This from the Chicagoareafire.com database for #TBT:
Bill Freidrich collection
Archive for category Fire Department History
Leyden FPD history
Apr 26
This from Mike Summa:
For #TBT, This is Oak Forest’s E94, a 1971 FWD/Pierce 1250/500/54′ Squrt.Mike Summa
Oak Forest FD Engine 94 – 1971 FWD/Pierce 1250/500/54′ Squrt. Mike Summa photo
Gary Fire Department history
Apr 26
This from Wayne Stuart for #TBT:
The Gary Fire Department operated three 1986 Mack MC686FC / 3D Metals pumpers. They were originally assigned to Engine Companies 1, 4, and 9. These had 1500-GPM pumps and 500-gallon tanks. They carried serial #’s 1206, 1207, and 1208 respectively. As with most Gary apparatus, they served in many different companies during their career.
wayne stuart photos
1986 Mack MC686FC / 3D 1500/500 pumper from Gary, IN. Wayne Stuart photo
1986 Mack MC686FC / 3D 1500/500 pumper from Gary, IN. Wayne Stuart photo
1986 Mack MC686FC / 3D 1500/500 pumper from Gary, IN. Wayne Stuart photo
More from Steve Redick for #TBT:
I found my archive of the famous West Town gas explosions 1-17-92 at 937 N. Racine. A valve failed causing high pressure gas supply to an entire neighborhood resulting in explosions and fires over a large area. The radio traffic is pretty intense. Some of the voices I recognize in the office Dan Bull, Lee Madison, and Mike Kerr, in the field Bob Hoff Batt 6. Bob Walters Truck 19, Wally Lynch E43, Ed Fitzgerald 271, Ray Orozco JR on Truck 7, and Duke Scneider on E57.
We were at the fire Duke had and I’ll never forget he said to us at the time “there are 61 trucks in this friggin city and you can’t find me at least one?” He was on his own at a well involved factory fire. Many will also recall Bob Hoff found a fire, made rescues, drove them to the hospital, and returned back to manage that and a few other incidents. This whole event was really something to see. I was there early on with the watch from work as we were passing nearby on the way home. Unfortunately I did not have my camera.
This from Mike Summa:
For #TBT, these are what I call the Worth twins, 2 FordC/Darleys, unknown age or specs. Enjoy and comment.Mike Summa
Mike Summa photo
Mike Summa photo
From Larry Shapiro for #TBT:
Here are other American LaFrance Aero Chief units from my collection in addition to the Zion unit that was featured preciously.
Reg.# 12-1-1314
1969 ALF 900 Series Aero Chief 90 from Elgin, IL. Larry Shapiro photo
Reg.# 8-1-429
1967 ALF 900 Series Aero Chief 90 from LaGrange, IL
Originally delivered as a quint, this Aero Chief had it’s pump and tank removed. A large equipment compartment replaced the pump. Larry Shapiro photo
Reg.# 14-1-2331
1971 ALF 1000 Series Aero Chief 90 Quint from Libertyville, IL. Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Reg.# 14-1-2131
1970 ALF 1000 Series Aero Chief 90 Quint from Rolling Meadows, IL. Larry Shapiro photo
Data and narrative for these photos is from THE AMERICAN LAFRANCE AERO CHIEF PROJECT
This website is the result of a twelve year project to document the production and history of the American LaFrance Aero Chief. The Aero Chief was introduced in 1962 and continued in production until 1974. 171 Aero Chief platforms were built. It came in three sizes: 70′, 80′, and 90′. Most Aero Chiefs were built on the custom American LaFrance chassis, but there were several built on various commercial chassis. Many of them had pumps and even more had tandem rear axles.
The photos on this site come from a variety of sources. I have photgraphed 65 of them, but the remainder come from many other photographers, including Glenn Vincent, Mike Martinelli, Scott Berringer, Kevin McKeon, Garry Kadzielawski, Bill Friedrich, Don Feipel, Bill Hattersley, Paul Barrett, Scott Mattson, John Floyd, Al Whitlock, Don Loeb, Dan Decher, Ralph Decker, Jon Umbdenstock, Ron Bogardus, Wayne Sorensen, Chuck Madderom, Richard Bartlett, Dave Stewardson, Ken Wible, John Langley, Todd Lincoln, Dan Jasina, Tom Shepherd, Mark Rzepnicki, Andrew Henry, Mike Bakunis, and a host of others whose names have faded from my feeble memory. If you have sent me photos and you can’t find your name, please contact me and it will be immediately corrected. Additional photos came from many of the fire departments who owned Aero Chiefs. To all these contributors, I am forever in your debt.
The information on this website will be updated as it becomes available. Any additional information or photos are always welcome. Please contact me through the link at the bottom of this page. Thank you and enjoy!
This from Austin Lawler:
I came across this post on Vintagetribune instagram page. It shows a fire truck collision on the near west side. I thought maybe the readers would find it interesting.Austin Lawler
Two fire trucks sit damaged after a collision at Chicago Avenue and Wells Street on Jan. 4, 1955. Nine firemen, including two captains, who answered the extra alarm call, were rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment after most of them were thrown from the speeding vehicles when the crash occurred. The fire had been at Grand Avenue and Clark Street. Photo by Chester Nichols.
This from Mike Summa:
Here is the Mokena FPD Squad 1516, a 1977 Ford L/Super Vac. This unit was replaced in 2002. Enjoy and comment.Mike Summa
Mokena FPD Squad 1516, a 1977 Ford L/Super Vac. Mike Dumma photo
Mike Summa photo
More photos depicting the Chicago FD Snorkel 6-6-1 history
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
Steve Redick photo
