This is the latest installment from Bill Friedrich exploring the history of Chicago Fire Department Turret Wagon 6-7-2, a unique piece of firefighting equipment that has seen several transformations over the years.
Turret Wagon 6-7-2 was officially organized on September 19, 1966, at the Chicago Fire Rescue Headquarters located at 1244 N Wells Street.
On that same date, the unit was assigned the designation G-196 and was based on a 1962 Willys Jeep FC150 4×4. In 1966, the CFD Shops fabricated and installed a custom body equipped with twin deluge monitors capable of delivering up to 4,000 gallons per minute (GPM).
6-7-2 (G-196) – 1962 Willys Jeep FC150 4X4, built by the CFD Shops in 1966. Photo by Bob Schalund
Chicago Turret Wagon 6-7-2 (G-196) was built on a 1962 Willys Jeep. Photo by Bob Schalund
On October 22, 1967, the unit was re-designated as G-248 and was mounted on a 1953 IHC M61 5-ton chassis. The CFD Shops again fabricated and installed a new body with twin deluge monitors capable of flowing 10,000 GPM.
During the mid-1970s, G-248 was found to be structurally unsound. Its body and both deluge monitors were later remounted onto a new chassis, G-157.
Chicago 6-7-2 (G-248) was built on a 1953 IHC M61 5-ton chassis and was modified by the CFD Shops in 1967. Photo by Ron Heal
In 1977, the unit was re-designated as G-157 and was based on a 1951 GMC M135 2 1/2-ton 6x6 chassis. This vehicle was nicknamed “Big Mo†and was painted in the classic Civil Defense blue and white color scheme.
The original turret wagon company was disbanded on February 13, 1975, but the vehicle continued to serve under its new designation for several more years.
Chicago Turret Wagon 6-7-2 (G-157), known as ‘Big Mo,’ was built on a 1951 GMC M135 chassis and was fabricated by the CFD Shops. Photo by Ron Heal
6-7-2 (G-157) ‘Big Mo’ at the CFD boneyard after being removed from service. Photo by Bill Friedrich
Over the years, Turret Wagon 6-7-2 went through several iterations, each reflecting the evolving needs of the department and the advancements in firefighting technology. Despite being retired, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who witnessed its power and presence during critical operations.
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