Chicago Fire Patrol Message Board

Recent video of Patrol 5's 1951 F 7

Author — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:05:37 GMT

Here are some links to video's I made while restoring Ex-patrol 5's old rig.They are posted on Liveleak.com I purchased the truck from the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago last year.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=832_1221954160

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=a47_1221953108

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=fcc_1221924232

Enjoy
Keith

coverred areas districs

glenn cunningham — Thur, 14 Aug 2008 01:25:05 GMT

MY QUESTION, IN 1940S TO THE END 1959 WHAT WERE THE BOUNDARIES OF EACH PATROL, IT SEEMED LIKE A LOT OF LAND TO COVER FOR SOME OF THEM,ILL BET IT TOOK THEM 15 MINUTES OR MORE TO GET THEIR,ANYWAY, IF SOMEONE KNOWS LET ME KNOW,THANKS,HUGE FAN.....GLENN CUNNINGHAM

Frank Whitmore

Whitmore — Thur, 17 Jul 2008 14:45:26 GMT

My great-great grandfather, Frank Whitmore come to Chicago around 1880 from Bath, Me.. He subsequently joined the Chicago Fire Patrol and was ultimately promoted to "chief assistant". During these years in Chicago, he achieved notoriety as a professional wrestler who wrestled many of the best touring wrestlers of the day including past and present world champions. In 1894, he was hired to form the St. Paul, MN Fire Insurance Patrol where he served as Superintendent until his death in 1922. From all I've uncovered, Chicago was a wild place during these times!

Want to order Fire Patrol Book.

Robert Morrison — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:06:46 GMT

HI im a Fire Captain with North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue in Northen New Jersey.I would very much like to buy one of the Fire Patrol Books can you give me some info on how to order the book thank you. Bobby M.

Author's attending Chicago show June 14th

Author — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:57:44 GMT

Mike and I will be attending the Fire Engine Rally and Firematic Swap Meet sponsored by The Fire Buffs of Illinois and the 5-11 Club at the Chicago Fire Academy, 558 W DeKoven St., Chicago, IL. Activities run from 8am to 2pm. Come see us. We will have plenty of books on hand!!

Thanks Keith

I am still around

John J. Sheehan — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:01:51 GMT

I joined the Fire Insurance Patrol after getting out of the army in 1952. I was assigned to Patrol #1 & 2 on Desplaines and Monroe. My Capts. were Mike Kinch and Capt. Kempt who later became a chief after Chief Tenney. In 1954 I went to Patrol 3 & 4 at 50th and Union. Joe Harper and Collins were the officers at that house. I stayed until the Patrol was disbanded in 1959.
In 1966 I went on the Chicago Fire Dept. I was assigned to Eng. 49, then transfered to T. 18 at the old Patrol 3 & 4 house at 50th and Union. It was like going home. I later was transfered to T 33 at 43rd and Marshfield. I made engineer, joined the Brotherhood of the Barrel and after the strike I was promoted to Lt. I was in the Bureau for about a year, then floated in the old first division. I was hurt in the Conrad Hilton fire and off the job on disability.
As of now I am living in Alsip, Il. alive and kicking.
John J. Sheehan

Review of our book

Author — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:45:31 GMT

Matt Schumann President of the Fire Buffs of Illinois Organization has written a fine review of our book. Here it is:

In 2007, a new book was self-published on the Chicago Fire Insurance Patrol by Keith Seafield and Michael Pack. The intent of the new volume, History of the Chicago Fire Insurance Patrol 1871-1959 was to provide a comprehensive written history of the Patrol that included its stations, its apparatus and most importantly, the men who served on the Patrol so that the history of this organization would not be lost. The result is a 388 page, hardcover 8 by 11 book that encompasses 14 chapters, lots of photos and a through review of all the parts of the Patrol that is well worth the purchase price.

I personally have enjoyed picking the book up and reading through the various chapters and looking at the photos and illustrations as it has allowed me to read and understand what the Patrol was and how it operated. This book fully describes for the reader the purpose of the Patrol, what its duties were and how it was supported, in addition to the training, the daily practices and the apparatus of probably the largest private fire department within the Chicago City limits. For many, it was a stepping stone to service in many other fire departments, for others it was a career dedicated to preserving property from further damage and this unique role of the Patrol is really shown in the book. The history of the various Patrol companies is successfully presented with reflections of various individuals who served on the Patrols; various Patrol related documents and other outgrowths of the Patrol such as the 1933 Century of Progress Fire Department. This combination seems to successfully create a comprehensive, complete view of the Patrol during its existence in Chicago.

