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 aerial units were delivered by various manufacturers, each carrying water onboard. Among these, one was a mid-ship model, while the rest were rear-mounted. The units were manufactured by Seagrave, Pirsch, Ward LaFrance (Grove), and American LaFrance.
This is the first in a series of posts that will explore the evolution of these truck companies in Chicago. We’ll take a closer look at their history, equipment, and how they served the city over the decades.
In 1967, Chicago received two Seagrave mid-ship aerials. One of them was a straight truck, initially assigned to Truck 44 and later to Truck 60. The second unit, with shop number E-166, featured a 60-GPM pump and carried 200 gallons of water. It was originally assigned to Truck 26 before being reassigned to Truck 31.
This 1967 Seagrave aerial was later stationed at 77th and Pulaski. At the time, there was no engine company based at that location. To support Truck 31, a fog pressure unit known as Truck 31A was assigned on November 17, 1971. This unit remained with them until Engine 64 was relocated to the same station on March 12, 1973.
This 1966 International CargoStar Darley Fog Pressure Unit served as Truck 31A for over a year, providing critical support during the transition period. It was eventually replaced when Engine 64 became part of the team.
Later in its service life, this same Seagrave aerial was repurposed as a reserve unit, designated as Reserve Truck 7. By that time, it had been modified to operate without its original pump, reflecting the evolving needs of the department.
These early aerial ladder trucks played a crucial role in firefighting operations, offering both height and water capacity to tackle high-rise fires and other complex incidents. Their legacy continues to be remembered by fire history enthusiasts and former firefighters alike.
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