I recently stumbled upon an interesting discussion thread about the evolution of the Chicago Fire Department's (CFD) Hazardous Incident Team apparatus, specifically focusing on the 5-1-1 unit. As someone who’s always fascinated by emergency response vehicles, I wanted to share some photos and insights into how these units have transformed over the years.
One of the earliest iterations of what would eventually become the full-time hazmat unit was a 1979 Chevy Stepvan, known internally as G-418. Before it was dedicated solely to hazardous materials incidents, this van was part of the department's Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Services. It carried the signature 4-7-5 designation and was often seen responding to emergencies. The photo of this vehicle, captured by Bill Friedrich, shows just how different things were back then compared to today’s highly specialized equipment.
Fast forward to another piece of history: the Flying Squad 4, equipped with a 1970 Mack MB/Platt unit. Interestingly enough, this exact vehicle would later be rebranded and reassigned to serve as the foundation for the HIT 5-1-1 team. Larry Shapiro managed to capture an incredible image of this setup, providing us with a glimpse into the early days of hazmat operations.
Before the Flying Squad 1 officially became the HIT 5-1-1, there was a noticeable transformation in its appearance. The original Flying Squad 1, also a Mack MB/Platt unit (G-306), underwent some significant changes before it hit the streets under its new role. Bill Friedrich documented this pivotal moment beautifully in his photograph.
By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the CFD began investing more seriously in dedicated hazmat resources. One major leap came in 1990 when they introduced a brand-new Spartan Gladiator/Saulsbury rig, designated as G-492. This marked the first time the department acquired a vehicle explicitly designed for hazmat response. Larry Shapiro again lent his talent behind the lens to immortalize this groundbreaking addition to the fleet.
Today, Chicago boasts not one but two full-time Hazardous Incident Teams, both operating out of identical rigs. Karl Klotz snapped a fantastic photo showcasing this modern-day capability, highlighting the continued commitment of the CFD to maintaining top-notch emergency preparedness.
Reflecting on these images and stories truly underscores the dedication and innovation within the Chicago Fire Department. From humble beginnings with older models like the Chevy Stepvan to state-of-the-art Spartans, each step reflects growth, adaptation, and resilience. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come—and how much farther we can go—with every generation of responders stepping up to meet challenges head-on.
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