The first Pitman Snorkel unit, a historic piece of firefighting equipment, has been the subject of a restoration effort by the Bedford Park Fire Department (BPFD). Karl Klotz recently visited the department and spoke with Chief Sean Maloy about the ongoing project to restore their 1959 Snorkel.
This particular unit is a 65-foot Pitman Snorkel built in 1959 for the Chicago Fire Department. However, it was rejected due to its long wheelbase and tandem axle configuration, which made it difficult to maneuver on city streets. The Bedford Park Fire Department saw potential and purchased the vehicle, making it their own.
Snorkel 5, later renumbered as 712, served Bedford Park from 1959 until 1979 when it was replaced by a Seagrave unit. After that, it was transferred to the public works department, where it remained unused in the back lot until recently. Now, it's being restored at Station 1, with mechanical work being handled internally by the fire department’s staff. Once the mechanical repairs are complete, the unit will be sent to the Automotive Mentoring Group (AMG) for bodywork and refinishing.
The project is partially funded by the BPFD Foreign Fire Board and the Village of Bedford Park. This Snorkel is not just a piece of machinery—it’s a historical artifact, representing the very first Pitman Snorkel ever produced for the fire service. It was originally designed for the Chicago Fire Department but never used, making it a rare and valuable part of firefighting history.
A local reader shared their experience visiting Station 1 and witnessing the restoration in progress. They described the effort as a “work of love,†noting that the unit had been left to decay in the public works yard for over two decades before being brought back into service. The Snorkel, built on a 1960 GMC chassis with a V8 engine and manual transmission, is now receiving the attention it deserves.
Photos from Karl Klotz and Dennis McGuire, Jr., show the unit in various stages of its journey—from its time in storage to the current restoration efforts. These images capture both the history and the care being given to this unique piece of fire service heritage.
With each step of the restoration, the Bedford Park Fire Department is preserving a piece of American firefighting history, ensuring that the first Pitman Snorkel will continue to stand as a symbol of innovation and dedication.
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