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In this latest chapter of *The Color of Fire Trucks* series, we’re diving into some interesting color choices across various departments within MABAS Division 10. Let’s take a look at how these departments stand out through their unique apparatus color schemes.
First up, we have the Clarendon Hills Fire Department, known for their distinctive white-over-bright-yellow apparatus. Currently, they operate a fleet of four vehicles in these vibrant colors. One notable piece from their past is a 1986 Pierce TeleSqurt built on a Mack CF chassis, Engine 349, featuring a 1,500-GPM pump and carrying 500 gallons of water—a true classic!
Moving on to the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District, their current fleet predominantly features red and white apparatus. Interestingly, their newest addition is a solid red unit, signaling the retirement of their final lime-green vehicle, which had been part of their fleet for many years. A standout piece from their collection includes a 1990 E-ONE Hurricane engine with a 1,500-GPM pump and 1,000 gallons of water, which served as Engine 371.
Next, we explore the Riverside Fire Department, who once had a 1978 Ford C-8000/Seagrave engine with a 1,250-GPM pump and 750 gallons of water. In addition to this green machine, they also acquired a lime-green Chevy/E-ONE light rescue similar to those seen in the neighboring Forest View Fire Department. Forest View itself was known for running a small DOT-spec rescue squad, Squad 816, which was built by E-ONE back in 1980 on a GMC chassis.
Turning our attention to Hinsdale, the Fire Department maintained a striking black-and-yellow color scheme for all their apparatus until 2008. Even today, except for their 2008 Spartan/Rosenbauer/Metz tower ladder, their fleet remains faithful to these colors. One memorable piece from their history is a 1982 E-ONE Protector IV engine, Engine 343, built on a Hendrickson chassis with an 1871-W cab, carrying 500 gallons of water and boasting a 1,250-GPM pump.
Over in Westmont, the Fire Department’s single non-red rig was a 1978 white-and-lime engine from FTI, constructed on a Pemfab chassis with a “wedge†cab. This unique setup was quite different from their standard red units.
Further south, Willow Springs introduced an unusual 2001 E-ONE Cyclone II tower ladder painted entirely black, standing at 95 feet tall with a 1,500-GPM pump and 300 gallons of water. This decision reportedly came after a developer commissioned the purchase of this unit for the department, insisting the tower be painted black.
Lastly, the Argonne National Laboratory Fire Department crafted their own brush truck using a 1975 International Harvester pickup, named Brush 75. Equipped with a 70-GPM pump and a 250-gallon water tank, this was the only non-red vehicle in their fleet.
Shifting focus to Western Springs, their apparatus transitioned from an all-white design with blue and gold accents to the current red-and-white scheme. One standout piece from their earlier era is a 1981 Pierce Arrow engine, one of the first models produced by Pierce with an Oshkosh chassis. Engine 437 featured a 1,500-GPM pump and 750 gallons of water, equipped with a top-mount control station complete with a handrail.
Finally, Romeoville Fire Department once operated a white E-ONE DOT light-duty rescue on a Ford F-350 chassis. What makes this vehicle particularly noteworthy is that most units of this type were typically delivered in lime green according to DOT specifications.
Another fascinating example comes from McCook Fire Department, which once sported red apparatus before switching to bright yellow for several years. Among their yellow fleet was a 1979 Seagrave engine, Engine 379, featuring a 1,250-GPM pump and holding 500 gallons of water.
Each department’s choice of colors tells its own story, showcasing both tradition and innovation in firefighting culture. These vivid examples remind us that beyond functionality, firefighting vehicles can also serve as canvases for creativity and community pride.