CFD Apparatus History – Ward LaFrance trucks (1970)

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Part 2 of the series on the CFD Ward LaFrance apparatus in Chicago focuses on the Grove aerials. Bill Friedrich shared the following details:
There were a total of five WLF P80/Grove 100-foot rear-mount aerials ordered. These were assigned to Truck 12 (E-183), Truck 34 (E-184), Truck 21 (E-185), Truck 18 (E-186), and Truck 7 (E-187). Some of these units had booster reels, which were later removed from Truck 12 and Truck 18.
Chicago Fire Department 1970 Ward LaFrance/Grove 100' rear mount aerial.

Chicago Truck 18 shown here with their 1970 Ward LaFrance/Grove 100' rear mount aerial. Bill Friedrich photo

Chicago Fire Department Truck 12 1970 Ward LaFrance Grove aerial

Truck 12 also had one of the 100-foot Grove aerials with a Ward LaFrance Ambassador cab and chassis. As shown here, the booster reel has been removed. Larry Shapiro photo

Chicago Fire Department Ward LaFrance Ambassador Grove aerial

Chicago Truck 7 at the fire academy when it was ready to go in service. The booster reel is visible above the ground ladders. Jack Connors photo

Chicago Fire Department Ward LaFrance Ambassador Grove aerial

Truck 34 during a fire prevention week parade on State Street. Jack Connors photo

Chicago Fire Department Ward LaFrance Ambassador Grove aerial

Truck 21's apparatus (E-185) was later assigned to Truck 39. Jack Connors photo

Truck 21’s unit was later reassigned to Truck 39, and Truck 7’s unit was reassigned to Truck 61. This kind of reassignment was common as the department updated its fleet over time, ensuring that newer or more suitable equipment was placed where it was needed most.

Chicago Fire Department Ward LaFrance Ambassador Grove aerial

Truck Company 61 was assigned the unit that was previously Truck 7. Jack Connors photo

Chicago Fire Department Ward LaFrance Ambassador Grove aerial

This unit (Shop #E-185) was given to Truck 39 after it saw service as Truck 21. The booster reel as seen in the image of Truck 21 was removed prior to the re-assignment to Truck 39. Jack Connors photo

These photos offer a glimpse into the history of the Chicago Fire Department’s aerial ladder trucks, showing how the equipment evolved over time. The presence of the Grove aerials on Ward LaFrance chassis marked an important phase in the city’s firefighting capabilities. Each truck tells a story, and these images help preserve that legacy for future generations.

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