The Waterford Regional Fire Department is hoping to exchange a surplus fire truck for training at Oakland Community College.

For about six months, the department has had a 1991 Pierce Quint 100’ Aerial ladder truck listed for sale. Once a Pontiac Fire Department truck, the vehicle was originally listed at $40,000. No calls or offers were made and the price was reduced to $25,000, still without any offers.

A new Sutphen Quint was purchased to replace it last year.

In order to avoid paying to recertify a truck that’s no longer in use, the department contacted the Oakland Community College CREST Center about donating the vehicle. In exchange for the truck, the college is offering $25,000 in training for fire department personnel.

LION First Responder PPE, Inc., the largest family-owned manufacturer of first responder protective equipment (PPE) in the United States and Weinbrenner Shoe Company, manufacturer of Thorogood brand footwear have entered into a long-term strategic partnership that leverages the strengths of both companies.

Beginning May 1st, 2019, LION Fire Boots by Thorogood will be the exclusive certified boot offering for Structural Firefighting and Wildland/EMS boots. Weinbrenner will continue to manufacture and design their Thorogood fire boot line while LION will have responsibility for all sales and marketing. The initial six-style assortment of boots, previously sold by Weinbrenner Shoe Company, will be sold and marketed exclusively through LION via the combined distribution partners of both companies in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

“This strategic partnership allows LION to offer a comprehensive line of footwear to meet the wide-ranging needs of the fire service. We are excited to expand our overall PPE offering with a wonderful assortment of certified fire boots from Thorogood through the combined distribution partners of both companies.” Mark Smith, Senior Vice President of LION.

“The distribution agreement between LION and Thorogood brings two fire industry powerhouse brands together. Collectively, we will deliver a variety of certified fire boots for the fire service. We look forward to a long, mutually beneficial relationship for many years to come,” Patrick Miner, President of Weinbrenner Shoe Company.

For more information on this partnership, please visit the LION booth (#1323), or the Thorogood booth (#301) at FDIC International in Indianapolis April 8-13th, 2019.