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Posted: Jan 3, 2017

Germantown (TN) Restoring Historic Fire Apparatus

Germantown Fire Chief John Selberg well remembers getting out of class to respond when a blaze broke out somewhere in town. Into the late 1970s - way past its early days as a sleepy horse community - the suburban city enlisted the boys of Germantown High to respond to fire calls during the day.

Before today's professional fire department evolved to protect the city of now more than 40,000, a less formal network of volunteers of varying ages protected the community using the truck purchased for about $6,500 from a Cordova fireworks company that closed after it stopped making munitions at the end of World War II.

Though its days of active service are long since over, the 1942 American LaFrance truck dubbed Red Devil 1 remains as a reminder of Germantown's simpler times. And it'll soon be getting a face lift that will allow it to serve as a fitting historic display.

A committee formed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen has begun exploring restoration for the truck, with a goal of returning it to the splendor of its heyday. Retired from service when former Mayor Boyd Arthur and aldermen declared it obsolete in 1983, Red Devil 1 became a landmark at Cloyes Park but has fallen into disrepair with peeling paint and damage from critters that have made the outdoor display their home.

The truck was moved recently from the park to the city's Fire Station No. 4 on Forest Hill-Irene, where it will remain in a metal building behind the station until restoration is complete. And that job will be a long-term process, said Selberg, 56, who has been chief about 51/2 years.

The price tag of the restoration is a big question mark right now. Selberg said there's really no estimate until the committee dealing with the restoration has more time to explore the issue.

Fundraising is expected to take place to help with the project as well. Representatives of the Fire Department, Historic Commission, Public Safety Commission and other community members will be involved.

 

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Posted: Jan 3, 2017

Woman in critical condition after snowmobile crash near Ronald

A 46-year-old woman is in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center after a snowmobile crash near Ronald. Crews with Kittitas County Search and Rescue and Kittitas County Fire District 6, as well as paramedics responded to reports of a snowmobile crash about two miles northeast of Ronald Friday, December 30 around 5 p.
- PUB DATE: 1/3/2017 3:40:35 PM - SOURCE: KIMA-TV CBS 29 Yakima
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Posted: Jan 3, 2017

Large home gutted by fire in Tacoma

A large home was gutted by a fire in Tacoma. Dispatchers received a call about the fire in the 800 block of Tacoma Avenue at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. The home was occupied by two adults who got out safely. Firefighters said there was heavy damage to the second floor. There is the possibility that a dog may have died in the fire.
- PUB DATE: 1/3/2017 10:39:09 AM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7
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Posted: Jan 3, 2017

Spartan Motors Completes Acquisition of Smeal Fire Apparatus

CHARLOTTE, Mich., Jan. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAR) ("Spartan" or the "Company"), a global leader in specialty chassis and vehicle design, manufacturing, and assembly, today announced its wholly-owned subsidiary, Spartan Motors USA, Inc., has completed the previously announced acquisition of Smeal Fire Apparatus Co. ("Smeal") and its subsidiaries effective January 1, 2017. Smeal, an industry-leading innovator and manufacturer of fire apparatus in North America, was acquired for approximately $36.3 million (subject to a customary net working capital adjustment), the Company's forgiveness of certain liabilities owed by Smeal to the Company, and a subsequent tax gross-up payment, which is expected to be more than offset by tax benefits accruing to the Company. 

Smeal generated 2016 revenues of approximately $100 million, which includes approximately $30 million of Spartan chassis sold to Smeal. The newly combined Spartan Emergency Response business unit will rank as one of the top-four North American fire apparatus manufacturers in an increasingly consolidating industry. With its expanded geographic reach spanning 44 states in the U.S., 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada, the Company is even better positioned to deliver a robust and respected portfolio of leading products, services, and technologies to its broad range of customers, including original equipment manufacturers and dealers.  

"This transaction marks a significant event for our Company, and we are excited to add Smeal's industry-leading product portfolio and manufacturing expertise to Spartan Motors," said Daryl Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spartan Motors. "The addition of Smeal complements our own Spartan Emergency Response business unit while also allowing us to provide an expanded, innovative product offering to both new and existing customers. We expect the transaction to be accretive to 2017 earnings and accelerate the turnaround of the Spartan Emergency Response business unit."

About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. is a leading designer, engineer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty vehicles, specialty chassis, vehicle bodies and parts for the fleet and delivery, recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, defense forces and contract assembly (light/medium duty truck) markets. The Company's brand names— Spartan Motors, Spartan Specialty Vehicles, Spartan Emergency Response, Spartan Parts and Accessories, and Utilimaster®, a Spartan Motors Company— are known for quality, durability, performance, customer service and first-to-market innovation. The Company operates facilities in Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, South Dakota, Saltillo, Mexico; and Lima, Peru. Spartan reported sales of $550 million in 2015. Visit Spartan Motors at www.spartanmotors.com.

About Smeal
Smeal, including U.S. Tanker Co. and Ladder Tower Co., is recognized as a premier manufacturer, inventor and innovator of customized fire apparatus. The company offers a full line of custom and commercial pumpers, stainless steel tanker, aerial ladders, platforms, TDA's and wildland urban interface vehicles (WUI). 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 smeal.com Read more

Posted: Jan 3, 2017

Spokane house fire prompts smoke detector reminder

The Spokane Fire Department is reminding the public about the importance of functioning smoke detectors after crews extinguished a fire in Northeast Spokane early Tuesday morning. SFD responded to a report of a structure fire near East Nebraska Avenue and North Helena Street. The two occupants of the home told fire officials they were alerted to the fire by the smell of smoke.
- PUB DATE: 1/3/2017 8:53:19 AM - SOURCE: KREM-TV CBS 2
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