CFD Apparatus History – Ward LaFrance (1973)

In 1973, the Chicago Fire Department added five more Ward LaFrance P80 Ambassador engines to its fleet. Four of these units were equipped with 1,500-GPM pumps and assigned to Engine 23 (D-389), Engine 29 (D-390), Engine 57 (D-391), and Engine 67 (D-392). The fifth engine, however, featured a larger 1,750-GPM pump and was designated for Engine 74 (D-393). All models came with a 500-gallon water tank, ensuring they could operate effectively during initial fire response.

Engine 74 stood out from the rest of the 1973 models due to its unique trim design. Unlike the others, it had a red pump panel instead of the usual polished finish, and it lacked the wide steel band that wrapped around the front doors and cab face of the other units. These subtle differences gave it a distinct appearance compared to its counterparts.

Compared to the 1970 models, the 1973 engines had a different layout for company numbers. Instead of being prominently displayed on the cab, the large numbers were moved to the rear compartment, while a smaller number was placed on the front of the cab. Additionally, "Chicago Fire Dept." was now emblazoned on both sides of the cab under the jump-seat window, as well as on the roof above the windshield. Another notable change was the removal of the full-width handrail at the back of the cab, which was replaced by a multi-versal stored on the roof.

Several photographs capture these 1973 Ward LaFrance engines in action. One image shows Engine 23 (D-389) with its distinctive features, while another highlights Engine 29 (D-390) from the officer’s side. Engine 57 (D-391) is also seen with its 1,500-GPM pump, and Engine 67 (D-392) reflects the standard design of the time. Engine 74 (D-393), with its slightly modified styling and larger pump, stands apart from the rest of the group.

Chicago Engine 23 was assigned shop #D-389. Steve Redick photo

This image of Engine 29 shows the officer's side of the 1973 Ward LaFrance Model 80 engines that were built with the Ambassador series cab. Jack Connors photo

Engine 57 had one of four 1973 Ward LaFrance Ambassador engines with a 1,500-GPM pump. Larry Shapiro photo

Engine 67 received one of the five units delivered by Ward LaFrance in 1973. Jack Connors photo

Chicago Engine 74 had a 1973 Ward LaFrance engine that varied slightly from the others. It had a 1,750-GPM pump and slightly different body styling. Larry Shapiro photo

Later on, Shop #D-393, originally assigned to Engine 74, was eventually reassigned to Engine 104, marking another shift in the department's equipment distribution over time.

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