Kevin Griffin spotted this at IndianaFireTrucks.com:
Posts Tagged Bill Friedrich
As seen around … Robbins
Jan 14
This from Dennis McGuire, Jr.:
Here is an out of service picture of the X-Calumet Park, IL. Amb. 2262 which was replaced by a 2002 Ford/Marque that I believe was X-Crystal Lake but can not confirm that yet.Another note on the history of this ambo is that it originally was owned by the Garden Homes Fire Protection District in nearby Alsip, ILThe picture of it in Garden Homes is by Bill Friedrich
Images and information from Dave Fornell about some of Chicago’s Ward LaFrance apparatus:
I was going through my files and came across some photos of what I’ve always considered as one of my most favorite Chicago pumpers; the seven 1970, Ward LaFrance 2,000-GPM engines. It is interesting to note that the rigs had Cummins NTF high-torque, 365-HP engines that were needed to power the two-stage Hale Q pumps. The five trucks delivered the same year had less expensive Detroit 350-HP powerplants.
After the great snow in 1967, rigs were specified with rear-mounted, 20,000-lb hydraulic winches. Both the engines and trucks sported these. Ward LaFrance, a manufacturer whose performance can be described as somewhat spotty, did a great job on these rigs. I was impressed by the brushed stainless steel pump layout and extremely expensive, but highly accurate, Crosby black face gauges that were provided on the panel. Never seen these used before or since.
The rigs had relatively short wheelbases, but extended bodies behind the rear axle. This body style was also used on Ford chassis pumpers purchased later.
The engines were joined by five trucks mounting 100′ Grove ladders. With today’s NFPA ratings, the ladders, based on Grove 18-ton cranes, would be classified as heavy-duty, with 500-lb tip loads. All of Chicago’s other ladders (ALF, Seagrave, Pirsch) purchased around that time would be medium-duty with 250-lb. tip load ratings.
The Grove ladders were massive and heavy–too heavy to be supported properly by a single axle. The rigs proved troublesome during their service lives with continuous brake and axle failures. The fact that they also had a 300-gallon booster tank, pump, and twin reels didn’t help either. On the other hand, take a look at the ground ladder compliment; 2 ea. 30′, 2 ea. 40′, a 50′, and 20′ carried under the turntable. Three roof ladders were carried each side.
I remember climbing the main of one of these rigs at a fire where the operator positioned the tip about 12″ above the parapet, just like they did with the old wooden ladders that would then drift down as you climbed them. The Grove was rigid, and even with our entire engine stretching a line to the roof for point of vantage operation, that tip never dropped an inch nor did the ladder bounce as all the others did.
Circumstances caused me to come into possession of the original factory delivery photo negatives, which are reproduced here. I’ve also included photos I shot of the engines undergoing acceptance testing near McCormick Place, The rear views show the winch installation. Also note that the two rear discharges had 3-1/2″ boat hose threads (the rigs carried a 700′ bed of it).
When I was fanning on the West Side, Division 2 Chief Dan Lynch would always special call Engine 113 to drop the 3-1/2″ into a Snorkel when he had a still and box.
Two photos show the Grove ladder in operation. The first is at the Bedford Hotel fire on the near West Side early in the 70s. If my foggy recollection is correct, there were two extra alarms working in the city at the time when the Bedford fire hit, and no Snorkels were available. 2nd Deputy Bill Foley, who normally was in charge of the shops, took command. That is the first time that I had ever seen two ladder pipes and no Snorkels working at an extra alarm fire in Chicago.
The second was shot at an extra alarm on the South Side, but its location is lost to history. Another negative scanned at the same time shows Engine 63 operating, so maybe someone can identify the company.
Hope everyone had a great Christmas.
ACD
More on the CFD Ward LaFrance apparatus is HERE and by entering Ward LaFrance in the search field
This from Bill Friedrich:
Prior to Engine 104’s station being closed these were the last suppression companies to run out of there 24×7. Michigan Avenue was not a very busy street on the weekends. After closing the station, Engine 104 was assigned to Engine 1’s house and 4-2-4 was assigned to Engine 26’s house. A very sad day for this old fire station.Bill Friedrich
This from Jeff Rudolph:
I found this on Kansas Fire Trucks.com serving the Soldier Township FPD
Tanker 71
1985 Pierce Arrow
GPM: 1,250
Gallons: 3,000
*Formerly served the Troy Fire Protection District in Shorewood, IL.
Jeff R
As seen around … (more)
Jan 17
This update from Bill Friedrich in response to the used Milwaukee ladder truck for sale
here is a shot of MFD Ladder 24. This goes along with my reply to the blog on rigs found at a junkyard in Robbins
The last assignment for this Milwaukee Tuck Company was 24. Also served at Ladder 13 (original assignment) and Ladder 16. Shop # 403 1999 Pierce Dash 105?
Tri-State FPD update
Oct 14
This from Bill Friedrich
Here is a shot of the new quarters for Tri State Sta.4 It is reported that all the Willow Springs vehicles are in storage. The future disposition of them is not known at this time.Bill
This from Josh Boyajian:
Here is a shot I took of Des Plaines Tower 83. It is the x- Lake Zurich tower that was repainted to match Des Plaines color scheme. It is a 2000 Pierce Dash 100′ tower ladder.
Down memory lane …. Cicero
Jul 26
This from Bill Friedrich:
I am sharing some old Cicero photos from my collection. I did have the opportunity to photograph the 700 series American LaFrance when it was nearing the end of its career.
Bill