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CFD Apparatus History – trucks with boosters 1967
The Chicago Fire Department acquired aerial ladder trucks equipped with booster tanks and pumps over several years. From 1967 to 1973, a total of 21 such vehicles were delivered by various manufacturers, all featuring onboard water supplies. One of these was a mid-ship model, while the rest were rear-mounted. These units were manufactured by Seagrave, Pirsch, Ward LaFrance (Grove), and American LaFrance.
This post is the first in a series aimed at exploring how these truck companies evolved within Chicago's fire service.
In 1967, Chicago welcomed two Seagrave mid-ship aerials. One was a straight truck initially assigned to Truck 44 before moving to Truck 60. The other, designated Shop #E-166, came equipped with a 60-gallon-per-minute (GPM) pump and carried 200 gallons of water. It began its service life at Truck 26 before being reassigned to Truck 31.
When Truck 31 relocated to the station at 77th and Pulaski Streets, it operated without an accompanying engine company. To address this, a fog pressure unit was assigned as Truck 31A starting November 17, 1971, until Engine 64 joined them on March 12, 1973.
During its tenure, Truck 31A utilized a 1966 International CargoStar vehicle fitted with a Darley fog pressure system, which remained in place until Engine 64 arrived. Decades later, the original 1967 Seagrave mid-ship aerial, now stripped of its pump, served as Reserve Truck 7.
The evolution of Chicago’s firefighting equipment continues to reflect the city's commitment to enhancing operational capabilities. Beyond these initial deliveries, further developments unfolded in subsequent years, shaping the modern fleet we see today.
Looking back at these early models provides insight into how critical innovations helped improve response times and firefighting efficiency across the city. As technology advanced, so too did the demands placed upon firefighters, necessitating continuous upgrades and adaptations. These changes not only enhanced safety but also strengthened community resilience against fires.
While these specific vehicles may have been retired or repurposed, their legacy lives on through the lessons learned and the standards set for future acquisitions. Understanding this history underscores the importance of maintaining robust emergency services infrastructure—a cornerstone of urban preparedness and public safety.
As more posts follow, readers will gain deeper insights into the progression of Chicago’s firefighting resources, highlighting both challenges overcome and milestones achieved along the way.