This from Josh Boyajian:
River Forest
- a Smeal 105′ heavy-duty quint has been purchased and waiting to be placed into service. It will be on display at FRI Friday and Saturday
Leyden FPD
- a 2013 Ford F-350 Wheeled Coach ambulance has been completed and will be on display at FRI this weekend
Bensenville FPD
- a 2013 Ford F-450 Wheeled Coach ambulance has been purchased and will be delivered by the end of the month
Cicero
- a Pierce Dash CF pumper is being built and will be delivered in February
Bolingbrook
Has approved the purchase of two new units:
- a Pierce Dash CF ladder truck
- Pierce Impel engine
Chicago Ridge
- a 2014 Road Rescue medium-duty ambulance on a TerraStar chassis
Wilmette
- a 2013 E-One E-Max pumper will be delivered in the next few months
- a 2013 Ford F-450 squad is being built at Warner Bodies and will be delivered in the next few months
Northfield
- a 2013 E-One engine is being built on a Cyclone chassis which should be done by end of year
Broadview
- 2013 E-One pumper has been ordered. Unknown on the specs
Westchester
- 2013 E-One 21? custom, walk-around rescue on a Typhoon chassis is being built and will be delivered by end of year.
Palos Heights FPD
- 2013 E-One pumper has been ordered, unknown specs at this time.
Gurnee
- 2013 Ford F-450 Road Rescue Ultramedic Type I is being built and should be completed by the end of the year
Joliet
- Their two new engines are completed and ready to be delivered if they weren’t already
Chicago
- Fire Service Inc. is pleased to announce a multi-year contract with the City of Chicago for airport pumpers. The initial order is for three units. The new units will be E-One Cyclone custom chassis with 2000 GPM Hale pump, Fecon foam system, 1000 gallon water tank and 250 gallon foam tanks with Salisbury Stainless Steel bodies. We look forward to bringing back the E-One product family to the third largest city in the United States.
thanks Danny
#1 by Thomas Connolly on January 24, 2015 - 11:48 AM
What’s the status of the squad contract with Rosenbauer?
#2 by Martin Nowak on January 24, 2015 - 9:34 AM
Did they ever make a third E-One for Chicago?
#3 by DMc77 on October 17, 2013 - 5:46 AM
Bill I’m not 100% sure but I remember being told years ago that Skokie T18 was a 100′ heavy duty 3 section ladder that is essentially a tower ladder aerial without a platform attached. It has all the same characteristics of a TL like ladder section size, profile and load rating. Not sure of the back story, maybe the Admin can shed some light on it….
#4 by Bill Post on October 17, 2013 - 2:38 AM
DMC 77, I certainly see what you mean that if necessary a company like Pierce could sell Chicago an 85 foot Tower Ladder to Chicago and just make sure the basket is not installed so the rig can be modified into an 85 foot straight Aerial.
#5 by Bill Post on October 17, 2013 - 2:06 AM
Dmc77, I don’t even know why they would even be interested in an 85 foot Aerial Ladder as they are so uncommon and It just makes more sense to order a 95 or 100 foot Aerial Ladder or Tower Ladder.
What’s the story about the Skokie Tower Ladder? Why would they make a “Tower Ladder” without a basket?
#6 by DMc77 on October 17, 2013 - 12:01 AM
Bill I’m not sure who even makes an 85′ aerial. Pierce makes an 85′ platform, and I suppose they could do for the city like they did for Skokie and build a tower ladder without the platform. There are several three section ladders in the 75-80 foot range but 85′ is almost too long for three sections and too short for four sections….
#7 by Bill Post on October 16, 2013 - 6:52 PM
I had recently found on the City of Chicago’s Department of Procurement Website that the city intends to seek a bid on an 85 foot Aerial Ladder in addition to 100 foot Tower Ladders.
I wonder what that is all about?
#8 by ff24/7 on October 5, 2013 - 5:13 PM
Dolton Fire Department just finished there specs and ordered a Pierce Dash CF pumper
#9 by Kevin Griffin on September 18, 2013 - 8:07 PM
The Palos Heights engine is in service I have seen it in the fire house
#10 by Shaan smith on August 31, 2013 - 12:24 PM
I think the Chicago fire department should go for pierce Velocity for new tower ladders that would be a dream come true
#11 by Matt on August 29, 2013 - 2:56 PM
Tandem axles typically allow better weight reduction and braking power and thus driveability is better in day to day use.
