Hank Sajovic took in a Still and Box Alarm today at 4235 W. Madison. Arriving companies were met with heavy fire and smoke conditions from the two-story building which houses a mosque. Four lines were used and there was a partial collapse in the rear. The fire was contained to the building of origin which had exposures on either side of a furniture store to the east and a liquor store on the west. Engine 113, 117, and 95 lead out. Truck 26 was to the roof in sector 1 along with Tower Ladder 14.
Of notable mention at this fire was the response of 5-1-5, the new Special Operations Battalion Chief which went into service effective December 17, 2010.
Engine 113 was the box engine to 4235 W. Madison today for fire in a commercial occupancy. Hank Sajovic photo
Engine 113 went to a hydrant across Madison Street for a supply line. There is a hydrant immediately opposite the engine, but both engines 95 and 117 were using it. Hank Sajovic photo
Tower 14's basket was put to the second floor to assist with overhaul. Hank Sajovic photo
A new position created in the past week in Chicago is 5-1-5, a Special Operations Battalion Chief. The buggy seen here with shop id B-545 is a 2010 Ford Expedition. Hank Sajovic photo
Looking east on Madison Street is the Air Mask Unit and the communication van. Hank Sajovic photo
#1 by Dennis McGuire Jr. on June 25, 2011 - 9:59 PM
Dan, 39th St and Support Services are the same place just 2 different names. The 24 hour platoon crew at this location is an officer and a few firemen. Their job is to supply any materials (i.e. brooms, tools, soap, etc.) to the firehouses and companies. When an incident takes place and one of the rigs that is kept there is needed, they will drive it to the location where a squad company along with whatever fire company will set it up and operate it. This is the same as with any of the special rigs that are kept at firehouses. 5-1-5 handles supervision of any incident were a special rig is needed, any training with a special rig, and the logistics for these rigs.
#2 by Daniel C. Rode on June 25, 2011 - 7:56 PM
Dennis, what is the role of 5-2-0? I assume its role/duties are different from 5-1-5. Does Special Ops. maintain a 24-hour crew at 39th St. to respond with any of their rigs at a moment’s notice? Thanks in advance for whatever insight you can provide to my questions.
#3 by Dennis McGuire Jr. on June 25, 2011 - 12:30 PM
5-1-5 the special operations 24 hour battalion chief is quartered at Engine Co. 5’s quarters NOT at 39th St.
#4 by Daniel C. Rode on June 24, 2011 - 10:43 AM
I noticed in the C.F.D. index, 5-1-5 is still listed at Special Ops. and not at E-5’s quarters.
#5 by Bill Post on January 8, 2011 - 9:49 PM
According to my understanding, 515 (Special Operations Battalion) is supposed to be quartered at Engine 5’s house, (at least at night) as it is a 24 hour Battalion Chief .
#6 by Joe Bliley on January 8, 2011 - 7:17 PM
Great thank you!!
#7 by Joe Bliley on January 8, 2011 - 11:06 AM
I was just wondering where the new 5-1-5 Special Operations BC is stationed?
#8 by bgshap on January 8, 2011 - 4:47 PM