Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., a leading fire and rescue apparatus manufacturer, received an order for 10 custom pumpers from the Detroit Fire Department. The order is scheduled for delivery in summer 2015. This is the department’s first order of Smeal fire apparatus.
“Our department is facing the challenges of a very busy metropolitan fire department, with both unprecedented demand for emergency response services and budgetary challenges,” said Craig Dougherty, Second Deputy Fire Commissioner, Detroit Fire Department. “We purchased these Smeal pumpers following a competitive bid and evaluation process, based on best value for our investment in terms of capability, performance, and reliability. These new apparatus will significantly reduce our maintenance costs, while upgrading the capability and technology available to our firefighters on the front line.”
“We are proud to have been selected to build these 10 new pumpers for one of the nation’s largest and busiest fire departments," said Mark Huber, Smeal’s president. "Detroit Fire Department has a storied history and has led in addressing the challenges of modern firefighting and emergency response. These 500-gallon pumpers are designed for simple operation and long-lasting reliability to help ensure that the department is always ready to respond.”
The new pumpers will have a 1,500-gpm single-stage pump, front suction and a fire body constructed of 304 stainless steel for superior strength, corrosion resistance and durability. The body is designed with a classic rear beavertail, roll-up compartment doors and a full 18-inch rear deck for use while packing hose.
In addition, these pumpers feature Smeal’s exclusive underbody support structure, electrical system and the industry’s most advanced chassis safety system. GS-36 Body Sub-Frame Each pumper body is mounted to the chassis using the Smeal-designed GS-36 Body Sub-Frame.
This subframe is constructed of stainless steel. It extends the full length of the body and underneath the compartments for superior weight distribution. All drop frame structures are welded directly to the body subframe to allow the body to be a completely separate structure from the chassis.
Exclusive, High-Reliability Electrical System The pumpers are equipped with Smeal’s exclusive QL-12 multiplex electrical system, which features plugstyle connections that are environmentally sealed and has proven to lower maintenance costs. Harnesses are modular, including a main harness and several sub-harnesses, to provide isolated electrical zones for easier troubleshooting and increased confidence that an electrical issue can’t affect the entire apparatus.
The harness is tested to a cold flex tolerance of -49°F (-45°C). Chassis Feature Industry’s Most Progressive Safety System.
Each pumper is built on a Spartan Metro Star cab and chassis with a 5-inch raised roof, 178-inch wheelbase, six-person seating, extreme-duty interior finish and an EMS cabinet. They are powered by a 400- horsepower Cummins ISL9 engine with an Allison GEN V 3000 EVS transmission.
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. APS features front air bags, side-impact air curtains, knee bolsters for the driver and officer’s positions and advanced seat belts with pyrotechnic pretensioners. It is the only cab protection system to feature ejectionmitigation air curtains for enhanced firefighter safety.
Smeal dealer, R & R Fire Truck Repair, Inc. of Northville, Mich., provides local service and support for the Detroit Fire Department.
“Comprehensive support is critical in keeping any busy fire apparatus fleet on the streets and our team of technicians is ready to serve Detroit’s service needs day and night,” said Ricke Rosselle, vice president and co-owner of R & R. 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.
About Spartan Chassis, Inc.
Spartan Chassis, Inc., a business unit of Spartan Motors, Inc., is a world-class leader in the engineering, manufacturing and marketing of chassis and aftermarket parts for emergency-response, recreational vehicle (RV), defense and specialty vehicles.
End users recognize and request the Spartan Chassis brand, which consistently delivers superior performance, exceptional safety ratings and innovations which distinguish them from the competition.
Visit Spartan Chassis at www.spartanchassis.com.
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.
