Archive for May 10th, 2018

Elgin Fire Department news

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

Members of the Elgin Fire Department’s water rescue and recovery team tested an inflatable rescue craft made by Colorado-based Creature Craft in April, for water rescues, particularly those involving the Kimball Street dam. The craft has a roll cage to limit its capsizing risk and to make it easier to upright should it tip. It boasts 40 separate inflatable baffles intended to prevent sinking.

More than 15 people participated in the demo including firefighters from East Dundee and Carpentersville. The craft tested and related accessories would cost about $30,000 and weighs around 200 pounds. An advantage the craft has over the one the department currently uses is it can be used both above and below the dam. The current raft is designed for use below the dam only.

The department’s current rescue raft is 20 years old, and the company that made it is no longer is in business. While the raft is in working order, replacement parts are no longer available so they have to be retrofitted. It was used in Elgin about a half-dozen times last year, although they’ve never had to rescue anyone. It is designed so it can also be used as a platform from which divers can get into the water.

The last death of someone going over the Kimball dam was a jet skier in 1995. Two youths went over the dam in a raft in 2012 while a friend videotaped it, but the river was low at the time and no rescue was necessary. When the river high, the dam can be treacherous.

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Orland Park Volunteer Fire Department history

This from Mike Summa for #TBT:

#TBT-Proud members of the Orland Park Volunteer Fire Dept. with their Ford pumpers, circa 1950’s.  Photo courtesy Orland Park Historical Society.  Enjoy.
Mike Summa
Orland Park Volunteer Fire Department

Orland Park Volunteer Fire Department. From the Orland Park Historical Society

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Brookfield Fire Department history

This from Wayne Stuart for #TBT:

The Brookfield Fire Department operated this 1970 Seagrave / Snorkel. It had a 1250 GPM pump and was an 85 footer. Big Mo might enjoy this photo.

from the collection of wayne stuart

Brookfield FD 1970 Seagrave / 85' Snorkel 1250-GPM

Brookfield Fire Department operated this 1970 Seagrave / Snorkel. It had a 1250 GPM pump and was an 85 footer. Wayne Stuart collection

And from our archives:

Brookfield FD Seagrave/85' Pitman Snorkel

Brookfield FD Seagrave/85′ Pitman Snorkel. Larry Shapiro photo

Brookfield FD Seagrave/85' Pitman Snorkel

Brookfield FD Seagrave/85′ Pitman Snorkel. Larry Shapiro photo

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2-11 Alarm fire in Chicago, 5-7-18

This from Steve Redick:

Fire in a pallet company at 550 W. Root Street. All the images can be seen here:

Steve

Chicago FD Engine 49

Steve Redick photo

Chicago FD Squad 5A

Steve Redick photo

Chicago FD Engine 50

Steve Redick photo

fire in a pallet yard

Steve Redick photo

Chicago FD Tower Ladder 39

Steve Redick photo

Chicago FD Tower Ladder 39

Steve Redick photo

Chicago FD Engine 29

Steve Redick photo

Chicago FD Engine 49

Steve Redick photo

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