Chicago to Eliminate Black Roof

[Box 2565]

I have it on good authority that the Chicago F.D. will eliminate the famous black roof on all apparatus.  This is purely a cost cutting measure.  Some apparatus currently on order will have the black roof,  The last order of Battalion Chief buggies was solid red and a couple of Air Mask Service trucks were recently delivered in solid red.  A end to a long tradition.

[txfirebuff88]

I have it on good authority that the Chicago F.D. will eliminate the famous black roof on all apparatus.  This is purely a cost cutting measure.  Some apparatus currently on order will have the black roof,  The last order of Battalion Chief buggies was solid red and a couple of Air Mask Service trucks were recently delivered in solid red.  A end to a long tradition.

sad change to a very very long tradition,
they have for years ran the black over red paint.

[Lebby]

I sincerely hope that your good authority is less reliable than usual, this news has made me visually sad. If it is indeed true it would be the end of one of America's oldest fire service traditions. At-least CFD will still have their green light... I hope

[squad546]

It has been threatened over the years but fortunately had not been implemented. Sounds like maybe this time it might sadly. They already had started to eliminate the green lights from the rigs in the past several deliveries. Anyone have any idea of how much it would actually save?

[Box 2565]

I'm confident that the person who provided the information to me is accurate.  squad546 - I was also told that the green lights will be eliminated.  I would think that the light costs the same whether it is red or green.  Also, look for a blue light on future CFD apparatus....

[squad546]

I'm confident that the person who provided the information to me is accurate.  squad546 - I was also told that the green lights will be eliminated.  I would think that the light costs the same whether it is red or green.  Also, look for a blue light on future CFD apparatus....

The green light thing I was told was about fine print in the Illinois State Code on emergency light use, which no one cared about until now for some weird reason. Samething has Happened in Gary, the blue lights are almost all gone.

[FireCpt809]

Pretty sure they are wrong as all the new E-One engines and 3 sets of snorkels and squads have been delivered with black roofs. 

[Box 2565]

Pretty sure they are wrong as all the new E-One engines and 3 sets of snorkels and squads have been delivered with black roofs.

The snorkels, squads, and engines were ordered prior to the decision to eliminate the black roof.

[squad546]

Pretty sure they are wrong as all the new E-One engines and 3 sets of snorkels and squads have been delivered with black roofs.

The snorkels, squads, and engines were ordered prior to the decision to eliminate the black roof.

Correct, old contracts weren't changed. They took delivery of several Ford Explorers that are just all red & those were purchased after the change.

[Lebby]

Looks like the blue light made it on to the Squads (far right) as seen in this photo from Keith Grzadziel.

[Shapington]

I have it on good authority that the Chicago F.D. will eliminate the famous black roof on all apparatus.  This is purely a cost cutting measure.  Some apparatus currently on order will have the black roof,  The last order of Battalion Chief buggies was solid red and a couple of Air Mask Service trucks were recently delivered in solid red.  A end to a long tradition.

I spoke with a friend last summer and his boss at the fire academy and they  were told the solid chiefs cars were leased  and thats why they lacked black roofs.

As far as green lights go there's been a lot of hubbub around that too it's just the current Administration in charge of the department likes to follow NFPA to the T so they say NFPA says to use a blue light that's what they're going to use

[Shapington]

so what ever happened to the good authority on the black roofs being eliminated? so far in 2017 3 new engines delivered  with black roofs and several more on order.. to date  only rigs  delivered to not have black roofs  are the new air mask trucks and the new explorers for  OFI and the cheifs.

[Box 2565]

so what ever happened to the good authority on the black roofs being eliminated? so far in 2017 3 new engines delivered  with black roofs and several more on order.. to date  only rigs  delivered to not have black roofs  are the new air mask trucks and the new explorers for  OFI and the cheifs.

Haven't spoken with my friend of late but I'll be sure to ask the next time I chat with him.

[Box 2565]

so what ever happened to the good authority on the black roofs being eliminated? so far in 2017 3 new engines delivered  with black roofs and several more on order.. to date  only rigs  delivered to not have black roofs  are the new air mask trucks and the new explorers for  OFI and the cheifs.

Hi!  This was a misunderstanding on my part.  I checked with my friend and the black roof is only being eliminated on the small stuff (cars, pick up trucks, etc.).  CFD will continue to use the black roof on engines, trucks, squads, etc.

[Box 2565]

I was talking with my "source" for Chicago information last week (he's a retired Chief from CFD).  In what I consider to be great news, all CFD apparatus being purchased is being delivered with a black roof once again.  I am so happy to see their tradition continue.

[Lebby]

Also per FAJ, the vehicles delivered with blue lights are having them swapped for green.

[Box 2565]

Also per FAJ, the vehicles delivered with blue lights are having them swapped for green.

I missed that.  Another welcome change.

[Bklyn Phil]

Several years ago NYPD changed to all white with police blue lettering.This was to save $800 per vehicle on paint costs.

Phil, Bklyn

[Box 2565]

Several years ago NYPD changed to all white with police blue lettering.This was to save $800 per vehicle on paint costs.

Phil, Bklyn

Cincinnati has been buying all white District Chief and EMS supervisor vehicles for 25 years.  I was told that it cost $400 additional to have them painted red.  What a scam.  They aren't leaving the assembly plant without paint on them so why not paint more of them red?  Anyway, CFD is switching to Ford pickup trucks with a Swiss brand cap for the DC's and Safety Officer,  Much to my delight they will be painted red!

[alf]

They saved $800 but then spent the savings on 3-M reflective striping.

Red is a basic color that's available annually.  The shade of red may not match the apparatus unless they pay extra for the matching paint.  However, it's a moot point as most people will be happy with any shade of basic red.