Posts Tagged Bedford Fire Department

Bedford Park FD Snorkel featured as ornament

Apr 29

Posted by Admin in Fire Service News | Comments off

From : shopHallamark.com:

Bedford Park FD Snorkel featured for Hallmark ornament

1959 GMC® Fire Engine Fire Brigade Ornament With Lights

Keepsake Ornament – Available July 9, 2016

$19.95

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
- All kids love a classic red fire truck, and this 1959 GMC® fire engine won’t disappoint. Lights and wheels turn on the ornament.
  - Christmas tree ornament.
  - Hallmark Gold Crown Exclusive.
  - 14th in the Fire Brigade series.
  - Magic Light.
  - Press button to see engine’s lights flash.
  - On ornament: BEDFORD PARK GMC V8 1959
  - Wheels turn.
  - Artist crafted.
  - Battery operated. Batteries included.
  - Pre-packaged for easy gift giving, preservation and storage.
  - 5.5″ W x 1.95″ H x 1.40″ D
- General Motors Trademarks used under license to Hallmark Cards, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

thanks Steve

Tags: Bedford Fire Department, Bedford Park Fire Department, BEDFORD PARK GMC V8 1959, Christmas tree ornament, Hallmark fire truck ornament

Original Snorkel to be restored by Smeal

Aug 15

Posted by Admin in Fire Department History, Fire Service News | 4 Comments

From The DesPlaines Valley News:

The vintage Bedford Park Fire Department Snorkel … that was possibly headed to the scrap yard has been rescued from oblivion.

Fire Chief Sean Maloy said the truck, which was the first original Snorkel manufactured in 1959, will be donated to Smeal Fire Apparatus of Snyder, Neb. “They said the Snorkel will be restored 100 percent to its condition when delivered to the Bedford Park Fire Department on March 31, 1960,” Maloy said.

The company will keep the Snorkel on display in its museum as well as take it to fire apparatus shows. Smeal bought the rights to the Snorkel name from LTI in June, Maloy said. “They plan to start building Snorkels again and want to show off the original truck at fire conferences,” Maloy said. “It will definitely be a marketing tool.”

“The truck will retain the Bedford Park name and markings,” Maloy said. “We will send them photos of the original truck so they make sure to get everything right.” Maloy said the company would pay the village $1 for the truck, which needs an estimated $60,000 in body and engine work.

“The village board was very happy to see the truck get a good home,” Maloy said. “The truck is an important part of firefighting history and I’m very happy to see it will be going to a good home.”

While the first Snorkel was converted from [a tree trimmer], ~~GMC~~ Pierce produced the first original Snorkel fire truck in 1959 for the Chicago Fire Department. “For some reason, they did not purchase it and it wound up in Bedford Park,” said Maloy. “I’m told Bedford Park got a good deal on it.” For the next 20 years, Bedford Park firefighters used the ~~GMC~~ Snorkel to battle fires and drive in parades.

Maloy praised this newspaper for helping to make this all possible.

thanks Drew

earlier posts are HERE and HERE

Tags: Bedford Fire Department, Bedford Park Fire Chief Sean Maloy, Bedford Park Fire Department history, Bedford Park Snorkel, original Snorkel, Smeal to restore original Snorkel fire truck, vintage Snorkel saved from scrap heap

Bedford Park Fire Department apparatus update

Jun 10

Posted by Admin in Ambulance photos, Fire Truck photos | 3 Comments

This from Martin Nowak:

In the past, I’ve mentioned that Bedford Park was down from 3 ambulances to 2. Former Ambulance 714 is a 2007 Ford E-450/Medtec. It was the major flood of 2011 when Bedford Park was responding into Summit, under the viaduct right before 63rd. Tower 709 and former A714 were both damaged in flood water. 709 was repaired and 714 was later disposed of. Pictures of it sitting behind Station 1 OOS. Today stands a small garage.

The current A714 is a 2003 International/Medtec which was 712 at the time they had the 2007 Ford. Changes since the picture on Chicagoareafire include a new LED light bar. Also Tower 709 has newer LED’s since the pictures added to he site.