CFD Apparatus History – trucks with boosters
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As part of the Chicago Fire Department's expansion efforts in the late '60s and early '70s, they acquired several aerial ladder trucks, many of which came equipped with booster reels and 300-gallon water tanks. Over time, some people have expressed curiosity about the variety of aerials purchased during this period. While certain photos circulating online show these vehicles without their original booster reels and water tanks, it’s important to note that these changes occurred later.
The different types of aerials purchased include:
- Three 1968 Mack CF/Pirsch 100-foot aerials, featuring a distinctive red cab face and 300-gallon water tanks.
- A single 1968 Seagrave aerial mounted on a forward-control chassis, notable for its rear steering system. This unit was assigned to Truck 63 at O'Hare Airport and came with a 500-gallon booster tank and twin booster reels.
- Eight 1970 Seagrave rear-mount aerials, each with 250-gallon water tanks.
- Five 1970 Ward LaFrance/Grove units, deployed to Truck 7, Truck 12, Truck 18, Truck 21, and Truck 34, also featuring 300-gallon tanks.
- Three 1972 Mack CF 700/Pirsch 100-foot aerials, distinguished by their silver cab faces and 300-gallon tanks.
At some unknown point, maintenance crews drained the water tanks and removed the booster reels, as evidenced in some of the older photos available online. Future posts will delve deeper into the history of these iconic vehicles, showcasing additional examples.
Here’s a closer look at two specific trucks. The first is a 1968 Seagrave Rear Admiral stationed at O'Hare Airport. This vehicle boasts a forward-facing chassis with rear steering, a 500-gallon booster tank, and dual booster reels. It remains a remarkable example of the department’s fleet from that era.
The second is Truck 5, which received one of the three 1972 100-foot Pirsch rear-mount aerials mounted on a Mack CF chassis. This model also includes a 500-gallon water tank and twin booster reels. Both vehicles stand as testament to the innovation and design of their time.
For those interested, previous posts covered similar equipment from 1967 and other models from 1968. These updates help preserve the rich history of the Chicago Fire Department while offering a glimpse into how firefighting technology evolved over the decades.
While these photos provide a snapshot of the past, they also highlight the ongoing challenge of maintaining historical accuracy when discussing older equipment. Many details, such as the removal of booster reels, can sometimes be overlooked in favor of focusing solely on the initial configuration. As we continue exploring the department's fleet, expect more insights into the evolution of these essential tools for public safety.
Stay tuned for further updates, as there are still many stories waiting to be told about these legendary vehicles.