ATLANTA, Aug. 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spartan Emergency Response ("Spartan"), a business unit of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAR), opens the IAFC's Fire-Rescue International (FRI) Conference today with firefighter safety taking center stage in their booth. As a longtime participant and exhibitor at the conference, there's no better place to demonstrate Spartan's industry-leading safety apparatus and ground-breaking in-cab protection and comfort innovations than at the show dedicated to providing world-class senior-level leadership training to fire chiefs and other top-level first responders.
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In a display containing three highly specialized apparatus, Spartan demonstrated the key features all three trucks share: superior safety provisions, high-grade components that deliver better performance over time, and second-to-none in-cab comfort.
The eye-catching red and black striped unit taking center stage in the Spartan booth was generously provided by Holly Springs, NC. A growing community soon to reach nearly 40,000 residents, with a major highway running through the city, Holly Springs needed a fire response vehicle capable of bridging the gap between a rescue truck and an engine.
"Safety was a very important factor in our decision, and Spartan was the only supplier that offered airbags as standard. All other vendors provided airbags as an option, which meant they were also more expensive. Because Spartan had the airbags standard, that allowed Holly Springs to allocate that extra money to other options and features on the truck," explained Chief, Leroy Smith.
The Chief worked closely with dealer First Choice Fire & Safety and Holly Springs' Town Manager, Chuck Simmons, to determine the best configuration and options to make the most of their investment. Working closely with Spartan, a combined rescue/pumper configuration proved to be the best solution for the expanding city, allowing the Chief to respond to both structure fires and vehicle accidents with a combined staff.
The Holly Springs rescue/pumper is built with a 94" Cab, seats four, and boasts a 10" raised roof which delivers additional headroom and provides a safer structure for passengers in the event of a collision. The apparatus was engineered to accommodate both water and foam fire suppression featuring a Waterous CSU 1500 GPM pump drawing from on-board capacities of 750 gallons of water and 25 gallons of foam.
Relying on an 8.0kw Harrison Hydraulic Generator, the rescue/pumper is capable of running four extrication tools simultaneously. In the event that generator power is lost, Spartan configured the truck's transmission to power the hydraulic pump, so the Department can continue to use hydraulic tools without interruption during critical vehicle accident extrications.
With accessibility and increased performance in mind, the truck was designed to include roll-up doors and built-in drawers for easy access to heavy tools. In addition, two extrication tools are located on the front bumper and two in the rear driver side compartment to better enable the Department.
Also appearing in the Spartan booth was Ohio's Cadiz Fire Department's displayed cab/chassis, completed, will be their first ever custom built unit. This 94" Aluminum Metro Star features a Cummins ISL 450 HP engine with an Allison 3000 series 6 speed transmission, 218" wheelbase and a 21" severe duty bumper extension. The Cadiz truck cab boasts Spartan's Advanced Protection System, and a spacious 10" raised roof over the 8-man seat configuration, which creates more headroom for added crew safety, and additional space for equipment storage.
"As an apparatus manufacturer we have a duty to keep our firefighters safe and secure traveling to and from the fire. In an industry consumed with squeezing the cost out of everything, we've drawn a very clear line in the sand. We won't compromise on safety. In fact, we offer more safety features standard than any other apparatus manufacturer in the industry, while keeping our price competitive. To us, keeping firefighters safe is that important," said Dan Slater, President, Spartan Emergency Response.
In fact, even features such as Spartan's Advanced Climate Control, a game-changing new HVAC system, was engineered with driver and passenger safety in mind. In addition to better ventilation and more rapid and even heating/cooling capabilities, Spartan's Advanced Climate Control moves air intentionally beyond the windshield to the side glass of the cab. This enhanced air flow provides better visibility, no matter the weather conditions outside the truck. The Cadiz cab/chassis is scheduled to be finished by 4 Guys Fire Trucks of Meyersdale, PA, with a further customized rescue style body, featuring a top mount pump panel.
Spartan additionally offers their 103' Aerial Ladder truck at the show, which is available for immediate delivery, and includes the following industry-leading performance features:
- Spartan Gladiator 99" MFD with 10" Raised Roof
- Cummins ISX 15 500 HP
- 21" Bumper Extension
- 244" Wheelbase
- Greaseless Ladder System
- Patented Lift Cradle
- Dual Swing Drives
- Elkhart Scorpion Monitor
- 750 lb. Tip Load
- Hale Q-Max 2000 GPM
- 500 Gallon Tank
- Harrison 10.kw Generator
For Departments that need new apparatus and don't have time to wait for a custom build, this heavy-duty pre-engineered aerial truck is a fantastic option.
"As always, FRI promises to be a great show. We're pleased to be here, and happy to have the opportunity to tell firefighting leaders how Spartan continues to innovate and deliver on the tenets of safety, performance, and comfort for the crew," said John Greible, Director of Chassis Sales, Spartan Emergency Response.
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, government services, defense, and delivery and service 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 $507million 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.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
