Smeal/Ladder Tower Co building first 55′ Snorkel (more)

From Danny Nelms:

It appears its reaching the final stages of the build

From interstate Emergency Vehicles Inc. Facebook page

LTC 55′ Snorkel is on the move !
Build # L7003

LTC photo

Tags: fire truck being built, Frankfort Fire Protection District, Frankfort Fire Protection District to receive first new Snorkel built by Smeal, Frankfort FPD orders Snorkel, Interstate Emergency Vehicles, Smeal building 55' Snorkel

This entry was posted on March 30, 2016, 2:00 PM and is filed under Fire Department News, Fire truck being built. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

5 Comments (and one trackback)

Pingback: Smeal/Ladder Tower Co building first 55′ Snorkel (more) | chicagoareafire.com
#1 by Chris Wolf on April 5, 2016 - 9:50 PM

Talked to my friend on Frankfort today actually on my way home from my lab tech job at the hospital. This truck will be at FDIC. And he said it might go to the race truck for ONE DAY as maybe a pictures and prom type thing, but it will be in service within 4 weeks of FDIC. The New department Chief Bob Wilson (Which most new was coming, but my buddy told me it’s official now) is in the process of gathering together a core group of guys to man the vehicle who are well versed in both tight downtown area fire fighting tactics and the use of the new Snorkel in the alley ways and the main downtown center of Frankfort. He said that due to manning issues after the contract was dissolved, they need a vehicle to respond to fires with the ability to pump water but also an elevated stream or roof access to buildings with very short setbacks and electrical lines in the front of the street in Frankforts Downtown area. I’ll definitely have to get over their with my 6y/odaughter to get some pictures before we move. I definetly love the Spartan chassis. I’ve always had a man crush on those cabs.
#2 by rich S. on March 30, 2016 - 9:22 PM

Fleet did delay the contract but that’s due to a few problems with Rosenbauer. And lets remember that these are not even real Snorkels, just some type of boom with a bucket. which is just great!!! Hey I have an idea how about buying a rig that this company has never built and that can’t even build what we really want because they don’t have the rights to. I see nothing but problems ahead..
#3 by Brian on March 30, 2016 - 6:56 PM

Exactly what Shane said. Heard it wont be officially delivered until after the nascar race at the chicagoland track this summer.

But yes the cfd squad fiasco is ridiculous. Ive heard the complete blame is not entirely on rosenbauer though as the fleet honcho delayed signing off on the contract due to miscommunication about the chassis.
#4 by Shane on March 30, 2016 - 6:46 PM

It’s probably on priority so it can get done in time for FDIC in a few weeks
#5 by Tom Foley on March 30, 2016 - 6:39 PM

There is probably extra attention by Smeal to get this finalized for marketing purposes.

I can’t help but think, though, what the Chicago FFs think when they see the quick turn around compared to what they’re dealing with.

Here’s hoping CFD gets their apparatus soon.