#12 by Josh Boyajian on August 29, 2013 - 7:26 AM
Westchester – Just Ordered a new Wheeled Coach ambulance on a Freightliner Chassis.
Evergreen Park – Just Ordered a new E-One 100ft Ladder and a new E-One C2 Pumper
#13 by Ryan on August 25, 2013 - 11:46 AM
Question…Are the single axles (100 ft) really easier to drive and more manueverable? The wheel base on the new single axle E-Ones are 220″. I can’t find the actual drawing for the CFD 100′ Medium duty Pierce’s. Comparing pictures of them, the wheel base looks pretty close to that of the E-One, maybe even slightly shorter (within a few inches).
#14 by fmddc1 on August 24, 2013 - 4:20 PM
Bill Post, I response to witch tower ladders I would prefer, I would have to say pierce hands down! I’m partial to them as they have proven themselves time and time again to be the most efficient and reliable rigs yet. The old e-ones did a great job at the time when they where new. The pierces have held up great and have taken a lot of abuse. Plus pierce is a great company and are the friendliest, most professional group of folks. I have dealt with them directly over the years a have to say between them and other manufacturers they have always gone above and beyond. More so than even Spartan. Just my personal experience Bill I can’t say enough about them or their product.
#15 by Bill Post on August 19, 2013 - 8:33 PM
NJ I can see your point about the Skylift and the Telstar being a new and a different class of apparatus however perhaps they can be marketed as a new and enlarged version of the “Snorkel” as one characteristic of both models of Aerial Platform is that they are both articulating which is something that they have in common with the “Snorkel”.
#16 by Bill Post on August 19, 2013 - 8:26 PM
Mike that Metro 100 does indeed offer some possibilities for Chicago. The only thing at the moment is how many more Spartan ERVs are on the present contract and then it would be worth seeing how well this new Metro 100 actually performs.
The current Aerial Ladder contract with Spartan ERV was supposed to be for 3 years and up to 30 Aerial Ladders. I don’t know which part of the contract is receiving the priority (the 3 year part or the 30 Aerial Ladder Part. The contract was signed by March 31st 2010 , so if it only based on the 3 year stipulation then the contract is up ,however, if the 30 Aerial Ladder wording is given the precedence then Chicago some time to go as there only 13 Spartan Erv Aerial Ladders that have been delivered so far which includes 12 active Truck companies and one for the Fire Academy.
Once the contract for the Spartan Erv Aerial Ladders is officially expired then it might be worth it for Chicago to possibly lease the Metro 100 or if that isn’t possible to buy only one of them just to see how well it actually holds up.
#17 by FFPM571 on August 19, 2013 - 6:58 PM
Here are the specs for the new DG engine 5. Pierce Saber cab with raised roof and chassis with a rescue style body and electric ladder rack, cummins ISL9 400hp motor, Waterous CSU 1500gpm, UPF poly tank, Harrison 6kw generator. Tenative delivery before the end of the year. It is on the line now as final drawings were just submitted.
#18 by NJ on August 19, 2013 - 2:50 PM
Bill, I agree completely that the Bronto or Telestar would be a great asset to the city. However, that would in essence be a whole new class of rigs (different enough from the TL’s to be considered so). CFD is much less likely to introduce a whole new class of rigs than it is to buy a taller version of existing ladder trucks.
#19 by Mike on August 18, 2013 - 12:16 PM
Bill I can see CFD maybe going to these because the pierces are to big. Double axles suck to drive because of the maneuverability issue and the jack spread. E-One has an 11 foot jack spread and the single axle makes it very easy to drive. Plus I’m sure the cost will be less since its o e less axle.
#20 by John H on August 18, 2013 - 10:18 AM
What is the advantage/disadvantage of a double vs. single rear axle aerial ladder? With one less axle, does that simply mean that the unit isn’t able to carry as much weight as a double axle?
#21 by Bill Post on August 18, 2013 - 2:47 AM
Mike I just discovered that the aerial ladders on the single-axle chassis are 100-foot and that you are talking about the Metro 100 model. It would be interesting to see how well it goes over and if they are cheaper than the standard double axle aerials that have become standard over the last 10 years. It would also be interesting to see if their competition now comes up with their own versions. I can see some small town fire or suburban fire departments with limited station space purchasing them.
