To continue our in-depth look at the Ward LaFrance apparatus used by the Chicago Fire Department, Bill Friedrich has generously shared copies of the 1970 sell sheets and brochures featuring these iconic fire trucks. These documents offer a rare glimpse into the design and specifications of the equipment that once served the city's firefighters. If you're new to this series, be sure to check out our previous posts [HERE](#), [HERE](#), [HERE](#), and [HERE](#).
In this post, we’re showcasing several key pages from the 1970 brochure, highlighting both the pumpers and ladder trucks that were part of Chicago’s fleet at the time.
The first image shows a full-page shot of all seven 2,000-GPM engines used by the CFD in 1970. These units were powerful and essential for responding to large-scale fires across the city.
Another page provides a detailed view of one of the 2,000-GPM engines, including complete technical specifications. This kind of documentation is invaluable for historians and fire equipment enthusiasts alike.
Finally, we have a look at a 100-foot ladder truck produced by Ward LaFrance in collaboration with Grove. The brochure highlights features such as 300-gallon booster tanks, Hale 2CBP booster pumps, and Grove 4S-100 ladders, along with “many other items of special equipment.†It’s fascinating to see how these trucks were built to handle a wide range of emergency situations.
These materials are part of Bill Friedrich’s impressive collection and offer a unique historical perspective on Chicago’s firefighting history. Stay tuned for more insights and additional images from this remarkable set of documents.
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