Two longtime customers of Sutphen Corp., the Dearborn (MI) Fire Department and Clemson (SC) Fire and EMS, are running only Sutphen engines and aerials in their fire response fleets, and praise the family-owned company for its quality products and strong relationships with its customers.
Limestone (OK) Fire Protection District had W.S. Darley & Co. build two wet light rescues on RAM 5500 4×4 chassis with four-door cabs powered by 6.7-liter Cummins I6 diesel engines and Aisin six-speed automatic transmissions.
In comparing dozens of OEMs’ Web sites, there is no common industry-wide description for a light rescue except for the intimation they’re support rather than suppression vehicles.
Sutphen built this SPH 100 aerial platform quint for the LaVale (MD) Fire Department. The rig is powered by a Cummins 500-hp X12 engine and an Allison Gen 5 4000 EVS automatic transmission.
The size an OEM is not necessarily reflective of the quality of the apparatus manufactured, nor does the size of a local dealership indicate the expertise and knowledge of its vendor that knocks on your firehouse door.
The North Evans WASP Max is powered by a 330-hp 6.7-liter diesel engine; has Super Single wheels and tires and a suspension lift package; and has a 320-gallon water tank, a 25-gallon Class A foam tank, and a FoamPro 2001 foam system.
The Detroit Fire Department (DFD) has officially reached Darley Demander status, setting the pace for Departments making the switch to Darley pumps.
The Petoskey (MI) Fire Department took delivery of twin custom Sutphen pumpers built on Monarch cabs and chassis and featuring 1,500-gpm pumps and 750-gallon tanks.
As an essential business, Darley has remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic to support our military and first responder customers by providing hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of personal protective equipment (PPE).
How does Darley go about validating a new pump product it is thinking of offering for sale?
What they do may undoubtedly affect fire apparatus design, requirements, and capabilities in the future. It might be advisable to stay abreast of their activities.
Mandating service requirements is admirable. However, purchasers should realize there can be and probably should be a difference in providing “service” applicable to warranty issues and providing general “everyday” service and general maintenance capabilities.
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