on October 13th, from noon until 4 p.m. at station one. Children and adults will be able to take rides in fire engines and the snorkel during the event. For more information regarding the Open House, visit us on Facebook, www.nlfire.com, or call the district office at 815-463-4500.
