The DEV Story
“For more than 40 years, the fire apparatus industry has not just been my career — it has been my life’s calling.
My journey began as a young boy at American LaFrance, walking the shop floor, picking up dropped bolts while my father photographed trucks outside. Those early moments laid the foundation for a lifetime in the industry that became built upon pride, craftsmanship, and respect for the firefighters who rely on what we build.
That foundation carried me into 15 impactful years at Saulsbury Fire Apparatus, where I helped design and build the Legacy Heavy Rescue units that redefined how rescue apparatus serve departments across the country. These were more than trucks — they were mobile command centers, engineered to meet the evolving demands of modern emergency response.
I then spent another 15 years with Spartan Motors, working alongside forward-thinking innovators and engineers to challenge convention and elevate fire and rescue vehicles to a higher standard.
Along the way, I proudly contributed to respected manufacturers including HME Ahrens-Fox, Ward Apparatus, and Dependable Emergency Vehicles. Every chapter added new friendships, lessons, and milestones.
But legacy isn’t built only in factories or boardrooms.
It’s built through people.
Mentors who guide us.
Craftsmen who build beside us.
Firefighters who trust us.
Relationships forged over decades — and built to last.
I’ve been honored to work with some of the most iconic fire departments, including the Fire Department of the City of New York, Philadelphia Fire Department, Boston Fire Department, Toronto Fire Services, Detroit Fire Department, and the Cleveland Division of Fire, and along side countless other departments serving smaller communities with the same pride, courage, and dedication.
Together, we didn’t just build apparatus.
We built their dreams.
In 2026, I am proud to launch Dedicated Emergency Vehicles — a company founded on experience, relationships, and an unwavering commitment to building dependable solutions for those who protect our communities.
Our focus is on specialty apparatus designed for versatility and performance, including:
• Mini Rescues
• Mini Pumpers
• Commercial Pumpers
• Tankers
In a moment that brings my journey full circle, my daughter Ashley joins this venture as the third generation of our family to serve the fire apparatus industry.
I look forward to this next chapter — designing new apparatus, forging new partnerships, and continuing to serve the fire service with the same passion that began over four decades ago.”
Fire & Rescue Industry Needs
The Fire Service in the United States has over 27,000 registered Fire Departments and approximately 18,000 State and Local Police Departments. Each of these agencies have special needs which require specialized apparatus for response in regions they operate in. DEV-USA has several designs that are pre-engineering to meet these needs and can also work to configurate special units when requested.
Currently approximately 4,000 to 5000 Fire Apparatus Vehicles are ordered each year in both the United States and Canada. There have been larger numbers ordered due to the recent covid outbreak as well as several older vehicles been replaced. This has created a back log in several of the larger Emergency Vehicles manufacturers with new deliveries taking upwards of 2-1/2 to 3 years to completed. Pre-Covid the typical delivery was 1 year.
There is also a trend for smaller vehicles that support quicker responses, lower cost of operation and a lower overall cost to purchase. DEV-USA is focusing on this small truck market with quick delivery configurations with very competitive pricing. Per recent FAMA data reports this small truck market is approximately 400 to 500 units a year.
Contact Us for Sales and Design Inquiries
Choose Dedicated Emergency Vehicles for all of you emergency response needs.
