squads

In the late 1950's Commissioner Quinn of the Chicago Fire Department had an idea of using a tree
trimming truck for use in the fire service. In 1958, Commissioner Quinn put together a GMC chassis
and a Pittman utility boom & bucket for fighting fires. This idea became what is known today as the
Snorkel.

The first CFD Squad Companies were organized on January 15, 1913. Squads 1,2 & 3 were formed.
In 1969 six Squads were put into service with a seventh Squad being added later. They were given the
name the "Flying Squads" and operated from 1969 to 1980. These vehicles were a Squad only with
no Snorkel and spent a lot of time helping out short handed engine companies.

In the 60's Chicago added three stand alone Snorkel Companies called Snorkel Squads (SS1, SS2
& SS3). On October 18, 1962 Snorkel Squad 1 (SS1) was organized which was a Snorkel that also
had a chase vehicle. SS1 was stationed at the Fire Academy until it moved into the old Fire Patrol
station on N. Orleans. On June 4th, 1979 SS1 moved in with Engine 42 and a little over a year later
was disbanded on October 6th, 1980. Snorkel Squad 2 (SS2) was organized on September 3rd, 1963
and was housed with Engine 60. SS2 was disbanded on May 16th, 1969. Snorkel Squad 3 (SS3) was
organized and housed in the former firehouse of Engine 66 on May 16th, 1965 and moved to the
former quarters of Engine 105 on September 2nd, 1967 where it stayed until May 1st, 1969 when it
was disbanded.

In October of 1980 the CFD organized five Squad Companies with a sixth one coming two years
later. Squad Companies 1, 2 & 5 still protect the city of Chicago today. A fourth Squad, Squad 7
protects O'Hare International Airport on the cities far northwest side.

Click on the Squad Company logo for more company photos, history & stats.