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Last weekend, I had the chance to visit the MABAS Home Day Open House held at the readiness center warehouse in Wheeling. It was an exciting event filled with demonstrations and displays showcasing the capabilities of the local fire departments and emergency response teams.
One of the highlights was the impressive turnout by many area fire chiefs and other officers. They gathered to learn more about the latest developments in firefighting and emergency management. There were several informative presentations covering a range of topics, all aimed at enhancing preparedness and coordination among these vital services. Larry Shapiro captured some great photos during the event.
Another memorable moment came when Congressman Peter Roskam took the stage to address the fire service personnel. His speech highlighted the importance of collaboration between federal and local agencies in maintaining public safety. It was inspiring to see how dedicated everyone was to their mission.
The readiness center itself is a treasure trove of advanced equipment designed to support emergency operations. One standout piece of machinery is the Mobile Field Office, which features expandable slide-out sides to maximize interior workspace. This particular unit, known as MSU-North or Mission Support Unit for the northern region, is one of only three such units available. Larry Shapiro did a fantastic job capturing its details in his photographs.
Also on display was the newest acquisition for the MABAS specialized units – an 8×8 Oshkosh P-15 surplus vehicle originally from the Air Force. This massive crash truck can carry up to 6,000 gallons of water and 600 gallons of AFFF foam. Equipped with dual 1,500-GPM pumps and two turrets rated at 1,250-GPM each, it's one of the largest firefighting vehicles ever built. Although it's not currently in active service, its potential applications are vast. Larry Shapiro provided excellent visuals of this impressive machine.
Additionally, the warehouse serves as the base for Illinois Task Force 1 (ILTF-1), the state’s Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) team. Known as "IL-US&R TF-1," this group operates under MABAS-IL and acts as the primary urban search and rescue team for the state. Part of the facility is dedicated entirely to housing the extensive resources required for this critical task force. Larry Shapiro documented the setup beautifully.
Another recent addition to the US&R team’s mobile arsenal is a specialized flatbed roll-off container designed specifically for transporting lumber. This innovation underscores the ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance the team’s operational capacity. Once again, Larry Shapiro’s photography brought these details to life.
Overall, the open house was a fantastic opportunity to witness firsthand the dedication and innovation driving our local emergency response systems. It was clear that everyone involved shares a deep commitment to protecting the community and preparing for any situation.