#22 by Bill Post on August 18, 2013 - 2:21 AM
Mike are the single-axle chassis for 100-foot aerial ladders as single axle chassis for aerial ladders in the 75-foot range still are common and other manufacturers still sell single-axle chassis 75-foot aerial ladders ?
#23 by Bill Post on August 18, 2013 - 1:54 AM
NJ as long as you brought up the subject of 137′ aerial ladder, I think it would be a smarter move if Chicago purchased one or two 136′ Bronto-Skylift Platforms marketed in the US by Pierce, or to purchase the Telstar 136′ platform which is marketed by Spartan Erv in the USA. A platform is more ideally suited for rescue work or even for long-term elevated master stream placement as it affords the firefighters a more secure foot hold and more flexibility than using a straight aerial ladder.
#24 by Bill Post on August 18, 2013 - 1:39 AM
Fmddc1 I understand why you wouldn’t want the CFD go to a mixed fleet when it comes to the city engines and I tend to go along with that, since 99% of the fleet are from Crimson or Luverne which are predecessors to SpartanErv. However I am curious if you have a preference when it comes to tower ladders as we already have a mixed fleet of those?
When it comes to airport pumpers, O’Hare’s pumpers have been different from the city pumpers for quite a while now.
#25 by Mike on August 16, 2013 - 7:52 PM
E-One has started selling ladders on single axle chassis again. That would be a good thing for them to consider.
#26 by fmddc1 on August 16, 2013 - 4:44 PM
I really hope they don’t get e-one towers or engines. I know lot’s of people love them…..I wasn’t sad to see them go. But the city is the city and they do whatever they want. Here we go again with a mixed fleet!
#27 by Robert on August 16, 2013 - 3:03 PM
Those old e-ones are different from the ones now a days so we wpuld have to see how they hold up
#28 by Drew Smith on August 16, 2013 - 10:38 AM
I have heard that planning for two additional stations at O’Hare is underway. Exactly what that means, where the stations will be located, and when they may materialize is unknown. Much of the military side of O’Hare has been razed. Along Patton Drive you can see the foundations of some old hangers/buildings. You can drive the length of Patton Drive off Higgins until you reach Gate 12 where security is located. Just west of Patton and south of Johnson (first street south of Higgins) is an area set back where the DoA stores vehicles. Late last month there were a few CFD/ORD vehicles there. Specifically a tower and pumper.
#29 by Bill Post on August 16, 2013 - 9:45 AM
Speaking of Engine 59 the original speculation (before the new station was opened) was that a new Truck company would be opened ( probably on the southwest side at Engine 88) but as you can see it was only speculation.
Yes historically speaking double Engine stations in Chicago usually don’t last too long however due to the heavy EMS load and maybe the high rise’s off of the Lakefront are probably why Engine 70 and 59 are sharing quarters. The only thing that I can justify moving Engine 59 for would be to use the manpower to create a fifth Squad company on the far south side.
I understand that the situation at O’Hare may still be fluid and I have heard unconfirmed stories of possibly building more or relocating some fire stations at O’Hare Field due to the expansion and runway realignment there.
Currently I don’t know if the plans are still to maintain the 4 fire stations that are there or to make more changes.
As large as O”Hare field is there are some airports in the United States with larger fire departments then at O”Hare field. Hartsfield airport at Atlanta Georgia ( the busiest airport) has 5 fire stations and Dallas/Ft Worth airport recently opened a 6th fire station. Denver International airport (the largest in total area) also maintains 4 fire stations on the field.
#30 by NJ on August 16, 2013 - 8:58 AM
Would be nice to see some E-One ladders back here. They make a 137′ ladder which would be nice for at least some of the rigs near and in city center.
#31 by Evan Davis on August 16, 2013 - 8:42 AM
Chicago use to have E-One engines at the airport before the Pierce rigs they have now.
