PHOTOS: Firetrucks during their years of service become a highly recognizable part of the communities they serve. Such is the case for Ladder Truck 53, which began serving the Oconomowoc area in 1997. Recognizable for its yellow color and Raccoon mascot on its bucket, the Pierce rear-mount platform truck has responded to numerous significant fires including the Baptist church explosion across from City Beach in 2008 and a five-alarm fire in downtown Oconomowoc in 2012.
But for Western Lakes Fire District Chief Brad Bowen and others at the department, even its sound stands out from the others in the fleet.
"It is going to sound weird but many of us can tell just by listening when that truck is responding. It has a very distinct engine sound as well as siren. It is going to take some getting used to the new one," he said.