Posts Tagged Chicago Civil Defense

Chicago FD Turret Wagon History (pt 15)

We have more history to share on the Chicago Fire Department Turret Wagons. Images come from Jack Connors and his collection featuring units built on the Willy’s Jeep chassis.

Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-2

Chicago Turret Wagon 6-7-2 prior to completion outside of the Civil Defense house on Wells Street. Jack Connors photo

Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-4

Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-4 during a Fire Prevention Week parade on State Street. Jack Connors photo

Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-4

X-CFD 6-7-4 near 55th and Luna after being sold by the city to a private individual. Jack Connors photo

Chicago Fire Department Fog Pressure Unit

CFD Jeep Pressure Unit 1, 1959 Willy’s Jeep/Shops built (6-7-1) at Engine 4’s house . Ken Little photo

Chicago Fire Department Fog Pressure Unit

Chicago FD Jeep Pressure Unit 1. Warren Redick photo

Chicago Jeep Pressure Unit 6-7-1

Chicago FD 6-7-1 after a repaint. Formerly this was all red and lettered as Jeep Pressure 1. Jack Connors photo

The previous installment in this series can be found HERE.

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Chicago FD Turret Wagon History (pt9) – Big Mo 6-7-2

This installment from Bill Friedrich on the history of Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-2

Turret Wagon 6-7-2 was organized on 9-19-66 at 1244 N Wells (Chicago Fire Rescue HQ)

9-19-66   (G-196)  1962 Willys Jeep FC150 4×4
1966  the CFD Shops fabricated and installed the body with twin deluge monitors capable of flowing 4,000-GPM

Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-2

6-7-2 (G-196) 1962 Willys Jeep FC150 4X4 – 1966 CFD Shops. Bob Schalund photo

Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-2

Chicago Turret Wagon 6-7-2 (G-196) was a built on a1962 Willys Jeep. Bob Schalund photo

10-22-67   (G-248)  1953 IHC M61 5-ton
1967 CFD Shops fabricated and installed the body with twin deluge monitors capable of flowing 10,00-GPM

during the mid 70’s, G-248 was found not structuarally sound . The body and both monitors were remounted on G-157

 

Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-2 Big Mo

Chicago 6-7-2 (G-248) was on a 1953 IHC M61 5-ton chassis that was fabricated by the CFD Shops in 1967. Ron Heal photo

Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-2 Big Mo working at a fire

1977  (G-157)   1951 GMC M135 2 1/1 ton 6X6   “Big Mo”
1967 the Civil Defense modified the vehicle and body and the CFD Shops fabricated and installed the body with twin deluge monitors capable of flowing 10,000-GPM
This vehicle was always painted in the CD blue & white colors.

The company was disbanded  2-13-75

Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-2 Big Mo

Chicago Turret Wagon 6-7-2 (G-157) was built on a 1951 GMC M135 chassis and was fabricated by the CFD Shops the same year. It was dubbed ‘Big Mo’. Ron Heal photo

Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-2 Big Mo working at a fire

Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-2 Big Mo

6-7-2 (G-157) ‘Big Mo’ at the CFD boneyard after being removed rom service. Bill Friedrich

 

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Vintage CFD video – Snorkels

The Chicago Civil Defense Homepage posted this video recently about Chicago Fire Commissioner Robert J. Quinn and the introduction of the Snorkel to the fire service.

 

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Vintage CFD Fire Photos

More historic fire photos from Chicago.

Chicago Fire Department history extra alarm 4-11 fire in 1964

Chicago Fire Department history extra alarm fire in 1963 Museum of Science & Industry

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A friend of the fire service passes away

Long time fire fan, former Chief of the Chicago Civil Defense, and Rosemont Public Safety Auxiliary Captain Eddie Karas, Sr. died on Saturday after a sudden illness.

Edward James Karas

July 19, 1952 – September 24, 2011

Karas, Edward James. Beloved husband of Lucy (nee Sanchez) and the late Jorjean Ellen. Proud father of James Arthur (Krystyna), Edward James II (Jill) and step daughter Jasmine. Loving grandfather of Eliana, Emilie, Brooke, Carlie, Jackie, Jesus, and Zion. Past Commander Chicago Fireman’s Post 667 American Legion; Chief Chicago Civil Defense 477; Rosemont Public Safety Auxiliary Captain 604/183; Retired Machinist-City of Chicago Water Dept “Water 1”. In Lieu of flowers, we request donations to be made to the The Fire Chaplain’s Ministry Fund 1140 W Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607. Funeral info: malecandsonsfh.com or 773-774-4100.

 Visitation is Tuesday Sept. 27 1PM-9PM

Malec Funeral Home 6000 N. Milwaukee Ave Chicago

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a department walk through will take place at 7PM

(Arrive at 6:15PM)

The service will be 10AM on Wednesday Sept. 28 followed by a procession to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood

Eddie Karas

 

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