Aerial Platform Manlift Truck,Foton operation assy,Aerial platform operation truck Hubei Chenglongwei Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd. , https://www.clw-automobile.com
CFD Apparatus History – Ward LaFrance trucks (1970)
Part 2 of the series on the CFD Ward LaFrance apparatus in Chicago focuses on the Grove aerials. Bill Friedrich shared some detailed information about these units:
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). Each of these trucks was initially equipped with booster reels, though these were later removed from Truck 12 and Truck 18.
Several photographs provide a visual record of these units. One image shows Truck 18 with its 1970 Ward LaFrance/Grove 100-foot rear-mount aerial, captured by Bill Friedrich. Another photo of Truck 12 highlights the same model, but with the booster reel already removed, as noted by Larry Shapiro.
Truck 7 is seen at the fire academy, ready for service, with the booster reel visible above the ground ladders, according to Jack Connors. Truck 34 was photographed during a fire prevention week parade on State Street, also showcasing the same aerial setup.
Truck 21’s unit, originally E-185, was later reassigned to Truck 39. A photo of Truck 39 shows the same apparatus, now without the booster reel, which had been removed before the transfer. Similarly, Truck 7's unit was eventually assigned to Truck 61, as seen in a photo of the latter truck.
These historical records give us a glimpse into the evolution of Chicago Fire Department equipment and how these iconic aerials were used over time. The Ward LaFrance and Grove combination was a significant part of the city's firefighting history, and these photos help preserve that legacy.
Prev Article
Choosing The Right Hook