Posts Tagged Jeff Schielke

Fire service loses a good friend, George Reichhardt

George ReichardtGeorge C. Reichhardt,

It is with great sadness that we mention the loss of a friend. George Reichhardt served with the East Joliet Fire Protection District, retired as a captain with the Fermilab Fire Department, and was a lifelong fire service enthusiast. George spent many years documenting new and old apparatus from area fire departments with other photographers.

George C. Reichhardt 77, of Joliet, passed away Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Adventist GlenOaks Hospital, Glendale Heights. George was born in Joliet to the late Charles F. and Catherine M. (nee Briski) Reichhardt. Survived by his daughter Julie K. Reichhardt; a brother Donald J. (Barbara) Reichhardt and a sister Katherine Sheck; he is also survived by step-children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter Christina A. Bourg. George was a founding member of Fire Buffs of Illinois, he was a member of HOIFEC (Heart of Illinois Fire Enthusiasts and Collectors), SPAAMFAA (Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America), International Fire Photographers Association, Reichhardt Raiders, and Blitz Brothers. He was employed as a firefighter at the Army Ammunition Plant, East Joliet Fire Protection District, Fermilab, and Rockdale Fire Protection District. He was also a FAE Instructor and MABAS 15 Fire Photographer. His hobbies included photographing fire trucks, fires, trains, towboats, collecting fire memorabilia, and he really enjoyed riding Chicago Squad 3 in the early days. His publications include: Fire Apparatus Photo Album of the Ford Tilt Cabs – The Visiting Fireman, 1985 (Editor) and Darley Fire Apparatus – The Visiting Fireman, 1987 (Editor). George also received numerous awards and certificates throughout his career. The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Frances Rd, New Lenox on Thursday, January 18, 2018 from 2:00pm until time of services at 8:00pm. A fire department walk through will begin at 7PM.

 

Funeral arrangements for George Reichhardt

George Reichhardt Bell Ceremony

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Western Electric Fire Department in Cicero, IL

Bill Friedrich submitted images of various apparatus used by the Western Electric Fire Department in Cicero.

Western Electric Fire Department

Western Electric Fire Department Cicero, IL

Western Electric Fire Department Cicero, IL American LaFrance 800 Series

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Niles historic gallery added

A historic gallery has been posted for the Niles Fire Department which includes photos from Bill Friedrich, Steve Redick, and Larry Shaprio plus others from the collection of Carl Fox and Jeff Schielke. Highlights include a history of Pirsch engines, a Pirsch TDA, a Pitman Snorkel, and an undated photo of the original fire station.

Niles Fire Department history

Niles Fire Department history

Niles Fire Department history

Niles Fire Department history Pirsch engine

 

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Wilmette historic gallery is added

Wilmette Fire Department history

Apparatus photos dating back to 1958 representing the Wilmette Fire Department have been assembled into a gallery which is accessible through the ‘Historic Photos’ button on the pages depicting the Wilmette stations. Images to date are from Bill Friedrich, Karl Klotz, and Larry Shapiro plus several from the collection of Jeff Schielke.

Wilmette Fire Department E-ONE Cyclone engine

In years past the fleet consisted of Seagrave apparatus and then beginning in the 1980s the department started to move the fleet to include units built by E-ONE. Today, as in years past, Wilmette staffs two stations, though the manner in which they run apparatus has changed. The west station, Station 2 runs an engine plus an ambulance and is home to the spare engine. The headquarters station has a battalion chief, an ambulance, and a tower ladder. On any given day if they are at full manning, the squad will be put into service to chase the ambulance. In reserve at this station is another tower ladder which insures that they will always have a tower in service regardless of maintenance or other issues that require taking the frontline piece out of service.

Throughout the 70s and into the mid-80s Wilmette had two trucks on the roster like they do today. They ran a 1962 Seagrave mid-mount ladder truck and a 1975 Seagrave 55′ Snorkel.

Wilmette Fire Department history

Sadly, we don’t as of yet have images of the Cadillac ambulances.

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