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This is the latest installment from Bill Friedrich, detailing the fascinating history of Chicago Fire Department's Turret Wagon 6-7-2. The story begins on September 19, 1966, when the unit was officially organized at the Chicago Fire Rescue Headquarters located at 1244 N Wells. The initial vehicle was a 1962 Willys Jeep FC150 4×4, designated as G-196.
In 1966, the Chicago Fire Department Shops took the vehicle and fabricated a custom body equipped with twin deluge monitors capable of pumping up to 4,000 gallons per minute (GPM). This made the wagon one of the most powerful water delivery units of its time. A photo from Bob Schalund captures this early version of 6-7-2 in action.
By October 22, 1967, the unit had been upgraded. The new chassis was a 1953 IHC M61 5-ton truck, labeled G-248. Again, the CFD Shops built and installed a new body, this time with twin deluge monitors that could deliver up to 10,000 GPM. However, by the mid-1970s, it became clear that the structure of G-248 was no longer safe. As a result, the body and both monitors were transferred to another chassis, G-157.
The final and most well-known version of 6-7-2 was built on a 1951 GMC M135 2½-ton 6×6 chassis, which was dubbed “Big Mo.†This version was also modified by the Civil Defense in 1967 and later fully rebuilt by the CFD Shops. It remained in service for many years and was always painted in the distinctive CD blue and white color scheme. The unit was eventually disbanded on February 13, 1975.
“Big Mo†continued to be a symbol of the department’s innovation and strength. Photos from Ron Heal show the unit in action and later in storage. One image even shows it at the CFD boneyard after being taken out of service. These historical records help preserve the legacy of this remarkable piece of Chicago Fire Department history.