KME Fire Apparatus has introduced its new PRO^® Series 79-foot Ladder to its AerialCat™ line. The PRO Series was built as a multipurpose response vehicle with ergonomically designed manual controls, increased pump operator safety features and ultimate equipment carrying capacity.

The benefits of the PRO 79-foot AerialCat™ Ladder include:

• Ergonomically engineered manual control panel – with vertical swing and push-pull handles to reduce complexity, increase reliability, optimize operator pump training time and is overall easier to use – resulting in significantly increased operator efficiency and reduced cost of ownership
• Relocated pump operator connections – positioned adjacent to the pump operator, provides safer operator area
• Serviceability – allows easy access to the pump from both sides of the body without lifting the cab
• 232-inch wheelbase – provides maneuverable turning radius to operate in tight conditions
• 238 cubic feet of compartment space – capable of carrying the equivalent of a large rescue body full of tools and equipment.
• Low accessible speedlays with slide out trays.

“The PRO Series Pumper line has been capturing customer’s attention since the introduction of the line,” said Pete Hoherchak, Product Manager, KME. “We saw the need for a 79-foot rescue aerial that offered the added features of the PRO Series.”

 For more information, visit http://www.kmefire.com/stock-units/aerial/gso-10846.

Today, May 31, 2019, marks the last day for Mike Marquis, vice president of Rescue 1 Sales, at P.L. Custom Body and Equipment Co., Inc. (PLCB) and the beginning of a well-deserved retirement. Marquis is capping off a successful 36-year career in Manasquan, New Jersey. Over the years, Marquis grew with the company, working first as an electrician, followed by developing our graphics department, then as a contract coordinator, and finally as the driving force behind our Rescue 1 division.

Initially sold as PL Custom Emergency Vehicles Rescue Trucks, Marquis and Bud Smock developed the rescue division into what is now known as Rescue 1. Formalized with that name in 1985, Marquis became synonymous with the Rescue 1 Extreme Duty brand of rescues, command centers, hazmat, and other specialty purposed emergency vehicles produced under the Rescue 1 moniker.

Under his watch, Rescue 1 has grown to enjoy a solid reputation as a custom manufacturer of Extreme Duty rescue trucks. Marquis became intimately involved with each unit that was built at PLCB, developing strong relationships with Rescue 1 customers. In discussing his retirement date, Marquis said, “I have seen Rescue 1, and by extension, PL Custom, expand into new markets. The Rescue 1 brand has made tremendous strides, and I look forward to watching the continued growth. Now I am looking forward to focusing on family and fishing. I have met and worked with many great people over these past 3+ decades, from customers, sales reps, vendors, and fellow employees. It has been a great career and I know that our past will shape our future.”

Today’s fire and emergency vehicle manufacturing industry is filled with daily personnel changes and company acquisitions. Just as PLCB remains a privately held, family-owned company today, Marquis’s continuity with our Rescue 1 division is in stark contrast to the prevailing industry trend.

PLCB looks forward to hearing stories from Mike of his well-deserved retirement and know that he looks forward to spending time with his wife, Irene; his two sons, Michael and Matthew; and his dogs, Bro and Dude. On behalf of everyone in Manasquan, PLCB wishes Marquis all the best! 

For more information, visit https://rescue1mfg.com/.