Pierce delivered a specially designed cab to Chicago’s Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. The cab is custom-painted to duplicate Chicago’s Engine 98 and will feature educational interactive games and activities for patients staying in the hospital.

“We are confident that this will be the hardest-working vehicle in the history of the Chicago Fire Department,” said Bob Bohn, chairman and CEO of Oshkosh and Pierce Manufacturing. “The fire truck cab has enough knobs, switches and buttons to let families take time out and have some time together.”

The cab was to be raised to the 12th floor today, but was delayed due to windy weather conditions. The hospital, under construction on the campus of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, is expected to open in 2012.

“It’s a natural pairing,” said Chicago Fire Department Commissioner John Brooks. “The kids love fire trucks — everybody knows that. This is a partnership with children. The allure of the big red fire trucks, lights and sirens … some of the lucky ones get to drive them, too!”

Also honored at the ceremony was 9-year-old Grace Bracken, who suffered an aneurism in January. Chicago Fire Department responded and transported her to Children’s Memorial Hospital for treatment.

“The kids will be using this display to explore the world of emergency care,” Brooks said. “That’s what we handle day in and day out.”

Other visitors at the event included Eileen Coglianese and her daughter Allyson Murphy. Coglianese’s husband, Lt. Edmond Coglianese, was stationed at Engine 98, which is housed across the street from the new hospital. Lt. Edmond Coglianese died in the line of duty.