nfd2004 said:
I believe site member "69 Mets" spent some time in that firehouse on the "Truck" (123). I spent some time in the area as a buff. Pretty tough neighborhood to work. But I think the bullet holes in the rig kind of explains that anyway.
I was assigned to E 234 from '81 - '84. I along with a Brother Fireman installed bullet proof lexan on the inside of the housewatch windows which faced on St. Johns Pl. as well as on Schenectady Ave. because sitting in the housewatch area made you a sitting duck. We were told by the cops in the 77 Pct. that the intersection at which our quarters was located had the higest homicide numbers in the whole city and that they were not to respond there until they had multiple units together due to it being considered a dangerous location. At times it resembled the wild West. Great house, great Firefighters, great memories.
"69mets", Thanks for that story. I knew you had worked there but didn't know exactly when. And I certainly didn't know the full goings on, except that it was a very busy house in a tough area. I guess I was right about it being in a tough area.
grump, that Cabreini Green Housing Project was known nationwide. Then I remember when it was told on the National News that it was being torn down. There's been changes to parts of NYC, and other cities similiar to the Chicago area you mention. Those 70s and 80s were really tough years in many cities. Although I don't know if too much has been changed around the area of 234/123.
And for those interested, the video "Brothers in Battle" has a short clip from E234/L123. And if you look close, you might even see "69mets" in it. (Sorry there 69..., I just had to tell them.....but next time I'm in your neighborhood, the beers are on me).