I just came across this fascinating piece about the history of Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-2, shared by Bill Friedrich. It's incredible to see how firefighting equipment evolved over the years.
Turret Wagon 6-7-2 officially started its service on September 19, 1966, stationed at 1244 N Wells, which was home to the Chicago Fire Rescue HQ at the time. Initially, it was set up on a 1962 Willys Jeep FC150 4x4 chassis. What’s really interesting is that the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) workshops crafted and attached a custom body equipped with dual deluge monitors capable of pumping out 4,000 gallons per minute (GPM).
A photo I saw shows the early version of this vehicle, looking rugged yet ready for action. It’s labeled as "6-7-2 (G-196)," clearly indicating its identity. Bob Schalund captured this moment, and the image highlights the ingenuity of retrofitting an existing vehicle into a high-capacity firefighting machine.
Fast forward to October 22, 1967, when they upgraded the setup to a 1953 International Harvester M61 5-ton truck chassis. Again, the CFD shops took charge, creating another impressive body with dual deluge monitors, but this time boosting the capacity to an astonishing 10,000 GPM. This version became known as "G-248." However, during the mid-1970s, inspections revealed structural issues with the original chassis. As a result, the body and monitors were transferred onto a different chassis, specifically G-157.
Around 1977, the team converted a 1951 GMC M135 2 ½-ton 6x6 truck chassis into what became famously known as "Big Mo," or G-157. The Civil Defense department played a role in modifying the initial design before the CFD shops finalized everything. This version retained the dual deluge monitors capable of 10,000 GPM and was always painted in Civil Defense’s signature blue and white colors. Unfortunately, the company was disbanded on February 13, 1975, marking the end of an era.
Looking at the photos, you can see the evolution of the vehicle over time. One striking image shows "Big Mo" in full swing at a fire scene, its massive monitors spraying water with incredible force. Another captures the vehicle in the CFD boneyard after retirement, a poignant reminder of how firefighting equipment eventually retires after years of service.
These vehicles were more than just tools; they were symbols of innovation and dedication to public safety. It’s amazing to think about the hard work and creativity that went into designing and building these machines.
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