A retired fire truck named Freddie has a new life thanks to the innovation and dedication of Joliet West High School students. As part of a service-learning project in their Electronics and Robotics 1 and 2 classes, students restored Freddie so he can once again serve the Joliet Fire Department — this time as an interactive tool for teaching fire safety to children.

Freddie had been out of service since around 2004 or 2005 and had been collecting dust in a closet ever since. Under the guidance of Joliet West CTE/STEM educator John Barber, students worked for months to bring the truck back to working condition. Their efforts paid off when members of the Joliet Fire Department and JTHS Superintendent Dr. Karla Guseman visited the class to see Freddie revived and ready for his next chapter.

Student leaders Nicholas Hicks and Jose Zamudio said the project was both challenging and rewarding. “This was a really fun project to work on, and we looked forward to class every day,” they said. “We even created a TikTok account that gained 10,000 followers who followed Freddie’s progress and cheered us on. Someone from Oklahoma who was restoring a similar truck reached out for advice. The whole experience was amazing.”

Nicholas added that the experience helped clarify his career goals. “Participating in this project showed me how rewarding it can be to use what we learn in class to help the community,” he said.

Battalion Chief Tim Chaplin of the Joliet Fire Department, who will lead the fire prevention program using Freddie, praised the students’ work. “We’re very thankful for what the students accomplished,” Chaplin said. “Freddie is $10,000 worth of equipment, and being able to bring him back to life is incredible. He talks, blinks, and helps engage young audiences in learning about fire safety. He was sitting unused for years until the students stepped in to help.”

Chaplin said the department’s Community Education group is excited about incorporating Freddie into its programming. “Building a curriculum around him is a big job, but it’s going to make a real impact,” he said. “We’re grateful to see Freddie back in action.”

The collaboration between Joliet West and the Joliet Fire Department will continue with plans to restore “Andy the Ambulance” next through a partnership with Joliet Central High School. Freddie is also set to make his public debut in the upcoming Joliet Christmas Parade, marking his official return as the city’s newest fire safety ambassador.

“We are grateful to the Joliet Fire Department for this opportunity. This was one of those rare projects that combined hands-on learning, public service, and a lot of heart,” said JTHS Superintendent Dr. Karla Guseman. “The students should be proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

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