Original Snorkel to be restored by Smeal
From The DesPlaines Valley News: A historic piece of fire department history is being saved from the scrap heap. The vintage Bedford Park Fire Department Snorkel, which was reportedly on its way to the junkyard, has been rescued and will now be preserved for future generations. Fire Chief Sean Maloy confirmed that the truck, which was the very first original Snorkel built in 1959, will be donated to Smeal Fire Apparatus in Snyder, Nebraska. “They’ve promised to restore it completely to the exact condition it was in when it was delivered to Bedford Park on March 31, 1960,†Maloy said. “It’s going to be a real treasure.†The company plans to showcase the Snorkel in their museum and also take it to various fire apparatus exhibitions. Smeal recently acquired the rights to the Snorkel name from LTI in June, and they’re planning to start producing new models again. “They want to show off this original unit at fire conferences, and it will definitely serve as a marketing asset,†Maloy added. “The truck will still bear the Bedford Park name and original markings,†Maloy said. “We’ll send them photos of the original so they can get every detail right.†According to Maloy, the village will receive just $1 for the truck, which requires an estimated $60,000 in repairs to the body and engine. Maloy expressed that the village board was thrilled to see the Snorkel find a good home. “This is an important part of firefighting history, and I’m glad it’s going to a place where it can be properly appreciated and preserved.†Interestingly, while the first Snorkel was originally based on a tree trimmer, it was actually the Pierce company that produced the 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 explained. “I heard they got a great deal on it.†For two decades, Bedford Park firefighters used the Snorkel to fight fires and participate in parades. Maloy also thanked the newspaper for playing a key role in helping to save this piece of local history. Thanks, Drew Check out earlier posts HERE and HERE. Exhaust Gas Treatment,Greenhouse Air Filter,Air Filter Equipment,Air Filtration Spray Tower Changzhou Senjie Environmental Protection Equipment Co., Ltd. , https://www.senjie-hb.com