Part 3 in the series covering Ward LaFrance and the Chicago Fire Department:
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 were assigned to Engine 23 (D-389), Engine 29 (D-390), Engine 57 (D-391), and Engine 67 (D-392). The fifth engine, which featured a more powerful 1,750-GPM pump, was assigned to Engine 74 (D-393). All of these engines came with 500-gallon water tanks, making them well-equipped for initial fire suppression efforts.
Engine 74 stood out from the rest due to its unique trim design. Unlike the other models, it had a red pump panel instead of the polished finish found on the others. Additionally, the wide steel band that wrapped around the front doors and cab face of the other units was missing from Engine 74, giving it a distinct appearance.
Compared to the earlier 1970 models, these 1973 units had a different numbering system. The large company numbers were now placed on the rear compartment, while smaller numbers were displayed on the cab face. The phrase “Chicago Fire Dept.†was also added to 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, as these models featured a multi-versal stored on the roof.
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
Shop number D-393, the 1,750-GPM unit originally assigned to Engine 74, was later reassigned to Engine 104. This shift reflects the ongoing evolution of the department’s equipment and how units were reallocated based on operational needs over time.
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