Bill Friedrich has started a series of posts exploring the different types of fire apparatus that served in Chicago. The first post focuses on the Ward LaFrance engines from 1970, highlighting their unique design and historical significance.
In 1970, seven P80 engines were delivered to Chicago Fire Department (CFD) stations, one for each district. These units were assigned as follows: Engine 126 (D-372), Engine 73 (D-373), Engine 8 (D-374), Engine 106 (D-375), Engine 22 (D-376), Engine 113 (D-377), and Engine 49 (D-378). Each was equipped with a powerful 2,000-GPM pump and carried 500 gallons of water. These trucks were built on the Ambassador chassis and represented a significant upgrade in performance and reliability at the time.
One of these units, Engine 113, is shown in a photo with its original 2,000-GPM pump and polished metal paneling behind the pump. Another, Engine 22, underwent multiple reassignments and a full refurbishment, changing its appearance over time. Notably, this unit was damaged in a wall collapse and later rebuilt, missing some original features like the continuous handrail and red panel above the pump.
Engine 73, originally assigned to D-373, remained unrebuilt and was eventually scrapped. Meanwhile, Engine 126 retained its full-height polished metal paneling, giving it a distinctive look. Engine 106 had minimal original graphics, featuring only the CFD name above the windshield.
Many of these engines were later upgraded in the 1990s by Able Fire Equipment Co. in Frankfort, Illinois. Six of the original seven units were rebuilt with new Ranger 4-door cabs, aluminum Emergency One bodies, and 140-gallon foam tanks. These rebuilt engines were assigned to various districts, including Engine 122, 69, 113, 46, 14, and 34. Some, like D-374 and D-375, even appeared in the movie *Backdraft*. All were equipped with 5-inch hose and continued to serve the city for many years.
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