Category: 202506
Palatine Fire Department history
June 28, 2025

The Ben Franklin store fire in Palatine on February 23, 1973, claimed the lives of three local firefighters—Warren Ahlgrim, Richard Freeman, and John Wilson. At the time, John Tobin was a high school senior who lived just a mile from downtown. When the fire broke out, his father, Dave, a.......

Steering Away from the World's Infrastructure Cliff
June 28, 2025

In April, the American Society of Civil Engineers released its four-year report card on the condition of U.S. civil infrastructure. The overall grade was a dismal D+, with some areas like roads and public transit performing even worse. Stephen Colbert touched on the issue with a darkly humorous.......

Steering Away from the World's Infrastructure Cliff
June 28, 2025

In April, the American Society of Civil Engineers released its quadrennial report card on U.S. infrastructure, and the results were troubling—earning a dismal D+ overall, with roads and public transit scoring even lower. Stephen Colbert touched on the issue with his signature dark humor,.......

What is the Tightest Tolerance for a Precision Machining Company?
June 27, 2025

Precision machining is a critical field where the ability to produce parts with extremely tight tolerances can make all the difference. But what exactly defines the "tightest" tolerance, and how close can manufacturers get? Let’s explore the limits of precision machining and what it take.......

What is the Tightest Tolerance for a Precision Machining Company?
June 27, 2025

As a precision machining company, the ability to produce parts with extremely tight tolerances is essential for success. But what exactly defines the "tightest" tolerance, and how precise can manufacturing really get? Let's take a closer look at the limits of precision machining. Tolerances ar.......

Chicago Still & Box Alarm fire, 1-2-14
June 27, 2025

"Here's a message from Eric Haak: Shortly before 1400 hours on Thursday, the 15th Battalion Chief in Chicago activated a Still & Box alarm for the 4000 block of South Brighton Place. The city had been experiencing a heavy lake-effect snowstorm all day, and a strong squall was moving through th.......

Chicago Still & Box Alarm fire, 1-2-14
June 27, 2025

"Here's a message from Eric Haak: Shortly before 1400 hours on Thursday, the 15th Battalion Chief in Chicago issued a Still & Box alarm for the 4000 block of South Brighton Place. The city had been under a heavy lake-effect snow storm all day, and a strong squall was sweeping through the South.......

New engine for Newport Township FPD
June 27, 2025

From the Custom Cab and Body LLC Facebook page:

Newport Township Fire Protection District, Wadsworth, IL

This new pumper is the first of two identical units built on a Spartan Metro Star MFD flat roof chassis. It features a powerful Cummins L9 450HP diesel engine.......