American Charities

Smeal Fire Trucks: In the Line of Fire to Protect Our West

Smeal Fire Apparatus Co is the #1 provider in custom built fire trucks and ladders. CLN was honored with a tour of the Nebraska plant from Mr. Tom Smeal.

by
Gretchen Kirchmann
June 27, 2014

In-The-Line-of-Fire_CLN-Article_POW-(FI)

Smeal Fire Apparatus Co: America’s leading provider in custom built fire trucks and ladders

Blueprint of Smeal Fire Trucks

While Cowboy Lifestyle Network drove through rural Nebraska looking at the beautiful landscape, grasslands and prairie habitats we pulled off the road in Synder never realizing the impact the community has on fire protection.

As the Cowboy Lifestyle Network summer series on Protect Our West continues, we are happy to introduce you to the Smeal Fire Apparatus Company.

Along with the brave men and women fighting the fires is equipment built in rural Dodge County that impacts all their lives.

US-Map-of-Smeal-Trucks-Smeal Fire Apparatus Co.

US Map of Smeal Fire Apparatus Co. Trucks

Smeal Fire Apparatus Company is a leading provider in custom built fire trucks and ladders. Cowboy Lifestyle Network was honored with an impromptu tour of the plant from Mr. Tom Smeal.

The community population is just over 300 according to census records. Smeal has worked at the plant for over 40 years and currently is the Project Manager for the Aerial Division.

Synder,-NE-fire-bell-Smeal Fire Apparatus Co.

Synder Firehouse Fire Bell

While the peaceful citizens mowed their lawns and volunteers completed yard work at the church.

The fire bell outside of the Synder Firehouse caught our attention and two volunteer firefighters introduced themselves.
Mr. Glen explained, the antique bell was rung when the volunteers in the community were needed on a fire call.

He opened up the firehouse door and proceeded to show us around the station.

Mr. Tom asked if we knew what was made in Synder, Nebraska?

Then both Glen and Tom pulled out a calendar from Smeal diagramming their work before our tour started.

Since 1963 when founder Don Smeal fixed his first fire truck the company has continued to raise the bar with innovative design and engineering.

Synder FirehouseSmeal Fire Apparatus Co.

Their products are shipped worldwide including the 20 tons white ladder going to Brazil for the 2016 Olympics.

If you wonder what Santa Claus will be riding in North Pole, Alaska well look no further…it’s this shiny new fire entire. To learn more about Smeal Fire Apparatus Co. visit www.smeal.com.

We want to see your pictures of the Smeal firetrucks in your community so snap away and tag #SMEAL, #POW and #GoCLN on your favorite social platforms!

Gretchen Kirchmann

Gretchen Kirchmann is a veteran journalist covering a variety of events across the country each year. She founded Kirchmann Media Group in 2009 and works as a marketing consultant with a forte for the western lifestyle industry, festivals, fairs and rodeo world. Her work includes 15 national communication awards plus coverage of Nashville's CMT Awards and CMA Fanfest. A favorite assignment was attending the all cast reunion of the Dukes of Hazard in 2006 and 2007 at Dukesfest. In December you will find her covering the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and Miss Rodeo America pageant live from Las Vegas. Her favorite color is orange, favorite song "Rocky Top" and she loves to dance especially clogging.