The third installment in this series explores the departments within Division 2 that have transitioned their fire apparatus to a red color scheme over the years. This shift in color not only reflects evolving trends but also highlights the historical evolution of fire department branding and identity.
One such department is the Bartlett & Countryside Fire Protection District, which once operated a fleet of bright yellow engines. These included two Hendrickson-Howe units, one Ford-Howe engine, one Ford-Grumman engine, two Seagrave models, and a Chevy-Super Vac squad. The department made the switch to black-over-red in 1986, marking a significant change in its visual identity. One notable unit, Engine 612, was delivered in 1973 by Howe. It featured a small top-mount pump console for a 1,000-GPM pump, carried 800 gallons of water, and was built on an International chassis with a Hendrickson 1871S cab. This vehicle is part of the Larry Shapiro collection.
Another department, the Hanover Park & Ontarioville Fire Protection District, had a similar history. Before switching to black-over-red in 2001, they operated several units painted white over lime green. Their fleet included three Hendrickson-Howe engines, a Hendrickson-American-LTI truck, a Spartan-EONE squad, a Spartan-EONE engine, and an EONE Cyclone engine—all originally in white/green. One example from this era is a 1977 American Fire Apparatus unit that featured a 100' LTI rear-mount aerial and was built on a Hendrickson chassis with an 1871S cab. This unit is also part of the Larry Shapiro collection.
These changes in paint schemes often signal broader shifts in departmental priorities, budget allocations, or even public relations strategies. As we continue this series, we’ll explore more stories behind the colors and the vehicles that shaped them. Previous posts in this series are HERE and HERE.
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