Black over Red

[CFD717]

Hopefully this is the right spot for this question. If it is here goes. We were having a discussion at my station today about Chicago's black over red paint scheme. One of my guys said it was to honor fallen brothers, representing a black sash draped over the traditional red truck. I had always heard that way back when the officers car had a black canvas top that wouldn't take the red paint, and it just continued on from there. If any of you buff's know the answer we would like to know. Thanks in advance.

[slocityhoseman]

I've heard the origin was from the black canvas lid on the Chief / admin cars also.

[hippieman556]

i have also heard this about the car and thats why they picked the colors

[FWDbuff]

Add another person who has heard the Bn Chief cars explanation.

[wcfpd2601]

This is taken from "history of chicago fire department" off of their website....

The City purchased 28 model "A" fords for their battalion chiefs. The roofs of the cars were a tar composition that could not be painted and were left black while the bottoms were painted red. This color scheme has prevailed till today. The intertwined CFD logo was adopted during this period.