The Opelika (AL) Fire Department announced the arrival of its newest apparatus, a Sutphen SL 75-foot aerial ladder quint, which will soon be operating out of Station 4, Lake Condy Road, the fire department said in a Facebook post.

Here are some stats on this awesome rig, the department shared:

• Dealer – Williams Fire Apparatus, INC
• Wheelbase: 232″
• Travel Height: 10′-1″
• Travel Length: 42′-3″
• Aerial Ladder: 75′
• Four door, Five-Person Cab
• Engine: Cummins X 12, 525 HP
• Pump: Hale QMAX-2,000-gpm Single Stage
• Water Tank: 500 Gallons; Foam Tank: 30 Gallons

“We remain grateful for the ongoing support of our city leadership, and we are eager to put this apparatus into service for our community,” the department said.

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Technology touches every facet of the fire service, including wildland firefighting equipment. Wildland fire apparatus feature a variety of technologies. Drones are now deployed nationwide during wildfires. And, the tools wildland firefighters use are incorporating different technologies that not only help them operate more efficiently but also improve firefighters’ safety.

WILDLAND PUMPS

Technology is not always electronics built into different devices. Sometimes the technology includes the materials used in a product’s construction. In the case of WATERAX wildland pumps, the MARK-3® Watson Edition pump, the STRIKER, and the STRIKER-DIESEL all have technology built into them. These high-pressure pumps for wildland rigs can also be carried by firefighters to fire locations.

The MARK-3 Watson Edition was designed to be a lightweight, compact, and powerful high-pressure pump for wildland firefighting. To make the pump lighter and more resistant to corrosion, WATERAX developed the multistage pump-end using advanced composite materials. The company also reengineered the 2-stroke engine to be faster revving, higher performing, and more compact.

WATERAX is also innovating by integrating onboard electronics to make operations more intuitive and accessible for the next generation of wildland firefighters.

Other ways WATERAX is exploring to integrate technology into its pumps include looking into how electronics and smart software can further enhance field performance and ease of use. For example, the MyWATERAX Pump Dashboard mobile app is for real-time monitoring of the MARK-3® Watson Edition pump. With Bluetooth® connectivity, users stay in control with live performance insights and optimize a pump’s efficiency in the field. This tool is especially valuable in high-altitude environments where conditions change rapidly and allowing users to fine-tune carburetor settings for optimal performance.

Track engine speed, temperature, and runtime in real time for troubleshooting and adjustments. The dashboard’s connection history log allows fire departments to keep a record of past connections for operational insights. Also, its geolocation capabilities allow users to

First Priority Group (FPG), a manufacturer, dealer, upfitter and service provider of emergency and specialty vehicles, announce its acquisition of P.L. Custom Body and Equipment Co., Inc. (PL Custom Emergency Vehicles or PL Custom), one of the nation’s most longstanding ambulance manufacturers.

The acquisition includes all affiliated PL Custom brands, such as Rescue 1 and NJEV (New Jersey Emergency Vehicles). This acquisition marks a milestone in the continued growth of both organizations and emphasizes FPG’s commitment to supporting businesses and service to first responders.

With this acquisition, both First Priority Group and PL Custom Emergency Vehicles will continue operations independently, maintaining their current management teams, employees and facilities. All existing operations and customer engagements will proceed as normal, with no anticipated changes.

“This partnership is about growth, not change. Our mission is to partner with PL Custom as they continue to operate independently. Together, we’re preserving the values that matter most in this industry – culture and dedication to serving first responders.” said Alex Cherepakhov, CEO of First Priority Group. “PL Custom is a company we’ve long admired, not only for the quality of their ambulances, but for their people-first culture and deep roots in the industry.”

“Joining forces with First Priority Group is an exciting step for our company and our people,” said Deborah Thomson, President of PL Custom Emergency Vehicles. “What made this decision feel right is FPG’s deep respect for our legacy and their commitment to keeping our team, culture and operations intact. We remain a proud and independent manufacturer, and with FPG’s support, we are better positioned than ever to grow and serve our customers with the same excellence they’ve come to expect for years to come”.

About First Priority Group

Established in 1998, First Priority Group (FPG) is a diversified manufacturer and dealer of emergency and specialty vehicles. FPG’s Conversion Division is one of the largest upfitters of emergency command and specialty vehicles, providing custom solutions to law enforcement, emergency and commercial customers throughout the US. FPG’s EMS Division distributes new ambulances manufactured by the Demers Braun Crestline (DBC) group while serving as one of nation’s largest remounters. To learn more about First Priority Group, please visit https://www.1fpg.com

About P.L. Custom Body and Equipment Co., Inc.

P.L. Custom Body and Equipment Co., Inc. has been in business since 1946 and has been owned by the Smock family since 1970. This Manasquan, NJ based company sells through a network of 17 independent dealers covering 27 states and the District of Columbia. PL Custom Emergency Vehicle and Rescue 1 are the manufacturing divisions of the corporation and are proud to maintain a strong reputation as a customer focused designer and manufacturer of ambulances and rescue vehicles. PLCB continues to grow at a consistent pace, happy to be able to add partners who share our long-term vision for high quality products, outstanding customer service, and smart and sustainable growth. We are small by design, family-owned, and rich in heritage and tradition.

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The FEMSA August 2025 podcast episode with James Long and Karen Emory delivers an eye-opening perspective on the indispensable role of dealers and distributors in the fire service. As the bridge between manufacturers and fire departments, dealers provide vital service, education, and support that go beyond mere product supply. They buffer supply chain challenges, offer localized purchasing advice, and foster collaboration within the fire protection industry. For fire departments navigating equipment needs, understanding and valuing their dealer partnerships is key to maintaining readiness and operational success.

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