As we continue our series exploring the fascinating world of fire truck colors, today’s installment comes to us once again from Bill Friedrich, who takes a closer look at MABAS Division 7. This division encompasses Kankakee County and parts of Iroquois County, offering a rich tapestry of firefighting history.
One of the more unique vehicles from Essex Fire Protection District was their Squad unit from 1974. This distinctive rig was a customized 1974 Dodge Power Wagon, the only white vehicle in their entire fleet. Its striking appearance made it stand out among the predominantly red apparatus. Bill Friedrich’s archives provide a vivid glimpse into this piece of firefighting history.
Moving on to the City of Kankakee, their fire department showcased two remarkable lime-green Mack trucks, each adorned with a white roof. Among these was Ladder 6, a 1983 Mack CF600 equipped with a 100-foot Pirsch aerial ladder, a powerful 1,250-gallon-per-minute (GPM) pump, and a 200-gallon water tank. Unfortunately, both of these iconic vehicles have since been retired from service. Bill Friedrich's collection preserves their legacy.
The Kankakee Township Fire Department also embraced the lime-green color scheme at one point, but their fleet has evolved over time. Their 1975 IHC Cargostar 1910, affectionately known as Engine 84, featured an Alexis body, a robust 1,000-GPM pump, and a 500-gallon water capacity. While the department once sported an all-lime-green fleet, newer additions have transitioned to the classic red hue.
In Pembroke Fire Protection District, there was a time when lime green was a prominent color choice. Their 1972 IHC Loadstar 1800, built by Central with a 500-GPM pump and 500 gallons of water, stood out as Engine 139. Like many departments, Pembroke eventually shifted to a uniform red color palette for their vehicles.
Otto Township Fire Protection District also experimented with lime green during its early years. Engine 38, a 1986 IHC S1900/Luverne model with a 750-GPM pump and 500 gallons of water, remains a notable example of this era. Today, like most neighboring departments, Otto Township exclusively uses red-colored apparatus.
Papineau Fire Protection District currently operates a single yellow engine in its fleet. Engine 1533, originally from X-Glenside FPD in MABAS Division 12, is a 1981 Pierce Arrow equipped with a 1,250-GPM pump and 750 gallons of water. Its vibrant yellow livery sets it apart from the standard red units.
The Bourbonnais Fire Protection District also embraced yellow vehicles at one point. Engine 63, a 1976 Howe built on a Hendrickson 1871 chassis, featured an impressive 1,000-GPM pump and 800 gallons of water. Although the district had several yellow rigs, the majority of their fleet has transitioned to the traditional red color.
Grant Park Fire Protection District, on the other hand, maintained a lime-green theme for some of its equipment. Engine 112, a 1963 International Harvester/Central unit with 1,000 gallons of water and a 1,000-GPM pump, was the lone lime-green vehicle in their fleet. Every other apparatus has consistently been painted red.
The Chebanse Township Fire Protection District, located in Clifton, had two white vehicles in its lineup. All other apparatus in their fleet are red, creating a distinct contrast that highlights their unique color choices.
Salina Township Fire Protection District, based in Bonfield, still retains its white Tanker 164, a 1985 GMC F-7000 chassis modified by Midstate Tank with a 2,000-gallon water tank but no pump. Interestingly, they once had a white brush truck as well, while the remainder of their fleet remains red.
St. Anne Fire Department showcased a blue rescue truck, later repainted white and red. Throughout its history, the department has primarily used red vehicles, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic across its fleet.
These examples illustrate the diverse ways in which firefighting departments have expressed themselves through vehicle color schemes. From lime green to white, yellow to red, each choice reflects not only practical considerations but also the evolving identity and tradition of these vital organizations.
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