Ten new Smeal custom pumpers are joining the front line of the Detroit Fire Department. Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., a leading fire and rescue apparatus manufacturer, announced that 10 pumpers have been delivered to complete an order placed by the department in 2014. Five are already in service, and five more were unveiled August 21 by the department and expected to be in services within days. Detroit also has six Smeal rescue-pumpers on order.
“A proud and resilient city like Detroit deserves tough, dependable fire trucks," said Jeff Wegner, Smeal’s senior vice president of global sales. "The people of Smeal are very honored to have the opportunity to custom-build these new pumpers to optimize performance, durability and value for Detroit Fire Department. They will meet a critical need and help enhance Detroit firefighters’ ability to respond and fight fires. Being part of serving this historic city and its citizens makes us all stand a little taller.”
The 10 just-delivered pumpers feature a 500-gallon water capacity, 1,500-gpm single-stage pump, midship pump panel and front suction. The fire body and Smeal’s GS-36 body sub-frame are both constructed of stainless steel for superior strength, durability and corrosion resistance. The pumper body features a classic rear beavertail design, roll-up compartment doors and a low hosebed height.
Each pumper is built on a Spartan Metro Star cab and chassis. They are powered by a 400-horsepower engine. The chassis feature expansive interior room for the crew and the industry’s most progressive Advanced Protection System (APS). APS provides protection in side roll, side impact and frontal impact incidents.
“We’re always excited to have our custom fire chassis integrated with outstanding Smeal fire apparatus," John Greible, Spartan’s director of chassis sales. "This order carries special importance because Michigan is home to Spartan Motors, and these Smeal fire engines are going to be serving the people of Detroit, which is just 100 miles from our headquarters in Charlotte."
The six 500-gallon rescue-pumpers currently on order feature components consistent with the 10 pumpers already delivered, and provide the added feature of a rescue-style body, with full-height, full-depth compartments on both sides to provide more space for rescue equipment storage. They also feature upper hatch compartments and custom equipment storage solutions.
R & R Fire Truck Repair, Inc. of Northville, Mich., is the Smeal dealer responsible for pre-delivery inspection, local service and support for the Detroit Fire Department.
Detroit Fire Department
Founded in 1860, the Detroit Fire Department provides fire, emergency medical and emergency management services to nearly 700,000 residents with the City’s 139 square miles. The department responds to more than 165,000 emergency calls annually including approximately 9,000 working structural fires. The department has more than 850 full-time firefighters, 46 fire stations and operates 26 engine companies strategically located throughout the City.
Smeal Fire Apparatus Co.
Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., including US Tanker Co. and Ladder Tower Co., is recognized as a premier manufacturer, inventor and innovator of custom fire apparatus. The company offers a full line of custom and commercial pumpers, rescue pumpers, mini and rescue pumpers, stainless steel tanker / tenders, aerial ladders, platforms, TDA’s, wildland, and urban interface vehicles. Smeal is committed to leading the industry in high quality fire apparatus, delivery times and customer experience. Smeal sells its products worldwide and is based in Snyder, Neb.
To learn more, visit www.smeal.com.
