Original Snorkel to be restored by Smeal
From The DesPlaines Valley News: A historic piece of firefighting history has been saved from the scrap heap. The vintage Bedford Park Fire Department Snorkel, which was reportedly on its way to being scrapped, is now set for a new life. Fire Chief Sean Maloy confirmed that the truck—considered the first original Snorkel produced in 1959—will be donated to Smeal Fire Apparatus in Snyder, Nebraska. “They’ve promised to restore it completely to its original condition as it was delivered to Bedford Park on March 31, 1960,†Maloy said. “It’s going to be a real treasure for their museum and will also be showcased at fire apparatus shows.†Smeal recently acquired the rights to the Snorkel name from LTI, and they plan to start producing the iconic trucks again. “This original unit will serve as a key marketing tool,†Maloy explained. “They want to show it off at major fire conferences and events.†The fire department will keep the Bedford Park name and markings on the truck. “We’ll send them detailed photos of the original vehicle so they can replicate every detail accurately,†Maloy added. While the village will receive just $1 for the truck, the estimated $60,000 in restoration costs will be covered by Smeal. Maloy expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. “The village board was thrilled to see the truck find a good home. It’s a significant part of our firefighting heritage, and I’m glad it’s going to be preserved properly.†Interestingly, while the first Snorkel was originally based on a tree trimmer, it was actually the Pierce company that built the very first original Snorkel fire truck in 1959 for the Chicago Fire Department. “For some reason, they didn’t purchase it, and it ended up in Bedford Park,†Maloy shared. “I hear they got a great deal on it.†For two decades, the Snorkel served the Bedford Park Fire Department in both emergency operations and parades. Chief Maloy also thanked this newspaper for playing a role in helping save the truck. “Without the attention this story received, this might not have happened,†he said. Thanks, Drew Check out earlier posts here and here. Dust Removal Equipment,Dust Removal Device,Steel Workbench,Dust Removal System Changzhou Senjie Environmental Protection Equipment Co., Ltd. , https://www.senjie-hb.com