Hello everyone!! This is Keith I am a Lieutenant with Miami-Dade Fire Department. I recently found this great website and I thought I would share pictures of my rig. It is a 1951 Ford F7 that was used by my grandfather when he was employed by the Chicago Fire Patrol. The Fire Museum of Greater Chicago had this truck in their collection and due to storage problems offered the truck to me because of my family ties to this vehicle. My grandfather was a 35 veteran of the Fire Patrol and was employed from 1924-59. What is a Fire patrol you may ask? Their mission was to respond to fire alarms along with the municipal fire departments and reduce the damage caused by smoke and water. They fought their way into burning buildings to save business records, other valuable items and cover property with their waterproof tarpaulins. The fire patrolmen braved the heat and smoke along side firefighters from the engines and ladder trucks – facing the same dangers while suffering the same painful and, sometimes fatal injuries.
If anyone is interested in the history of the Patrol then please visit my website at www.chicagofirepatrol.com. (I wrote a book on this subject). The truck is in pretty good shape considering its age and history. Its body was custom built by General Body of Chicago. Believe it or not, it is wood framed covered with metal. I have started a ground up restoration which included new tires, restored rims and a completely rebuilt brake system. Thanks for looking!!
If anyone is interested in the history of the Patrol then please visit my website at www.chicagofirepatrol.com. (I wrote a book on this subject). The truck is in pretty good shape considering its age and history. Its body was custom built by General Body of Chicago. Believe it or not, it is wood framed covered with metal. I have started a ground up restoration which included new tires, restored rims and a completely rebuilt brake system. Thanks for looking!!
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