The Nauvoo Fire Department will be climbing to new heights with their new 75 ft. aerial ladder outfit which arrived Friday evening.

The department will introduce the new truck to the community at an openhouse Saturday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nauvoo Fire Station.

According to Assistant Fire Chief Dan Gallaher, the freight liner chassis, purchased from Alexis Fire Equipment, is equipped with an 8500 generator, class A and B foam tanks, the "Jaws of Life," and is able to carry 500 gallons of water on board.

The hose can also apply 1500 gallons of water per minute and includes 1,000 ft. of eight-inch hose, 800 feet of 3 inch hose and 600 feet of one and three quarter inch hose.

Gallaher also said the department opted for the new truck to meet state regulations.

"According to the I.S.O., if you have five or more buildings of three or more stories, you have to have a ladder outfit," he added. "With the new hotel and the temple, that put us right at five."

He added that the cab of the truck can carry five of the Nauvoo Fire Department's 25 fire personnel (non-sexist), and that those five will be equipped with air pack capabilities. Gallaher hopes the department will begin training on the truck next Monday.

The department was able to receive a grant for one-half of the cost of the truck, and took out a loan for the other half and additions to the Nauvoo Fire Station, totaling $230,000.

One of the renovations was to first raise the ceiling of the fire station thirty feet to compensate for the height of the new truck.

The station's new addition includes seating capacity for up to 65, storage, kitchen cabinets, appliances and restroom facilities. The department has also added a radio room where the previous meeting room and one stall restroom used to stand.

Gallaher said they plan to make the room available as a meeting facility for other county fire departments, EMS and community organizations.

The addition was made possible with the help of many volunteers and donations.

"Our cabinets were given to us by members of the L.D.S. Church and M and M Electric put in all of the wiring for free, only charging for supplies. There are a lot of people who helped make this happen, and the open house will be our chance to thank them."