CFD Apparatus History – trucks with boosters

    Some additional details about the aerial ladders acquired by the Chicago Fire Department in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Several people have asked about the fact that many of these units were delivered with booster reels and 300- or 500-gallon water tanks. During this period, the CFD purchased a variety of aerial apparatus from different manufacturers. The fleet included: - (3) 1968 Mack CF/Pirsch 100-foot rear-mount aerials with red cabs and 300-gallon tanks - (1) 1968 Seagrave aerial with an FWD chassis and rear steering, assigned to Truck 63 at O’Hare Airport - (8) 1970 Seagrave rear-mounts equipped with 250-gallon tanks - (5) 1970 Ward LaFrance/Grove units assigned to Truck 7, 12, 18, 21, and 34, each with 300-gallon tanks - (3) 1972 Mack CF 700/Pirsch 100-foot rear-mounts featuring silver cabs and 300-gallon tanks At some point, the department removed the booster reels and drained the water tanks, as seen in several photos. These modifications likely occurred during maintenance or upgrades, though the exact timeline isn’t clear. In future posts, we’ll share more images and stories about these historic units. For now, the photos below give a glimpse into the variety and design of these early aerials.
    Chicago Fire Department 1968 Seagrave Rear Admiral O'hare Airport

    This is a 1968 Seagrave Rear Admiral 100′ aerial with a 500-gallon booster tank and twin booster reels. It features an FWD chassis with rear steering and was assigned to Truck 63 at O’Hare Airport. Larry Shapiro photo

    Chicago Fire Department Truck 5 1972 Mack CF Pirsch

    Truck 5 was assigned one of three 1972 100-foot Pirsch rear-mount aerials mounted on a Mack CF chassis with a 500-gallon water tank and twin booster reels. Larry Shapiro photo

    Earlier posts in this series covered CFD trucks with boosters from 1967 and 1968, showing how these systems evolved over time. These older models played a key role in firefighting operations before more modern equipment became standard.

    CPVC Pipe Fittings

    SUPERY ABS PIPE FITTING CO.,LTD , https://www.dbrfittings.com

    Previous Post: Autodesk Announces Executive Leadership Team Hires
    Next Post: Chicago Firefighter Walter Patmon Jr funeral (part 2)
    Home
    Recent Posts
    • Organize Your Entertainment System with Cable Bu…
    • Gather Together With This Tasty Rotisserie Recip…
    • Gather Together With This Tasty Rotisserie Recip…
    • Organize Your Entertainment System with Cable Bu…
    • New ambulance for Tri-State FPD
    • Amboy Fire Department Funeral Services for Firef…
    • Amboy Fire Department Funeral Services for Firef…
    • New ambulance for Tri-State FPD
    • Autodesk Announces Executive Leadership Team Hir…
    • CFD Apparatus History – trucks with boosters
    • Chicago Firefighter Walter Patmon Jr funeral (pa…
    • Autodesk Announces Executive Leadership Team Hir…
    • CFD Apparatus History – trucks with boosters
    • Chicago Firefighter Walter Patmon Jr funeral (pa…
    • Richard Electronics Limited: Your Trusted Electr…
    • Richard Electronics Limited: Your Trusted Electr…
    • Beach Park Fire Department is on the site
    • Beach Park Fire Department is on the site
    • Chicago FD Turret Wagon History (pt13) 6-7-5
    • Chicago 5-11 Alarm Fire 9-30-12 (update 6)