This from Eric Haak:
At approximately 1045 hrs on Saturday, companies in Chicago’s 23rd Battalion were dispatched to the report of a fire in an apartment building on the 7900 Block of South St. Lawrence in the Southside Chatham neighborhood. Engine 122 was first in and reported light smoke from the 3rd floor. The apartment’s resident was standing outside and reported that the fire was in a back bedroom. Smoke was very minimal at the front of the building but once in the rear, it was obvious there was a decent working fire. Companies got water on the fire pretty quick and the incident was brought under control within minutes.
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
#1 by David on March 25, 2014 - 10:04 AM
@NYFF: Not really sure when did the CFD start using the metal number plates on the fronts, but from what I’ve seen on the old photos and helmets in auctions they were already in use by the start of the 20th Century, so I’d guess late 1800s?! I’ve never seen any other dept using them.
#2 by tom sullivan on March 25, 2014 - 9:10 AM
the old / original CFD frontpieces were replaced by incredibly cheap junk plastic ones (with stick on numbers) in the early 1980’s with the start up the commissary system. the cost saving was obviously the main factor. most of the leather CFD frontpieces (with the metal badge number tags) at that time were worn out and torn, many members did not have any because there were no replacements. it wasn’t long before the plastic ones began to fall apart, crack and occasionally melt down. members began to personally obtain various leather ones in the old CFD style. there were a few FDNY ones also to be spotted. most high ranking bosses looked the other way at these uniform infractions.
in the early 1990’s the CFD issued all new leather ones, a great improvement, these are the current style with removable reflective company numbers.
the old metal tags were kept by members who had them in the 1980’s, those that may be out there today were not obtained from the CFD today. fire officer frontpieces never had metal tags, those , along with the numbered badge, were turned in when promoted from ff.
#3 by NYFF on March 25, 2014 - 8:19 AM
@ David:
Just a few guys have different fronts, mostly retro one piece ones like u mentioned. The recent fronts are Morning Pride pleather junk, with stick on badge numbers. The older, before MP came along, FDNY spec was Cairns leather fronts and inserts with heat pressed badge numbers, which held up much better.
On the old Chicago fronts…… How did the come about using the metal badge numbers? They are quite unique. Be nice to see CFD go back that way, as the MP fronts are junk!
#4 by David on March 24, 2014 - 3:36 PM
@NYFF: Are the FDNY members allowed to wear the oldschool fronts as well?! I know that the recent FDNY front design goes back to the early 60s, so the fronts would have to be probably 1950s style or older.
#5 by NYFF on March 24, 2014 - 2:42 PM
Nice Squad retro front piece! There is a few front makers offering these chicago style now, nice to see!
#6 by David on March 24, 2014 - 1:33 PM
Great photos, haven’t seen this one on the Chicago Fire Map site.