Bill Friedrich has launched the first in a series of posts exploring the different types of fire apparatus that served in Chicago. The initial post focuses on the Ward LaFrance engines from 1970, marking an important chapter in the city's firefighting history.
In 1970, seven P80 engines were delivered to Chicago Fire Department stations, one for each district. These units were assigned to 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 of these engines was equipped with a powerful 2,000-GPM pump and carried 500 gallons of water. They were built on the Ward LaFrance Ambassador chassis, a design known for its durability and reliability.
One of these engines, Engine 113, is shown in a photo from 1970, highlighting the original features of the unit. Another, Engine 22, went through several reassignments and a full refurbishment. It originally had a unique set of graphics, but those were later modified. The engine was also damaged in a wall collapse and had to be rebuilt, which changed some of its original features, such as the handrail and the color scheme above the pump panel.
Engine 73 was the only one from this group that wasn't later rebuilt. Its shop number, D-373, eventually led to its scrapping. Meanwhile, Engine 126 retained its original polished metal panel behind the pump, while Engine 106 had minimal graphics when it first arrived.
These engines were not just functional—they became part of the city’s identity. In 1990, six of the original seven units were rebuilt by Able Fire Equipment Co. in Frankfort, Illinois. The upgrades included a Ranger 4-door cab, a new aluminum Emergency One body, and a 140-gallon foam tank. The rebuilt engines were reassigned to various districts, including Engine 122, 69, 113, 46, 14, and 34. Each was equipped with 5-inch hose, and two of them—D-374 and D-375—were even used in the movie *Backdraft*.
The 1990 rebuilds brought a fresh look to these historic units. For example, Engine 113 received a new Ranger/E-One body, while Engine 14 featured an extended bumper and LDH (ladder truck) equipment. Some of the rebuilt units, like Engine 34, had been previously assigned to other stations, showing how these engines continued to serve long after their initial deployment.
These photos and stories offer a glimpse into the evolution of Chicago’s fire apparatus and the dedication of the firefighters who operated them. From their early days in 1970 to their second life in the 1990s, these Ward LaFrance engines left a lasting legacy in the city’s firefighting history.
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