From the Des Plaines Valley News:
The classic Bedford Park Fire Department Snorkel—a vehicle that seemed destined for the scrapyard—has been saved from obscurity. Fire Chief Sean Maloy announced that this historic truck, which marks the first original Snorkel ever built back in 1959, is now set to be donated to Smeal Fire Apparatus located in Snyder, Nebraska. According to Maloy, the company has promised to restore the Snorkel to its exact condition as it was when it was delivered to the Bedford Park Fire Department on March 31, 1960.
The plan is to have the Snorkel displayed in Smeal’s museum and taken to various fire apparatus exhibitions across the country. As Maloy mentioned, Smeal acquired the rights to the Snorkel name from LTI earlier this year. Their intention is to resume production of Snorkels and use the original truck as a centerpiece at fire industry conferences. "It's going to serve as a fantastic marketing tool," Maloy stated.
Not only will the truck maintain its Bedford Park branding and insignia, but the village will also provide Smeal with detailed photos of the original vehicle to ensure every detail is accurately preserved. In return for this historical treasure, Smeal will pay the village a symbolic $1, even though the truck requires approximately $60,000 worth of bodywork and engine repairs.
Maloy expressed the village board's satisfaction with finding such a commendable new home for the truck. "This vehicle is a crucial piece of firefighting history, and I'm thrilled it's being given the attention it deserves," he added. Interestingly, while the first Snorkel was initially designed based on a tree trimmer, Pierce actually produced the first true Snorkel fire truck in 1959 for the Chicago Fire Department. However, for unknown reasons, they didn't end up purchasing it, and it eventually found its way to Bedford Park. Over the next two decades, Bedford Park firefighters relied on this Snorkel to fight fires and participate in parades.
Chief Maloy gave a nod to this local newspaper, thanking them for their role in making this happen. "Without your support and coverage, we might not have reached this outcome," he remarked.
Thanks, Drew!
Check out earlier posts HERE and HERE.
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