#32 by tom sullivan on August 16, 2013 - 7:08 AM
there was speculation about a 3rd engine company at ohare, to cover the north end. with the opening of e-70 the first thought was that e-59 would go there, being that the city has never kept a double engine house for very long. it appears that with the high rise situation that e-59 will stay doubled up.
in the late 1990s with the closure of the air force base at ohare, the city took over the usaf fire station, lock, stock, and barrel, so they thought. part of the deal was going to be the usaf crash truck. one morning the crash truck was seen leaving the field, the sergeant on it was asked where they were going,, “Milwaukee” ! so that part of the deal didn’t happen.
the city then shortly after put an engine in service in the usaf house, “e-12”. ran with a shop spare, had a roster of manpower assigned from city wide transfer order. e-9 relocated to rescue 1 quarters (with tl-63), bttn 12 (at that time) went to rescue 3. this lineup lasted for a few months, then e-12 was suddenly taken out of service (again), e-9 and bttn 12 swapped quarters (again), and that was the end of it,,, except for rumors about a serious funding issue!
the former usaf house became the spare rig storage house. the bttn chief was required to visit and inspect every day to maintain a cfd presence.
the fire dept. operation at ohare (and midway) can be a bit confusing, the dept. of aviation is the landlord and the fire dept. (and everyone else) are tenants. the fire houses and apparatus, equipment, supplies, etc. are owned by the dept. of aviation. not much happens there with the fire dept. without aviations’ approval or direction.
#33 by CFD 1979 on August 16, 2013 - 2:16 AM
E-One towers are definitely the way to go. There have been a tremendous amount of issues with the Pierce towers, and trucks for that matter. Also, the HME towers are from the 90s and have visible wear and tear on them. Finally, the “American LaFrance experiment” with TL5 was unnecessary because TL5 had a great E-One previously that ran fantastic! The former quint American LaFrance has significant weight imbalances due to the pump being removed for use in the city and just proves to be a very bouncy/bumpy ride. Go back to E-One!!!
#34 by Drew Smith on August 15, 2013 - 11:20 PM
Engine 12S was built in 2011 and has a shop number of AVF113. When I had our guys out to O’Hare last month E12S was sitting outside at the burn prop.
#35 by John H on August 15, 2013 - 10:41 PM
I interpreted the ‘multi-year’ contract to mean that the City has the option to purchase add’l units for whatever purpose–which would seem to indicate ‘city units’ as there presumably won’t be an add’l need for more of the same type of ‘airport pumpers’. Seems like the City simply chose to place these first four units at the airport(s) — presumably with federal dollars? — but if they like them, then we could see more. Kind of like how airlines purchase aircraft from Boeing or Airbus…confirmed orders vs. options on more. We’ll see, I guess.
#36 by Bill Post on August 15, 2013 - 9:06 PM
So it that all there is to the Chicago order for E/One “airport” pumpers?
I would like to know if they will be “Jumbo size” like the current ones or will they be smaller? Will they only be for O’Hare field or will that include Engine 127 at Midway? If they are all for O’Hare then it means that there will be a new Engine company at O’Hare.
What about the Spartan Crimson reserve Engine 12 at O”Hare field?
If you notice that it is for a multi year contract so does that mean that there will be more then 3 airport pumpers or does that mean that after the first three are delivered that the rest of them will be for “City companies”?
#37 by Sebastian on August 15, 2013 - 8:31 PM
Whatever happened to engine 12s that was built
By spartan erv??
#38 by Josh Boyajian on August 15, 2013 - 8:12 PM
When it comes to E-One… I would really like to see E-One Tower Ladders for the city again. When it comes to the jack spread, you cant beat it with the skinny streets in the city. Look at the current spare 1988 E-One tower ladders. For how old they are and the amount of use that they have gone through, they seem like they hold up. Thoughts on this….?
#39 by FFPM571 on August 15, 2013 - 7:37 PM
Downers Grove has a Pierce Saber Engine in production to replace Engine 5. The current Engine 5 will become Engine 2 a reserve.
#40 by Evan Davis on August 15, 2013 - 6:38 PM
I’d say E-One is hard at work with these orders!
#41 by Robert on August 15, 2013 - 6:03 PM
Its good to see Chicago Ridge continuing with the International chassis. Since they have older ones, the new Terrastar will be great since its low like the old internationals. With Chicago getting E-ones for the airport, it would mean another change to the fleet, pierce would be replaced. Leaving the pierce trucks they have. It would be funny when Chicago gets new towers and pierce wins the bid.