When I look at the complete book, it seems to be a perfect complement to the current Chicago Fire Department Fire House History volumes that Ken Little and Fr. John McNalis have worked so hard to produce for us to enjoy. It seems that just as the Patrol worked hand in hand with the CFD, this new book works hand in hand with the Firehouse volumes and really deserves a spot on your shelf as it fills a similar role with a unique organization that helped Chicago for almost 90 years.

requests for particular information or pictures?

Keith Seafield — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:26:51 GMT

Hello all
We are in the process of updating the website. Is there any requests for particular information or pictures?
Thanks Keith

New info on First Patrol Chief

Keith Seafield — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 03:57:33 GMT

Hello all
Recently I found an article about Ben Bullwinkle that appeared in the New York Times dated May 10, 1887. The mystery concerning his death is solved. According to lore he was gunned down in a barroom brawl. But in fact, he was thrown from his horse in Flagstaff Arizona and died on May 9th 1887 at the age of 40. He was a stockholder in the Arizona Cattle Company and its manager. To view this article just google Bullwinkle and this article can be found.

Keith

Captain Henry Schroeder

Patty — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 21:12:43 GMT

Do you have any record of a Captian Henry C. Schroeder. He was born about 1850 in Germany and died in Chicago Oct. 31, 1913. Census records show he was a fireman. I believe he is my great grandfather's brother who lived in Perham, MN. I found an article in Perham that stated, "Capt. Henry Schroeder, from Chicago, arrives in Perham upon news of his brother Charles' death." I am just trying to find any other information about him, his family (I think his dad was Theodore, and mom Johanna, also from Germany and settled in Chicago. Perhaps you have pictures or stories. Any help? Thank you.
Patty

CFD INS PATROL SQ #3

EDWIN LAMMEL — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:06:50 GMT

ANYONE INTERESTED IN A PATROL COLLECTIBLE - I HAVE A 22" X 22" HAND PAINTED CHECKER BOARD - THIS PAINTING IS ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF A PIECE OF BEVELED GLASS - THE PAINTINGS ARE GOLD LEAF - CHICAGO FIRE INSURANCE PATROL SQ #3 - THIS PROBABLY DATES BACK TO THE EARLY 1900'S. THERE ARE PICTURES OF 2 MEMBERS AND THEIR WIFES ON THE 4 CORNERS WHICH DATE BACK TO THE EARLY 1900 UNIFORM TYPE.

CALL D/C ED LAMMEL (708)860-6462

EPFD3415@AOL.COM

Author's attending Mundelein show Oct 27th

Keith Seafield — Thur, 04 Oct 2007 00:02:17 GMT

Mike and I will be in town on the 27th and will make an appearance at the Mundelein High School located at 1350 W. Hawley. We will have plenty of books on hand. Come see us at the show!!! The doors open at 8:00 a.m.

Thanks
Keith

Book order

Dan Bonkowski — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 04:58:05 GMT

Hi Keith,

I have tried to order the book with some difficulty. I am the person who was the fan of patrol #3 and later became a fire chief. Anwyay, pls em me with the info. I would like to order a book. My phone # is 847 609 2267. My em is adbonkowski@hotmail.com.

Thank you Keith.

You have performed a great service to the memory of many fine men, who served without much thanks. For those who have gone, may they rest in peace. All I can say, is that they were kind to me, a poor young fire fan, they donated clothing, and were all great role models. In those early days, as a young boy, I learned about teamwork, caring and sharing. Those men had to be the most unselfish fire professionals who tried to help others.

Book

Glenn Shafer — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:50:33 GMT

Guys: I would like to order a copy of your book but am having trouble with the web site. Please advise. Thanks.

Problem with book order page!!!

Keith Seafield — Wed, 02 May 2007 02:03:02 GMT

Sometime this morning we developed a problem with our book order page. Tech support is looking into the problem and will have it resolved within 24 hours. We lost around 5 orders so anyone who placed an order today 5-1-07 will have to resubmit it in a few days or email me directly at chicagofyrpatrol@bellsouth.net and leave your contact information.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Thanks Keith Seafield