Wheeled Coach, an industry-leading manufacturer of emergency vehicles for over 45 years, has announced the appointment of Firefighter One (FF1) as the exclusive Wheeled Coach dealer in New Jersey. FF1 is authorized to sell and service the complete portfolio of Wheeled Coach^® Type I, II, III and Medium-Duty emergency vehicles for the state.

Representing REV Group’s Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc. since 2018, Firefighter One is based in Sparta, New Jersey with a 10,000 square foot showroom and a 7,500 square foot service center. FF1’s team has over 170 years of combined experience in the fire and emergency medical services, including current or former chief fire officers and is affiliated with both career and volunteer fire departments.

“Growth with great brands has always and continues to be a top priority at Firefighter One. I’m excited that our relationship with REV Group continues to expand with Wheeled Coach, an excellent ambulance brand for our customers, both loyal and new,” said Jonathon Van Norman, Owner and President of Firefighter One.

“Firefighter One has tremendous experience and customer insights that they bring to the market, so we are excited to have them now represent the Wheeled Coach brand for the state of New Jersey.”  said George Petropoulos, Vice President of Sales, REV Ambulance Group. “Their extensive onsite service center coupled with their offsite service capabilities make them a great addition to the Wheeled Coach dealer network.”

For more information on purchasing or demoing a Wheeled Coach Ambulance, please contact SALES@ff1.com or call 833-FF1-FIRE.

The post Wheeled Coach Announces Firefighter One as Exclusive Dealer for NJ appeared first on Fire Apparatus.

By Bill Adams

There are two sides to every story. Spartan’s recent introduction of the FC-94 custom cab and chassis (https://spartaner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Spartan-FC-94.pdf) initiated much discussion in the fire service and apparatus industry. Much was speculation and personal interpretation, including some biased comments by competitive vendors, possibly for questionable reasons.

Some interpreted that Spartan’s advertising vaguely inferred the FC-94 was just another entry-level rig to compete against commercial chassis. Advertising statements include, “This new custom chassis is within your reach” and it is “a custom chassis with commercial appeal” and “Meets the requirements of a commercial but delivers more.” Some in-the-field vendors have inferred the FC-94 is a stripped-down custom chassis addressing the commercial chassis market. Objective examination reveals the features and options in the FC-94’s brochure does not indicate so. Consequently, inferences against it are unfounded, unproven, and disingenuous.

It isn’t ethical for vendors in the field to disparage the introduction of any manufacturer’s new product. Printed media reporting is usually held to a level of truthfulness and integrity. However, commentators and pundits offering opinion often are not. We have forums to champion our views and are seldom challenged, but we should be.

Manufacturers are seldom able to defend themselves against unsubstantiated and biased comments affecting their business, but they should. As a result, Spartan Fire Chassis Sales Director Jeff Seal agreed to address my commentary and answer some direct questions about the FC-94’s introduction into the fire service.

Does Spartan recognize an “entry level” chassis? 

Seal: No. Spartan does not consider any of our products to be entry-level. We believe there are no “entry-level” fire departments, thus, no “entry-level” products. In an industry where every department faces a unique set of response needs and challenges, it is our job as a manufacturer to deliver a purpose-built cab and chassis that delivers the reliability, safety, and performance they need. There are several factors that determine a department’s requirements, such as the infrastructure of their community, department size, fleet composition, geographical location, and budget. At Spartan Fire Chassis, we’ve made it our mission to help departments by delivering products that meet their needs and serve their communities.

What segment of the market does the FC-94 specifically address? 

Seal: The Spartan FC-94 offers a cost competitive, purpose-built solution for fire departments who have traditionally only considered a commercial chassis for their fleet. The FC-94 meets the requirements of a commercial chassis but delivers more in a custom cab and chassis that is truly designed and purpose-built for the fire service.

Firefighters and some dealers believe they have an inherent right (!) to “change” any standardized apparatus design or program. Are the options listed in the FC-94’s brochure “cast-in-concrete”? 

Seal: It’s human nature to want things the way you want them. For over 45 years, Spartan Fire Chassis has been known as a fire truck chassis manufacturer, and customers understand our capabilities when it comes to customization. The options available on the FC-94 are specific with a purpose to appeal to those who traditionally can only consider a commercial chassis. As a result, the option