Smeal Fire Apparatus Founder Dies

Oct. 21, 2004
Nebraskan Donald Smeal was 84.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Donald Smeal, founder of Smeal Manufacturing Co. and Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., has died. He was 84.

In 1955, Smeal purchased a repair shop in Snyder and started building a company that is still one of the country's leading producers of water well hoists. Smeal later started the fire apparatus company after building a firetruck with a pump, a tank, an enclosed cab and a 42-foot hydraulic aerial ladder.

Smeal died Tuesday in West Point. Funeral services were scheduled for Friday at St. Leo Catholic Church in Snyder.

Smeal Fire Apparatus Memorial

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