Bill Friedrich has reviewed his collection and shared a number of images capturing the Chicago Fire Department's helicopters and suppression units from Meigs Field in the early 1980s. These photos offer a rare glimpse into the department’s aerial and ground operations during that era.
![Chicago Fire Department helicopter]( "CFD__HELIPCOPTER__441___1961_UH-1B_HUEY-BF")
![Chicago Fire Department helicopter]( "CFD__HELICOPTER__442__1977_BELL_JET_RANGER_-BF")
![Chicago Fire Department at Meigs Field]( "CFD_MEIGS_FIELD_FLEET__L-R___636__1980_GMC-E-ONE__250-500-15F__G-453,__DRY_CHEM_624__1967_IHC-FIRE_BOSS__100-200-20DC__D-342,_D-BF")
These images not only showcase the equipment used by the CFD during that time but also highlight the evolving nature of firefighting technology and tactics. The UH-1B Huey, known for its versatility, was an important asset for aerial support, while the Bell Jet Ranger represented a more modern approach to emergency response. On the ground, the GMC/E-ONE and IHC Fire Boss units were critical in handling large-scale incidents, especially at locations like Meigs Field, which served as a key base for rapid response. Bill Friedrich’s collection provides a valuable historical record of these vehicles and their roles in protecting the city.
CFD Helicopter 441 was a 1961 UH-1B Huey. Bill Freidrich collection
CFD Helicopter 442 was a 1977 Bell Jet Ranger. Bill Freidrich collection
The assignment at Meigs Field included Crash 6-3-6, a 1980 GMC/E-ONE 250/500/15F (G-453); Dry Chemical 6-2-4, a 1967 IHC Fire Boss 100/200/20DC (D-342); and Dry Chemical 6-2-1, a 1966 IHC-Fire Boss 100/175/750DC (D-331). Bill Friedrich collection
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