Was there a 70's television program called engine 23?

Answer 1

The program you are thinking of was called Firehouse. It was a short-lived ABC television series in early 1974. Somewhat derivative of Emergency! (a hit on rival network NBC at the time) and the recent best-selling novel Report From Engine Co. 82 by FDNY fireman Dennis Smith, this drama/adventure series was set in Los Angeles at a small inner-city fire station. The five-man crew of Engine Company 23 was led by Captain Spike Ryerson, played by James Drury, fresh from his starring role of nine years on the western series The Virginian.

The series followed a 1973 television movie of the same name, although veteran character actor Richard Jaeckel was the only notable cast member to appear in both the TV-movie and the series.

It aired back-to-back with Chopper One, an action-drama series about two police helicopter pilots for the fictional WCPD (see also S.W.A.T.). Although fondly remembered by some people who are now the oldest of the Gen-X era both series only lasted a season of thirteen episodes each.