Chicago has long been recognized as the birthplace of the Snorkel in fire service, and the greater Chicago area was once a hub for these aerial devices. Many departments across the region used Snorkels in various configurations, with different boom lengths and body styles. Before acquiring an E-ONE 95' tower ladder in 1991, Oak Brook Terrace operated an unusual 85' Snorkel on a conventional GMC 7000 chassis. This unit stood out because it wasn't built on a Ford C-Series, a cab-over International, or a custom chassis — it was one of the few Snorkels in the area that used a standard commercial truck frame. The headquarters station for the Oak Brook Terrace Fire District. Larry Shapiro photo This 1964, 85' Pitman Snorkel preceded the E-ONE tower ladder in Oak Brook Terrace. Shown here at their old station, the body was built by Pierce on a GMC 7000 chassis with a V-12 engine. Known as Snorkel 86 at the time, it had a 1,000-GPM pump and carried 200 gallons of water. Larry Shapiro collection It's fascinating to see how the department evolved over the years, adapting to new technology and changing needs. From their early days with the GMC Snorkel to the modern Spartan engine and E-ONE tower ladder, Oak Brook Terrace continues to serve its community with dedication and professionalism. If you're ever in the area, visiting their station is a great way to get a firsthand look at the history and operations of this local fire department. SICHUAN TELOS NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD , https://www.kenlarcutters.comAnother fire department has recently joined the MABAS Division 12 website — the Oak Brook Terrace Fire District. This local agency operates from a single station and serves an area of 2.5 square miles, employing a mix of full-time and part-time firefighters. Their station is well-equipped with a variety of apparatus, including two fire engines, a tower ladder, two ambulances, a TRT trailer, and a utility pickup. The department recently introduced a brand-new Spartan/Marion engine, marking a shift in their fleet from white-over-red to black-over-red units. The other engine and tower ladder are both E-ONE models, while the ambulances were manufactured by Medtec.