This from Martin Nowak:
I would like to find the history of these rigs. Anyone know who they served. The engine is in Chicago along Archer Ave. The ambulance is behind the Countryside Police Station. Any info would help,
Thank you,Martin Nowak
Martin Nowak photo
Martin Nowak photo
Martin Nowak photo
Martin Nowak photo
Martin Nowak photo
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#1 by Andrew Moffitt on September 24, 2014 - 4:36 PM
The engine is a former Kokomo, Indiana Engine (Engine 5, then marked as Reserve Engine 8). it is a 1980 Ford C/S&S Pumper, and underwent a refurb by RPI in 2007. It was sold by the department after an accident in 2009. Here is a link to a picture of the rig, while it still served as Engine 5.
http://indianafiretrucks.com/Station.aspx?StationId=284
#2 by T on September 19, 2014 - 8:14 PM
No I do not. I know countryside has had for at least the last three years
#3 by Martin Nowak on September 19, 2014 - 8:01 PM
Drew that is the one. Thank you.
#4 by Marc Lovett on September 19, 2014 - 7:22 PM
Martin,
I was a Lieutenant at the McCook Fire Department. I am positive that was Electromotive Division of General Motors (EMD) ambulance. They had their own EMS and were part of Loyola EMS system.
#5 by Drew Smith on September 19, 2014 - 4:32 PM
I agree that the ambulance looks military. Maybe they got it through the LESO program (where the police get free ex-military surplus items).
This site has a photo that appears to be the same apparatus
http://www.indianafiretrucks.com/Station.aspx?StationId=284
#6 by Martin Nowak on September 19, 2014 - 12:45 PM
T, do you know where it was before then?
#7 by Martin Nowak on September 19, 2014 - 12:43 PM
Ed I think you are right. The only issue is that the picture I found has some different details. I have more pictures of this engine and there is damage to the left side. Indiana fire trucks states that it was wrecked in an accident in 2009. I wonder if they have the correct picture of the unit on their site.
#8 by T on September 19, 2014 - 11:29 AM
That ambulance was a countryside Esda vehicle up until recently
#9 by Ed M on September 19, 2014 - 11:10 AM
I believe the Engine is from Kokomo IN
#10 by Craig A. Haigh on September 19, 2014 - 10:56 AM
The ambulance looks like the design used by the military several years ago. The Rock Island Arsenal had a similarly painted and lighted unit, but theirs was on a duel rear wheel chassis.