Champaign Fire Department now has a new truck to assist the community.
Following more than 100 years of tradition, spent Saturday afternoon welcoming the new 164 ladder truck into the Champaign community.
Fire Chief Gary Ludwig says some of the tradition has been altered a bit but tradition nonetheless.
"Back in the day they were horse-drawn steamer engines where they would disconnect the horses from the steamer, they would wet the steamer down and then turn it off. Neighbors would come out and help put the steamer back into the engine," said Ludwig
He says children and adults had a chance to soak the new truck help dry it, and finally pushed into the station by the children. Ludwig was very pleased with the outcome of community members who joined this special day.
In addition, he said it was important that community members knew what was being done with their taxes they pay. They want the community to feel a part of the fire department.
"The fire station has always been an anchor of the community."