In Wadsworth, Illinois, located on the northern edge of Lake County, the **Newport Township Fire Protection District** serves an area of 33 square miles. Their main fire station is situated off Wadsworth Road, just east of US 41. The station is well-equipped with a tanker, two engines, a pumper squad, two ambulances, a utility vehicle, a staff car, an ATV, and a brush unit—all essential for responding to emergencies across the district.
To improve response times in the northern part of their jurisdiction, the FPD has rented a section of a barn on the property of Doug Reno, a local firefighter and equipment enthusiast. This arrangement allows them to be more agile and efficient when dealing with incidents in that remote area.
Doug Reno not only supports the department by providing space but also has a personal collection of vintage fire apparatus. His collection includes several classic vehicles, some of which are now stored on neighboring properties. Among his prized possessions is a 1975 Ward LaFrance Ambassador engine, originally from Wadsworth, Ohio—though there is no fire department in Illinois by that name, as the area is covered by Newport’s protection.
The Newport Township Fire Protection District itself operates a variety of specialized units, including:
- A 1977 CF Mack engine with 4,000 feet of 4-inch hose, featuring a black cab roof. It previously served in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, and was acquired through the generosity of two department members.
- A 1951 Willys Jeep equipped with a 100-GPM front pump and a 150-gallon water tank, used mainly for parades or special events.
- A beautifully restored 1969 Dodge Power Wagon W-300, once the department’s brush rig.
- A 1981 R-Model Mack box truck used as a "Heavy Rescue" unit, carrying TRT supplies.
- A 1988 R-Model Mack flatbed with a 6,000-pound knuckle boom crane, often used as a foam tender for the Quad 2 ARFF unit.
One notable event occurred in 2008 during a large fire in Winthrop Harbor, where Engine 1413 spent most of the day drafting water from Lake Michigan. Photos capture the intense operation and even show Doug Reno trying to stay warm in the engine’s cab.
Doug’s own collection includes:
- A 1975 Ward LaFrance Ambassador engine, labeled for the Wadsworth Fire Department (Ohio), featuring a 1,250-GPM pump and 500-gallon tank.
- A 1971 CF Mack engine that was later refurbished by Pierce for the Geneva Fire Department in Kane County.
- A CF Mack engine from Duncannon, Pennsylvania.
These vehicles reflect not only a deep passion for firefighting history but also a commitment to preserving the legacy of emergency services. Whether on duty or in private collections, these rigs continue to tell stories of service, dedication, and community spirit.