University Park Station 1 at 698 Burnham Drive. Karl Klotz photo
In MABAS Division 27, the University Park Fire Department has been added to the site. This department has almost completed a change to black over red apparatus throughout the fleet. Previously, the rigs were black over white over lime green which was the color scheme used by the department under its’ former name. Prior to 1984, the village and subsequently the fire department was call Park Forest South. As a means to achieve autonomy, the village became University Park in 1984 and the fire department, being a municipal department, changed as well. A well documented department history is available on the fire department website HERE.
The last piece of apparatus in the University Park fleet to carry the old color scheme is Engine 76. Karl Klotz photo
Recently, the department received a new E-ONE tower ladder. They traded three older pieces to the dealer; a Hendrickson/American/LTI tower ladder and two Hendrickson/FMC engines.
In 1980, the Park Forest South Fire Department received this unit for Engine 78. Built on a Hendrickson chassis with an 1871S cab, the body was fabricated by FMC. Larry Shapiro collection
University Park Engine 78 as it sits in the dealer's yard after being traded in. Karl Klotz photo
University Park recently replaced this 1976 Hendrickson/American Fire/LTI 85' tower ladder which was originally labeled for the Park Forest South Fire Department. Larry Shapiro collection
Old Tower 85 is also parked as its' fate is determined. Karl Klotz photo
University Park has a mixture of E-ONE and American LaFrance apparatus in addition to a Spartan/FMC/RPI/Pierce engine that formerly belonged to Beecher, IL. Both of the department’s ambulances are Type I units from Medtec on IHC chassis.
Beecher Engine 406 began as a 1984 Spartan/FMC engine with open jump seats. In 1994, it was sent to RPI in Tipton, IN to have the cab enclosed. In 2001, it was rehabbed by Pierce with a new body. Bill Friedrich photo
The Beecher Volunteer Fire Department took delivery of this FMC Omega pumper with a top-mount 'membrane' pump panel in 1984 on a Spartan chassis with a 2-dr CFC cab. Larry Shapiro collection
Karl Klotz provided the current department information and images.
#1 by Jr on October 17, 2013 - 8:41 PM
Anyone know what a membrane pump panel is??
#2 by Admin on October 17, 2013 - 8:47 PM
It was an early design by FMC with membrane switches that were buttons on a smooth surface like today’s microwave ovens have
Pingback: Park Forest South FD history « chicagoareafire.com