BROOKFIELD, Wis – January 3, 2025 – William “Bill” Foster, a pioneer and icon in the fire industry and one of the four founders of Spartan Fire Chassis (formerly Spartan Motors), passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Mike Virnig, Specialty Vehicles Segment President for REV Group said: "Bill’s impact on the fire industry is immeasurable. He will always be remembered for his contributions, including setting the highest standards for professionalism, continuing training and education, exceptional customer service and dependability. Bill will be missed for his generosity, kindness and being a true gentleman.”
Foster served 27 years as a firefighter with the Delta Township (MI) Fire Department where he held many ranks including Assistant Chief. In 1975, Foster and three fellow engineers established Spartan Motors and built their first chassis for Covington (OH) Fire Department. From 1976, Foster served as a co-founder and Vice President and in 1978 became a Director on the Spartan Motors Board. Foster’s unique insights led to the development of specialized fire apparatus that prioritized safety and efficiency. In addition, Foster founded the annual Fire Truck Training Conference (FTTC) in 1994 to enhance the skills of emergency vehicle technicians (EVT) and help ensure the highest standards in vehicle maintenance and safety. For the last ten years of FTTC, an EVT has been awarded the ‘Bill Foster Award’ for exemplary service.
In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Foster received numerous accolades, including the Jim A. Bland Memorial Award presented at the Southwest E.V.T. Conference and a commemorative chrome fire hydrant at the Charlotte (MI) Fire Department, both in 2008. Foster also received a special award for his 30 years of commitment to Emergency Vehicle Technician training and education from the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA).
Bill Foster’s obituary and funeral details are here: William F. Foster | Estes Leadley Funeral Homes
About Spartan Emergency Response
Spartan Emergency Response, comprised of REV Group subsidiaries Spartan Fire, LLC, Smeal SFA, LLC, Smeal LTC, LLC and Smeal Holding, LLC, is a North American leader in the emergency response market and offers brands including Spartan Authorized Parts, Spartan Factory Service Centers, Spartan Fire Chassis, Smeal, and Ladder Tower. Spartan Emergency Response vehicles are well known for safety, quality, durability, aftermarket product support, and first-to-market innovation. The company operates facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
About REV Group, Inc.
REV Group companies are leading designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, which serve a diversified customer base, primarily in the United States, through two segments: Specialty Vehicles and Recreational Vehicles. The Specialty Vehicles Segment provides customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public services (ambulances and fire apparatus) and commercial infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers). REV Group’s Recreational Vehicles Segment manufactures a variety of RVs from Class B vans to Class A motorhomes. REV Group's portfolio is made up of well-established principal vehicle brands, including many of the most recognizable names within their industry. Several of REV Group's brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years. REV Group trades on the NYSE under the symbol REVG. Investors-REVG
