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Skokie’s Pirsch Snorkel
I recently came across some interesting updates about the Skokie Fire Department, particularly regarding one of their iconic vehicles from the past. While scrolling through some photos online, I stumbled upon images of Skokie's old 1969 Pirsch Snorkel, affectionately known as Truck 16 during its time in service. This particular vehicle has quite the story attached to it.
The Snorkel, which was later sold after being taken out of service in the mid-1990s, went through several owners before ending up with Jim Carew in Bristol, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, its current state isn't too promising—it's now headed towards a scrapyard. In the photos shared by Jeff Rudolph, you can see how much the vehicle has changed over the years. The basket that once made this Snorkel so unique is missing, along with any other components that might have been removed. Even more striking is the condition of the trailer used to transport it; it looks like the driver didn’t get far before getting pulled over by a State Trooper for having an unsafe load.
Looking at these pictures, it's clear that this piece of firefighting history hasn’t fared well. The second image from Jeff Rudolph gives us a clearer view of what remains of Truck 16. You'll notice the absence of the bucket, and overall, the vehicle seems stripped down compared to its original glory days. Another shot from the rear angle further highlights the extent of modifications or dismantling that occurred post-service.
On a brighter note, there are some positive developments within the department. Tower 16, another significant asset, has just returned from being serviced by Pierce. Although it’s still undergoing final checks before returning to active duty, this marks a step forward for maintaining key equipment. Additionally, Engine 17’s Pierce Saber is currently under repair at RPI in Tipton, Indiana. This maintenance project aims to ensure both reliability and longevity for future operations.
These stories remind me of how important it is to preserve our firefighting heritage while also looking ahead toward modernization and safety improvements. Whether it's restoring classic apparatus or investing in state-of-the-art technology, each effort contributes significantly to ensuring firefighters remain prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.
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