Construction of the new Atlantic Beach (NC) Public Safety and Administration Complex is in its final stages, and the Atlantic Beach Fire Department is preparing to soon move into its new facility.

The demolition of the current fire station is scheduled for January 31. Once razed, the finishing touches can be applied to the new complex.

In addition, the department was notified that it has achieved a level 3 ISO rating.

“Thanks to constant training, and support from our Mayor and Town Council, the ABFD is one of 121 departments in the state with a level 3 rating!” the town writes on its website. “Not only does this mean our citizens and homes are safer, but a lower ISO rating also translates to lower homeowner insurance premiums!”

Everyone involved avoided injury, but it could have been much worse when a woman crashed into a Clare (MI) fire apparatus.

At the time, firefighters were responding to a car that slid off the highway on northbound 127 just after 2 p.m., a report in themorningsun.com says.

The accident caused damage to the front of the 30-year-old woman’s car and the rear of the fire truck, which had its emergency lights activated, the report says.

The Farwell woman was ticketed for driving too fast.

“We now have a fire truck that will be out of service for possibly months,” a department Facebook post reads.

American Emergency Vehicles^® (AEV), one of the nation’s top selling brands of ambulances*, announces Barry DeRousse as the new Vice President/General Manager.

Prior to joining AEV, DeRousse served as Vice President of Operations at Doonan Specialized Trailers, LLC, as well as Vice President of Operations for Manac Trailers, USA. Barry has over 25 years of operations experience in various industries with a focus on Lean Manufacturing both in high volume/low mix and low volume/high mix product lines.

“The team at AEV is renowned for delivering emergency vehicles with the highest quality American craftsmanship and for providing its dealer network and customers with an exceptional experience,” said Anoop Prakash, President, REV Ambulance Group. “I am excited to have Barry join the organization to lead the company’s next chapter, and build on its strong history, culture and performance.”

DeRousse steps into the role following Randy Hanson’s retirement. During Hanson’s tenure, AEV grew to the #1 Ambulance brand in the U.S. and has repeatedly led the industry in improving safety standards and testing protocols to make Ambulances safer for both EMTs and patients. Hanson will continue to serve in a consulting role, ensuring a seamless leadership transition.

AEV recently consolidated its operations into a new integrated campus, spread over 35 acres in West Jefferson, NC. The investment brings together AEV’s comprehensive manufacturing capabilities, including: five lines of production, an in-house paint shop, complete chassis modifications, remount services, and parts and service centers into one integrated 300,000 square foot campus.

For more information, visit https://www.aev.com.

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*Based on data from 2021 from the Ambulance Manufacturers Division (AMD) of the Association of the Work Truck Industry (NTEA) data and 2019 data from SpecialtyResearch.net.

About AEV^®

AEV^® is one of the best-selling ambulance brands in the U.S., building nearly one quarter of the ambulances on the market today.  AEV builds the industry’s broadest range of ambulances, each one made with the hands-on American craftsmanship of a highly experienced and skilled team. AEV manufactures its full line of Type I, Type II, Type III and Medium-Duty ambulances in Jefferson, NC, at a bright, pristine factory set among the Blue Ridge Mountains. AEV’s rigorous, LEAN manufacturing processes and engineering innovation achieve superior quality and value, while meeting the unique specifications of emergency departments around the country. Its nationwide network of dealers provides service and support to customers before and long after the sale. AEV is The American-Crafted Experience™. To learn more, visit aev.com. 

AEV is a brand of Halcore Group, Inc, which is a subsidiary of REV Group, a global leader in emergency vehicles and specialty vehicle brands.

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 three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation. They provide customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public services (ambulances, fire apparatus, school buses, and transit buses), commercial infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers), and consumer leisure (recreational vehicles). REV Group&