photog999- Dennis, I couldn't agree with you more. Chicago's apparatus is in better shape today that at any other time in at least the last 40 years.
There were periods where the CFD did not regularly replace its apparatus fleet. For example, the CFD did not buy a single pumper between 1956 and 1966. I remember when Duane Troxel and I shot the entire department in 1971, some of the apparatus was in deplorable shape. There were no reserves- I mean none! It was so bad that if your rig broke down you never knew what you were going to get back. Basically the next rig turned in for repair got the rig that was just finished being repaired. The rigs were all mixed up, many companies using other companies apparatus.
I remember visiting Engine 60 in 1971. When the Captain of Engine 60 learned that Duane and I were going to see all the CFD stations, he asked it we'd keep a look out for Engine 60's 1956 Mack- which had gone into the shops many months before for some minor repair work. Sure enough, a few days later we discovered their rig operating as Engine 32. We let the Captain know, but whether he was ever able to get his assigned rig back I don't know.
Ok folks, let's get the thread back on topic and put the turnout gear thingie to rest for now. <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />
09-17-2006, 10:46 PM (This post was last modified: 09-17-2006, 10:49 PM by CFD Adv207.)
Here is Truck 40 running a spare (E255) back in August at a car wreck with Evergreen Park. I was driving past and couldnt find a place to park. I think it is interesting and something that you see rather often by my house, as the caller can't give an exact location, so both departments get dispatched. I apologize for the signs and cars, I took 6 shots and this was the best, unfortunately.
I posted a new gallery of the original set of snorkels...some great shots from the early 1960s taken by my Dad, Warren Redick...surf on by and take a look..I know you'll like them!!! <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />
[quote name='code20photog' post='35299' date='Sep 19 2006, 00:40 ']In all seriousness, are there any waring lights or siren on the segways like PD/FD bikes carry?
Suprised to have not seen as many Segways in this role as I though I would have. Kinda flopped.[/quote]
Segway actually sells a police light and siren accessory, so it is a possibility.