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Skokie’s Pirsch Snorkel
I recently came across some interesting updates about the Skokie Fire Department and their fleet. A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a post from Jeff Rudolph who shared some photos of a familiar piece of fire history that caught my attention. He spotted Skokie's old 1969 Pirsch Snorkel, which was once known as Truck 16 during its time in service. This iconic vehicle was on its way to a scrapyard in Wisconsin, a sad end for such a historic piece of equipment.
According to Jeff's account, this particular Snorkel had quite the journey after it was retired from active duty in the mid-1990s. Initially sold to Wally Mitchell, it later changed hands and ended up with Jim Carew in Bristol, Wisconsin. During its retirement, it wasn't just sitting idle; it found new purpose in helping erect radio towers and antennas. However, the current state of the vehicle was quite telling—its signature bucket was missing, along with any other distinguishing features that once defined it. The trailer it was being transported on didn’t seem much better off, as the driver barely managed a single mile before being stopped by a State Trooper for an unsafe load.
Another image captured by Jeff showed the rear view of the Snorkel, clearly illustrating how stripped-down it had become. It was almost unrecognizable compared to its glory days. Despite this unfortunate turn of events, these images serve as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of firefighting history.
On a brighter note, there’s been some positive news from the Skokie Fire Department. Tower 16, another important piece of their fleet, has returned from being refurbished by Pierce. Although it's currently not yet back in service, this restoration effort signifies a commitment to preserving and maintaining their historic vehicles. Meanwhile, Engine 17's Pierce Saber is also undergoing refurbishment but is set to head to Tipton, Indiana, where it will spend several months at RPI for repairs.
These updates highlight both the challenges and triumphs faced by departments like Skokie’s when it comes to preserving their legacy. While some pieces of equipment find themselves lost to time or repurposed in ways far removed from their original intent, others receive the care they deserve and continue to play a vital role in modern firefighting operations. It’s always inspiring to see enthusiasts like Jeff Rudolph sharing these stories, ensuring that we remember the rich history behind each piece of apparatus that serves our communities.
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