Dennis McGuire, Jr. submitted images and information so that we can post the Blue Island FD to the site. Here is a preview:
- 2 stations
- Station 1: 2540 Vermont
- Station 2: Division St. & Canal St.
- 23 Full Time FFs
- 4 Part-Time FFs
- Covers: 4.16 Square miles
Blue Island Ambulance 2162 is a 2002 Ford E-450/Road Rescue Type III. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo
Blue Island Ambulance 2128 is a 2006 Ford E-450 (unknown body builder). Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo
Blue Island Engine 2103 is a 1994 Sutphen 1,500/750. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo
Blue Island Engine 2123 is a 2008 HME SFO/Ahrens Fox 1,500/750. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo
#1 by mike s on December 4, 2013 - 12:27 PM
I was mistaken, the firehouse was just east of Division St. on High St. It was east of the alley, a private home sits there now.
#2 by Dennis on October 3, 2013 - 8:04 PM
Mike S. was that near the corner of High and Division? Where the apartments are now? or nearer to Hoyne?
#3 by Mike S on October 3, 2013 - 7:30 PM
I did read at one time there were 5 stations in Blue Island. But, this was in the horse drawn era, probably the late 1890’s. I lived on the east side of town, there was an abandoned station on High street just west of Division. It was torn down sometime in the 1960’s. When the motorized era took hold in 1917, the four stations were closed and just the one on Vermont st. remained.
#4 by Bill on October 3, 2013 - 6:28 PM
ACTUALLY, There was a 3rd Station in the middle of a block just west of Greenwood on Collins st OR somewhere close to it .
The Blue Island Historical Society Has atleast a picture or two & the address of it .
Sorry , I cant help anymore than that without doing more research myself once again. but YES there was a 3rd house at one time ,AND IT MAY have been used during the building of the current fire station 2 location .
#5 by Dennis on October 3, 2013 - 7:54 PM
ok, just talked to two guys who were one during the 60’s and 70’s. Blue Island had 5 houses during the 1880’s then by the 1970’s it was the current 2 stations. One guy did mention a house near Greenwood and Collins but said it was not used as a firehouse then. I’m supposed to talk with a guy i know on the Blue Island Historical Group and I’ll get more info then.
#6 by Dennis on October 3, 2013 - 1:30 PM
The current station 1 on Vermont has always been the site of the FD from day one. There is a public works garage and water storage tanks at 122nd and Highland but that has never been a firehouse. The only two houses they are in now are the ones they have always been in thru the years.
#7 by Mike Mc on October 3, 2013 - 12:37 PM
I know that it is no longer there. This was back in the early 1970’s. I was just wondering if any old timers remember where it was and what it was used for. It may have gone back to volunteer days. It may have even been a municipal garage that they stored the rig in. Thanks.
#8 by Dennis on October 3, 2013 - 11:32 AM
Mike, Blue Island Station 2 is at Division and Canal. It is approx. 130th and a few blocks EAST of Western Ave. Never heard of a anything in area you speak of. Most of that area is all houses.
#9 by Mike Mc on October 3, 2013 - 8:59 AM
I saw the tower ladder when I drove by Station 1 last night. Thanks for the photos and info Dennis.
I’m hoping some Blue Island old timers or historians can help me out with a question. In the early 1970’s, I remember Blue Island having had an unmanned fire station north of 127th streeet, perhaps even north of 123rd street, and a couple of blocks west of Western. It was on a side street and it quartered an ALF 700 series mid-mount ladder. I used to ride my bicycle past it as a kid. Does this ring a bell with anyone?
Thanks in advance for any replies.
#10 by FF/PM MABAS 21 on October 1, 2013 - 8:59 PM
Ambo 2162 is indeed an Ex-Orland Fire District ambulance, not sure which station it was assigned to. Ambo 2182 started it’s life originally as 2172 and was involved in multiple accidents in the past, so to break the spree of bad luck it’s number was changed when it returned. Truck Co. 2104, the E-One tower ladder, is still in the fleet, but may be down for service. Blue Island Engine Co. 2133 is a slightly newer near twin to Engine 2123.
#11 by Mike S on October 1, 2013 - 6:18 PM
Blue Island ambulance 2l82 started life as 2172. It was involved in an mva. Sent back to factory and returned as 2l82.
#12 by FFPM571 on October 1, 2013 - 8:54 AM
The first Blue Island ambulance looks like an Ex-Orland rig
#13 by Matthew G on October 1, 2013 - 8:15 AM
The Road Rescue ambulance looks like one of Orland Park’s old rigs. The newer ambulance looks like Excellence with the door handles. Do they not have their tower anymore?