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Recently, AVFD Captain Thad Brooks got the chance to visit with the men of Engine Company 65 and Truck Company 52 of the Chicago Fire Department. The station that houses these two companies was the site where the movie "Backdraft" was filmed. The station was built in 1929 and currently houses one ladder truck, one engine and a BLS ambulance. While visiting the station, Captain Brooks also got the rare opportunity to "run a call" with the guys of Engine Company 65. "It was a great experience to see what these guys do and how much different it is compared to the small town setting that we live in" said Brooks. "This department is unique and epitomizes the feel of a traditional fire department." "They still use the brass fire poles, they hand wash every hose and hang them up to dry and the rookies polish every brass fixture in the house every Tuesday, including the poles and doorknobs." The Chicago Fire Department currently has about 4,300 firefighters at 99 stations. They have over 100 engine companies, 60+ ladder companies, 71 ambulance crews (both ALS & BLS), a fireboat, 2 helicopters and 4 HAZMAT Response units. These departments respond to over 500,000 calls per year averaging out to about 42,000 calls per month. The CFD also has units stationed at each of the city's three airports including O'Hare, the world's busiest airport. Brooks says that if you are in the Chicago area, travel to the corner of Sacramento Ave. and Archer St. and visit the guys of Engine Co. 65 and Truck Co. 52. They are an outstanding group of guys and welcome anyone to visit with them.
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last updated July 12, 2008