Chicago Fire Patrol Message Board

Aothor's Appearing on WGN Chicago September 30th

author — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:17:32 GMT

Mike Pack and I will be appearing on Chicago's WGN Midday News Sept 30th to promote our book and an event the next day at CFD Memorial Park. The Fire Museum of Greater Chicago is sponsoring the event to honor the 17 patrolmen who died in the line of duty. I will be giving a speech on the Patrol history.

Update on the New York Fire Patrol RIP

Author — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 03:28:39 GMT

It appears that any thought of the Fire Patrol coming back to life is over.

Kenny Pogan reports that he happened to pass by Patrol 2's old house yesterday and, much to his surprise, the door was open.

In short, he was talking to an only-recently terminated member of the Patrol (a Patrolman) and a Real Estate Agent who, we believe, represented the firm CB Richard Ellis Real Estate.

The ex-Patroleo told Kenny that ALL the rigs were sold all together to one buyer, and the Real Estate agent said that all three houses were on the market for "$5Million and up, each..." (but there is some doubt that #1's house will fetch that much. Number 2's house seems to be the "gem" of the bunch).

Inside, #2's house appeared in VERY good shape and, with the rig not being there and no gear hanging up, you'd think that the company was out on a run.

While there, a local restaurateur came by and asked the agent specific questions about the house and the price. He indicated that he is VERY INTERESTED in buying the property (even at the $5M price tag) and rebuilding the insides to be used as a another restaurant and one apartment upstairs for himself.

There is still a lot of Patrol "memorabilia" in the house, so if anyone has any hooks with the NY Board of Fire Underwriters they may be able to salvage some. However, the Memorial plaques inside the house are gone, as is the plaque outside the house dedicated to Keith Roma, who died at the WTC. It's unknown what happen to them, but the fellow from the Patrol said that they were there, "....two weeks ago".

An end to a true NYC era.....

John Malecky book review - 1st Responder Broadcast News

Author — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:15:01 GMT

This is one magnificent book and well worth the price! It is hard cover, measuring 8 inches by 11 inches and has 320 pages. It resembles the history books and year books that were put out about a number of Fire Departments

The Chicago Fire Patrol was a fleet of salvage trucks supported by fire insurance companies. Their primary job was to throw waterproof salvage covers over furniture and other items that had value. These actions would preserve important and expensive contents from water and smoke damage, which would in turn save money for the insurance companies by keeping damage to a minimum. As the reader will see, these patrol members also helped the Chicago Fire Department in firefighting and fireground support, when their primary initial responsibilities were taken care of.

Mr. Seafields grandfather was a captain in the Patrol and he, Seafield owns one of the patrol vehicles which was one that his grandfather rode on.

The book is dedicated to Captain Mike Kinsch. There is a group of acknowledgements and the Forward by Hal Bruno, whom you probably know from Firehouse magazine. These are followed by 48 pages of flawless color photos showing salvage apparatus, fire scenes, the 1958 Thrill Show, patrol stations, equipment, the training classrooms, helmets, buttons and badges as well as some group pictures and one of Chief Fred Kempf. One of the salvage trucks eventually operated as a salvage and rescue unit in the Skokie, Illinois FD and a photo of it is included

There are 14 chapters starting with what a fire patrol was and what its functions were. An alarm response rundown is included in this chapter. Pages 7 through 59 cover the history of the patrol. Chapter 3 is totally dedicated the Patrol 4 which was the last one to be fire insurance financed. Patrol 4 was also kind of different because they had a bear. It belonged to one of the captains and lives at the station. Imagine yourself getting into the station and getting a greeting from Pety (page 66.) I was once with a group of fire photographers and other buffs who entered the quarters of Snorkel Squad 1 once when the company got dispatched before we could introduce ourselves. The crew told us to wait in the station until they got back and we found out they had two very large dogs as pets. Needless to say we were petrified by them and did not move around much until the company returned! Other chapters address company chronicles, line of duty deaths, chiefs and memoirs of some of the members in their own words. Two chapters are devoted to their repair shops and their school. Theres a 25 page chapter of the patrol in action both on the inside and the outside. One of the fires involved a church. Chapter 11 is a photo gallery of group pictures, some apparatus, photos of individual patrolmen and the watch desk area with the register. There are 21 pages of the rigs they used through the years including those with open bodies and those with closed ones as well as some chief cars. These photos are in black and white. Chapter 13 is all about documents used and the last chapter is about the initial organization of the Century of Progress Fire Department, the agency given the responsibility of the Worlds Fair in Chicago, 1933-1934. There is an eight page report from the Chief Public Protection Division as well as photos of chiefs and other members. The equipment used includes a Lagoon Patrol boat which was a row boat with outboard motor. An appendix includes cover work at fires, water removal from structures and covering roofs.

Neither author lives in Chicago today. Keith Seafield is a Lieutenant with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Mike Pack, who grew up in Chicago and had an avid interest in the CFD and the Patrol is the Chief of the Southside Place, TX Fire Department.

This book is a must for buffs of all interests. As of February 23, 2009 when this book was sent to me there were a little more than 500 copies left. Initially 1000 were printed, so if you are interested you must act quickly.

News story about Patrol

Author — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:40:19 GMT

Florida news story - Patrolman Ron DiRienzo is reunited with his old Patrol truck 50 years after the Patrol disbanded. Here is the link to CBS4:
http://cbs4.com/video/?id=71981@wfor.dayport.com

Philip J. Kelly former member of the patrol has passed.

Author — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:28:30 GMT

We just received the word that former patrolman Philip J. Kelly passed in early December 2008 at age 86. Here is a link to the Chicago Tribune guest book: http://www.legacy.com/chicagotribune/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=121165835

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