From the Fire Service, Inc. Facebook page:
This unit recived the following upgrades, all in house at Fire Service Inc. New: LED Warning Lights, Complete new Paint and lettering, New ROM roll up doors, New DOT LED lights, Rebuilt engine, suspension, brakes, air system, electrical system (including all new electrical boards) upholstery, cab door panels, A/C systems, Generators and the entire body structure and under carriage support system. Thank you to the City of Chicago !
Fire Service, Inc. photo
Fire Service, Inc. photo
Fire Service, Inc. photo
Fire Service, Inc. photo
Fire Service, Inc. photo
Fire Service, Inc. photo
More photos HERE
#1 by Marty Coyne on October 25, 2015 - 4:32 PM
Squad 2 was running the spare snorkel on thurs. Squad 1 was running with G487. Better get those Rosenbauers soon.
#2 by cmk420 on October 25, 2015 - 1:41 PM
Bill–this was Thursday that I saw no snorkel, so something must have happened between the time you saw it, and the time I saw it.
#3 by Bill Post on October 25, 2015 - 12:06 AM
This past Wednesday, October 21st, I saw Squad 1 running with their regular Snorkel and of the course their box rig as well. This was late in the day and they were on the near west side running an errand somewhere as about an hour later I saw them returning. I initially saw them heading south on Clinton off of Taylor and then they were returning on Ashland. I think that they might have been going to one of the fuel depots or perhaps the Special Operations command on Pershing. They could have even been going to the fire academy south on Clinton but this is only speculation of course.
#4 by cmk420 on October 24, 2015 - 8:54 PM
On the subject of Chicago squads, I was walking around downtown the other day and went by Engine 42’s quarters. I noticed that Squad 1A’s snorkel was not running. It was replaced by G487, which I believe was the old mobile air unit? Anybody know where the reserve snorkel squad is? Seems like trying times for CFD squads.
#5 by mike on October 24, 2015 - 9:26 PM
Squad 5 might have the spare snorkel. It seems to be getting passed around everyday. Smeal has it posted on their website that they have atleast 1 55 foot snorkel in production.
#6 by Tom on October 19, 2015 - 12:29 PM
Anyone else notice the license plate on the front grill? Other than the ambulances and buggies, I have not seen it on any other CFD rigs. Or maybe I just never noticed it before…any thoughts?
#7 by mike on October 18, 2015 - 6:15 PM
With squad 7 being an FAA purchase any idea if the city got the FAA to pay for this instead of buying a whole new rig.
#8 by Bill Post on October 18, 2015 - 1:58 PM
Since the city did decide to rebuild the Pierce squad which really is an investment, then it seems to make more sense to have all four of the new 2-piece Snorkel/squads assigned to the city proper. I realize that until the rigs get delivered we really don’t know how many we are getting, but assuming that we do get four sets a strong case can still be made for putting a 4th squad in service on the far south side as Squad 5 has the largest running district and is the busiest squad. Since Chicago runs with four command vans for the city it only makes sense to run with four squads in the as well. This is only an opinion but it makes sense.
#9 by Crabby Milton on October 18, 2015 - 11:35 AM
Certainly some nice shots there. Rust will do you in if a vehicle sits too much unless you keep it as dry as you can.I don’t know how the frame got cracked but I’m sure PIERCE had some “splaining” to do. No matter, it’s just about as good new now so it should serve for many more years.
#10 by Drew Smith on October 18, 2015 - 11:01 AM
Many of these heavier rigs have a dual C-channel frame: The inner frame rail steel formed in a “C” has an outer frame rail of steel formed in a “C” married to it. The gap between the two is less than 1/9-inch but when rust/corrosion sets in it jacks the two apart and when that gap gets to be about 1/2-inch that location snaps and the rig is OOS until repaired.
The only acceptable repair is frame rail replacement which on a single-axle chassis will run $85,000 to $125,000 depending on the complexity of the job. The scope of work involves, basically, taking the whole vehicle apart to get to the frame then reassembling it.
Prospect Heights sold it’s 1996 squad pumper rather than invest in such an impending repair. Given the size of CFD Sq.7 such an investment may be more prudent.
Another factor to consider is the politics of replacement vs. repair. Sometimes the best course of action isn’t possible and you take what you can get. Better to have 70% of something than 100% of nothing.
Regarding the details of this CFD squad work, I am in no position to comment one way or the other regarding whether or not this was a good idea nor do I care to. Such decisions are best made by the individual FD. What’s good for one may not be good for others.
#11 by Marty Coyne on October 18, 2015 - 9:46 AM
ffpm571 The frame cracked on this rig. While it certainly gets a lot less use it’s a lot bigger and heavier. Could even have been a flaw from the start and/or corrosion.
#12 by ffpm571 on October 18, 2015 - 7:46 AM
Interesting how a rig that never goes anywhere rarely gets used gets so much wear and tear it needs to be completely rebuilt. Yet the City squads get the abuse and run non stop. That’s right! the FAA and DOA paid for it..
#13 by Marty Coyne on October 18, 2015 - 12:09 AM
It was OOS for over a year. It went to pierce for eval then was going to be scrapped before the rebuild was decided on.
#14 by harry on October 17, 2015 - 10:00 PM
i think it was gone for a year or so
#15 by Michael M on October 17, 2015 - 9:54 PM
It looks really nice! Glad it is back! How long was it gone? I first saw it in 2005 and again in 2006. It also had visible wear at that time as well.
#16 by harry on October 17, 2015 - 7:54 PM
i just want to say that fire service inc has done a great job refurbing squad 7. when i first heard that it was going to be scapped i was sad because i never got a good picture of it. but then when i heard it got a complete refurb job and i heard it was back home in chicago i wanted to see it b4 it gets beat up it is as close to brand new as it will get for a 15 yr old truck but it really brand new great job when i first saw it in 2001 it had visible wear already so i was proud to see it back