Every day, apparatus proudly built by KME roll out of station doors across the country and work to safely deliver
firefighters and the tools they need to the scene. Those KME trucks reliably operate to enable firefighters to save lives
and protect property.
Every day, KME Sales Representatives work hard to develop specification, delivery, support and finance solutions to
solve the unique problems faced by today's fire departments.
Every day, a dedicated staff at KME works to get the apparatus built to spec and on time. Over 700 employees work
every day recognizing the role they play in serving our first responders.
On the following pages you will read about the real-world experiences of fire departments nationwide with KME, our
network of representatives, and our apparatus. Once you've read what KME has done for them, we think you'll see
that KME Fire Apparatus is the correct choice for you. Already own KME Fire Apparatus? Tell us how KME has
worked for you and we'll share your story and you'll be entered to win a new netbook computer.
Mattydale Fire Department - Mattydale, NY
“Our experience with KME has been nothing short of exceptional. From the initial visit to the plant, through the construction phases, and final inspection, everyone was accommodating.” - Charlie Schirtz
Chairman Board of Fire Commissioners
Greenawalds Fire Company - South Whitehall Township, PA
“As with any major project, being able to work directly with one person during the process makes it more personal and streamlines the project to eliminate miscommunication and unchecked mistakes.” - Chief Dennis Smith
“Working with a privately held company such as KME and its employees you are treated like you are more than just a customer.” - Chris Ackley, Fire Chief
"KME has a great set-up. Everything flows smoothly through the factory from start to finish. We were able to see our vehicles built from the inside and out each time we visited." - Chief Robert C. Scheirer
In 2009, after a competitive bid process, Boston had its first experience with KME. The City of Boston purchased two (2) fire trucks, a custom Heavy Rescue (Rescue 2) and a Ford F-550 Air Bottle Unit. They had such a positive experience with those 2 engines that when it came time to purchasing three more trucks the decision was much easier.
Town of Clayton Fire & Rescue - Clayton, New Mexico
In 2004 Chief Terry Short worked with the Cuba, New Mexico Fire Department who had just bought their very first KME. The process was easy, the truck was built to spec, and there were no issues during the build process. The truck ran flawlessly, and the new apparatus drew a lot of attention to the town.
East Carnegie Volunteer Fire Dept. - Scott Township, Pennsylvania
East Carnegie has a total of 4 KME’s in service at this time, and they are in the process of signing the contract for their 5th KME to make them a 100% KME department. When it comes down to it, the truck works well, the dealers works with them, and the manufacturer works with them to build the best truck for them. They couldn’t be happier about their purchases.
Lovelady Fire Department - Rutherford College, North Carolina
Lovelady bought their first truck from KME in 1994 and since that time have bought more trucks. Chief Winfield Abee appreciated the attention that the people at KME gave them during our visits to see the progress of their truck. “KME made us feel as though we were purchasing a fleet of trucks from them. All of the employees were very kind and went out of their way to ensure that we received an apparatus that would serve us well for many years and that we would be proud to have in our station for many years.”
City of Hazleton, Pennsylvania - Fire Chief Donald Leshko
When Fire Chief Donald Leshko evaluates purchasing new apparatus he takes into careful
consideration which apparatus manufacturer would gives him the level of quality, reliability,
customization and customer service he needs.
In the end, however, his choice of manufacturer is driven most by safety for both his team and
the citizens they protect – a direct influence from his experience in a fire several years ago.
In July, 2002 the only front line engine for the City of Olmsted Fall's was involved in a rollover accident when the driver swerved to avoid an on-coming vehicle in its path. Firefighters now relied upon a 24 year old TeleSQRT and 30 year old engine borrowed from a neighboring department to protect their growing residential community near Cleveland. Chief Potts recalls that he was more worried than he had ever been in his 32 year career for the safety of his firefighters and the community.
The City of Hoover has always placed the highest importance on public safety. The ability to have apparatus and personnel on the scene quickly has always been a priority. As the City has grown over the years, the fire department established plans and procedures to ensure their ability to continue prompt responses. This includes operating out of nine fire stations
Orange County Fire Authority - Orange County, California
The Orange County Fire Authority in California includes responsibility for 62 fire stations protecting 550 square miles including 120,000 acres of wildland and 1.4 million people. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the OCFA is well known nationwide and in addition, the departments training academy is currently featured on the Fox Reality Channel’s “The Academy-Orange County Fire".