The Riverdale Fire Department in Division 24 recently acquired a 1971 Maxim/Pierce 75′ Snorkel from Munster, Indiana. Dennis McGuire, Jr. submitted a photo of the rig which has some basic modifications of the original lettering. Dennis also reports that Riverdale has a a used Snorkel from Oak Forest, IL which has not yet been lettered or put into service. Dennis will photograph this unit when it is ready.
According to Munster Town Council Minutes from May 2008, the following was discussed:
DISPOSAL OF EQUIPMENT: SURPLUS SNORKEL
Resolution 1736 authorized the long term loan of the 1971 Pierce Maxim Snorkel to the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago. The apparatus has been stored at the bus barn of the School Town of Munster until the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago has a permanent location to display it.
The School Town needs the space where the snorkel is currently stored and had requested its removal from the bus barn. The Fire Museum has informed the Town that they are unable to accept the snorkel due to space limitations. Other fire museums in the area have been contacted and none have the necessary space. The equipment is only valuable to a collector as it is no longer certified as firefighting equipment. Staff is seeking authority to appraise the snorkel and sell it to the highest bidder. A minimum bid amount will be set based on the appraisal.
1971 Maxim Pierce 75' Snorkel in it's new home in Riverdale, IL. Formerly of Munster, IN, this unit was also the prototype for the Franklin Mint die-cast model several years ago. Photo by Dennis McGuire, Jr.
Franklin Mint die-cast fashioned after the Munster Snorkel. This was offered in red or yellow.
Another version of the Franklin Mint model.
