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Post by RigBuff on Jun 25, 2004 16:04:42 GMT -5
Possibly a topic for the History Book...... I recall two time periods during which there was some rioting in Cincinnati. I believe this ocurred in roughly 1967 and in roughly 1971-72. I recall that in approximately 1967 during rioting, "x" shaped tape was applied to windows of apparatus. presumably to minimize danger from glass in event of breakage. It also seems that newer front-line apparatus was "given a rest" during these episodes and older spares were put to front line use, where possible. Does anyone have any further interesting information about changes in operations during these times? I recall in 1967, I believe, that a truck company was assigned to E-5's quarters for a relatively short time during the rioting. Does anyone know why? (It was an interesting sight seeing a truck company maneuver into the 5's quarters!) Thanks.
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Post by whistleblower on Jun 25, 2004 18:59:13 GMT -5
The 1st riot occured in June of 1967 & the 2nd in April of 1968. All but a few outlying Companies were formed into "Task Groups". This consisted of 2 Engines & a Truck. I remember Engine 6 & Ladder 15 were backed into the 46's House & formed "Task Group 46". I believe the 49's were backed into the 31's house. The idea being to pull companies out of the riot areas & form them into "Task Groups" around the perimeter of the riot areas.
I was seventeen years old in '67. We used to drive around & drink beer until it was time to go home. I remember driving by Engine 46's house the night the riots started. I was surprised to see Engine 6 & Ladder 15 there. I was told that Avondale was on fire. I spent the next week getting pizza & other necessities for the "boys". Also housed with the "task groups" were National Guard who rode shotgun on the apparatus. I think there were a few nights in the beginning before the Guard arrived. I know firefighters were sworn in & armed to protect themselves.
The 2nd riot in 1968 wasn't as much fun because a curfew was imposed & all alcohol sales were banned in Hamilton County. We had to buy our 3.2 beer in Clermont County & we had to be off the street by 6:00p.m.
There are lots of retirees who have numerous stories from this time period. One that I remember hearing went like this: The code that was to be transmitted over the teletype for a riot & the subsequent formation of "Task Groups" was SEE DOE. One day a couple of black kids walk into one of the firehouses in the neighborhood & tells the guy on watch that they better print out SEE DOE on the teletype because there's gonna be a riot tonight!
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Post by Redbuggy on Jun 26, 2004 20:25:08 GMT -5
In 1967, I was Captain of Eng. 43. The night the riot started, we formed Task Group 43 (E-43, L-8, E-12?) and Marshal Bose rode in the cab with me. Our 1st run was to the old Crosley building at Spring Grove & Arlington. When we went in service from there, we were sent to Eng. 3's quarters (they were already on Reading Road in Avondale) and Marshal Bose was a nervous wreck! We were dispatched to Saalfeld Paper in Avondale. When we arrived the entire building was involved. We set up to save the attached office, which we did. Our hydrant was on a residential street and we were concerned to leave the Engineer alone but a resident was sitting on his porch with a shotgun on his lap. He said "do your job and I'll make sure nothing happens to your man or truck." People were milling all around but we were not threatened. We were there all night. When we finally got back to our quarters, the National Guard had been mobilized and they set-up in our basement. That put a stop to the wide spread dis-order. The stress at the time now makes it all seem like a dream! Some years later, while questioning a youth about a fire, he admitted being part of a group which started the Saalfeld fire during the riots. His story was believeable because he described the nightwatchman on duty (an elderly man with a shotgun) and exactly how they used aerosol cans as torches while walking down the aisles to ignite stored paper products. His uncle was a city councilman. The case was taken over by the FBI, the councilman soon left office and we never heard anymore about the youth. In '67, I was in Fire Prevention and we were recalled for the riot. Capt. Larry Schmolt drove and I rode shotgun in a grey city car to meet the National Guard at Reading & Rockdale and direct them to various fire houses. The riots stopped immediately on their arrival. I remember Chief Avey having the windows at E-16 painted black so no one could see inside but the men on E-16 will tell you it was to bullet proof the windows!! When is someone going to write that book? All us old codgers have a hard time remembering.................
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Post by RigBuff on Jun 27, 2004 19:42:47 GMT -5
It's good to hear replies on this topic. In my opinion, this subject matter is very interesting (and also amusing)! Any other stories?
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Post by ohiovolffemtp on Jul 14, 2004 13:19:38 GMT -5
I remember hearing from Dave Tolle how he was assigned to carry a 12 guage & a .38 revolver during the riots. He spoke of shooting buckshot onto the pavement and bouncing it into the rioters to keep them back. If I recall correctly, engine co's continued to carry shotguns until the late 80's or early 90's.
I also recall visiting the old fire museum in the basement of 9th & Broadway and the guys pointing out bullet marks on the trucks.
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