CHARLOTTE, Mich., Aug. 25, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spartan Emergency Response ("Spartan"), a business unit of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAR), alongside top fire apparatus dealer, Texas-based Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Inc, will sponsor the upcoming Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge.
The event, designed to showcase the tremendous physical fitness abilities of America's first responders, will take place Saturday, August 29, through Sunday, August 30th, at the Globe Life Park in Arlington, TX, home of the Texas Rangers.
Wearing full turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus, both individuals and relay teams will race head-to-head and against the clock through a multi-level obstacle course, under the beating sun and oppressive summer heat of Texas.
Located within the Dallas Entertainment District, this Combat Challenge event is an ideal venue to combine world-class spectator sports with a diverse set of entertainment options which are sure to please firefighters and families alike. The Entertainment District is populated by Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor, Texas Rangers Ballpark, Legends of the Game Museum, AT&T Stadium home of the Dallas Cowboys, Lincoln Square Mall, and the Arlington Convention Center. This is guaranteed to be an event like no other.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to participate in the Combat Challenge. Anytime we have an opportunity to extend our gratitude to the brave men and women who fight fire, is a good day for Spartan," said Daryl Adams, President and CEO, Spartan Motors, Inc. "We all know that firefighting isn't easy. What the Combat Challenge does better than most, is showcase the tremendous amount of physical effort and skill that goes into responding to these calls. It's something people don't see every day. We will acknowledge and applaud firefighters for their stamina, expertise and, more importantly, for their service."
In addition to sponsoring the event, Spartan's President and CEO, Daryl Adams, along with Corporate Director of Marketing, Russell Chick, and John Mocny, Corporate Director of Manufacturing, plan to face off in a relay competition against Metro Fire. Members of the Dallas TV reporter community will also have the opportunity to compete as a gesture of appreciation for their local fire service's heroic efforts, in light of this Spring's unseasonable storms, which brought the worst flash flood conditions and tornadoes experienced in the Arlington area, since 1915.
"Metro Fire is a remarkably capable dealer of fire apparatus. Their commitment to constantly prioritize the needs of their current customers and maintain the highest customer satisfaction levels is without equal. With Metro Fire's strong presence in the area, Spartan has been very successful in the Texas market," said Adams. "As a change of pace, the Firefighter Combat Challenge gives us an opportunity to compete against Craig Russell, Metro Fire's President, and his team."
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, shuttle bus, government services, defense, and fleet vehicle markets. The Company's brand names – Spartan Motors, Spartan Specialty Vehicles, Spartan Emergency Response, Spartan Parts and Accessories, and Utilimaster®, a Spartan Motors Company – are known for quality, performance, service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,700 associates at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Indiana. Spartan reported sales of $507 million in 2014 and is focused on becoming a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of specialty vehicles and chassis. Visit Spartan Motors at www.spartanmotors.com.