CODE 3
SEPTEMBER 2007 RELEASES
Bedford Park, IL
Pierce Pumper
Code 3 Order Number:
12907-0000
Edition Quantity: 1,500
Dimensions: 6 in. length (1/64 Scale)
Bedford Park, IL. Pierce Pumper
Photo used with permission of Code 3 Collectibles
Click here for additional photographs
Apparatus Photos
Click of Photo to Enlarge
Photo provided by Bedford Falls IAFF
In 1906, the Corn Products
Refining Company broke ground for a wet milling plant built on the
prairie. By 1908, buildings were taking shape at C.P. and the
company became concerned about housing for their foremen. By 1919,
houses began springing up and foremen were able to purchase these
homes from Corn Products Refining Company. The community was growing
fast and in need of a name. Mr. Edward Thomas Bedford was the
president of Corn Products at the time, and the community was given
his name, which it still bears today.
As the community grew, it was obvious some form of government was
needed, so in 1924, the Bedford Park Improvement Club was formed.
Under this group guidance, the community grew and prospered. Even
though the community had many plusses, thoughts of incorporation
were in the minds of some of its leaders. All the water came from
the deep wells in Corn Products, and word had it that there was
danger of the wells running dry. Because of this, Bedford Park
became an incorporated village in 1940.
A large source of worry to the newly formed government was fire, so
shortly thereafter The Bedford Park Fire Department was founded on
October 25, 1940. The men of the community rendered an all-volunteer
service. The department’s equipment at that time was a two - wheeled
hose cart, and in 1951 an emergency truck was purchased and a new
fire station was built. In 1955, an ambulance was purchased, and a
new fire engine was purchased in 1960. Also in 1960, the Bedford
Park Fire Department purchased and accepted the delivery of the
first Snorkel brand truck built for the fire service. It was a
75-foot aerial basket that was built on a GMC chassis. The truck was
originally destined for the city of Chicago, but the Snorkel truck’s
tandem axle was too big for the Chicago side streets. Chief Quinn of
Chicago got together with Chief Husch of Bedford Park, and the
Village of Bedford Park purchased the truck. The rest is history.
Today, the
Bedford Park Fire department provides fire, rescue, emergency
medical services, and hazardous material response to a predominantly
industrial community with a daytime population of 45,000. Our
village corporate limits begin two blocks south of Chicago’s Midway
Airport, and the village borders the city of Chicago on two sides.
Located within our 8.5 square mile village are 265 industrial and
warehousing buildings, 6 hotels with a capacity of 882 rooms which
make up the Midway Airport Hotel Complex, 15 commercial buildings, 2
large bulk chemical storage tank farms, a major rail switching yard,
a major intermodal shipping facility, and a residential area that
contains 236 single family dwellings. Fire department services are
provided by 19 firefighters per shift from two fire stations,
separated by railroads that run throughout the village. The Bedford
Park Fire department is proud of its ISO class 2 rating.
We respond automatic mutual aid to four bordering communities, and
respond mutual aid to seventeen communities in the area for fire
suppression and RIT assignments. We are also responsible for
responding mutual aid to the city of Chicago and statewide for
hazardous material and WMD incidents with a hazardous material
squad. All of our personnel are trained to the hazardous material
technician level, and Confined Space / Trench Rescue Awareness.
The Bedford Park Fire Department is proud of its tradition and
progress. We will continue to provide the best service to our
community and neighbors, because they deserve our best.
The Department is comprised of 58
full-time members, and 6 active retired members. Bedford Park
is represented by Bedford Park is a member of the Associated Fire
Fighters of Illinois and the
International
Association of Fire Fighters. |