Original Snorkel to be restored by Smeal

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From The DesPlaines Valley News:

A historic piece of fire department history has been saved from the scrap heap. The vintage Bedford Park Fire Department Snorkel, which was reportedly on its way to being scrapped, has now found a new home and a second life.

Fire Chief Sean Maloy shared that this particular truck was the very first original Snorkel ever built in 1959. It will be donated to Smeal Fire Apparatus in Snyder, Nebraska. “They’ve promised to restore it completely to how it looked when it was delivered to Bedford Park on March 31, 1960,” Maloy said. “It’s going to be a big deal for them.”

Smeal Fire Apparatus recently acquired the rights to the Snorkel name from LTI in June, and they plan to start manufacturing the iconic trucks again. “They want to showcase the original Snorkel at fire apparatus shows and conferences,” Maloy explained. “It’s definitely going to be a marketing asset for them.”

The company will display the Snorkel in their museum and take it to various events. “The truck will keep the Bedford Park name and markings,” Maloy added. “We’ll send them photos of the original so they can make sure everything is accurate.”

Although the truck is in poor condition and needs an estimated $60,000 worth of repairs, the village will receive just $1 for it. “The village board was thrilled to see the truck get a good home,” Maloy said. “This is more than just a vehicle—it’s a part of firefighting history.”

Interestingly, the first Snorkel was actually based on a tree trimmer. However, it was Pierce—not GMC—that produced the original Snorkel fire truck in 1959 for the Chicago Fire Department. “For some reason, they didn’t buy it, and it ended up in Bedford Park,” Maloy said. “I’m told we got a great deal on it.”

For two decades, the Snorkel served as a vital tool for Bedford Park firefighters, helping them tackle blazes and even making appearances in parades. Now, it's set to inspire a new generation of fire equipment enthusiasts.

Chief Maloy also thanked the local newspaper for playing a key role in saving the truck. “Without their help, this might not have happened,” he said.

Thanks, Drew.

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