Fire Truck Sunk in Illinois

A fire truck formerly used by the Quincy, Ill. fire department rolls into Mermet Springs, a scuba diving quarry between Vienna and Metropolis in southern Illinois, on Saturday, May 10, 2008. The 15,000-lb. truck was moved across the lake and sunk at a 50-foot depth, near other diving attractions including a Boeing 727 used in the movie "U.S. Marshals."

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Comment by Walt Lanphier on May 13, 2008 at 8:28pm: I hate to see that. Right after I made engineer in 1976, I was assigned to Sta. 33 and had the joy of driving a brand new ALF. The only drawback to this rig was it had anti-lock brakes that didn't function as designed. After a few of us flew thru intersections while STANDING ON THE BRAKES .... the shop disconnected the anti-lock. I have to tell you, that was a terrible feeling. Especially as the captain gave you the fish eye, and damned near put his foot thru the floor trying to stop.

Comment by Firefighter Nation WebChief on May 12, 2008 at 1:48pm: To the ones asking the purpose I think Gary summed it up best....putting 'objects' like unique vehicles, ships, etc. under water for diving purposes (coral builds up, creates unique eco-systems, etc) has been happening more and more lately. So....one probably could argue its being 'used' more than it would be even by a buff or enthusiast.

Comment by Gary Walker on May 11, 2008 at 11:21pm: I wonder if this is a first. I, and some fellow divers have dived on several deliberately sunken ships and other objects over the years, but never a fire truck. I too am a little concerned that it appeared to be a restorable ALF pumper which some enthusiast would loved to have had the opportunity to own.

Comment by Bill Brierton on May 11, 2008 at 10:25pm: What purpose did this serve??? Like a few others said it kills me to see an old antique go to waste. Who was the brain surgeon who thought up this idea has no concept of the fire service.

Comment by Dan O'Brien on May 11, 2008 at 7:17pm: My Father sold that Engine to the Quincy Fire Department. It was an American LaFrance if he saw this he would have a fit. When he retired he would buy old trucks like this one and fix them up.

Comment by Jim Brunelle Jr. on May 11, 2008 at 7:08pm: ahhh that kills me to see an old antique go to waste like that. Looked like an old American LaFrance.