HOW TO BUILD a Fire Truck

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Heroes Next Door! This week, we're taking you on a captivating journey to Wyoming, Michigan, near Grand Rapids, to explore the heart of the fire truck building business. Join us as we shine a spotlight on HME Ahrens-Fox, a family-owned and operated company that's redefining the art of crafting custom fire trucks for various fire services.
HME Ahrens-Fox doesn't just build fire trucks; they build dreams and lifelines for communities across the nation. In this episode, you'll witness the passion and dedication that goes into creating everything from traditional pumpers to specialized forestry units. What sets HME apart is their unwavering commitment to customers. They aren't swayed by stockholders or dividend shares; instead, they invest in the skilled individuals who make the magic happen. Many of these dedicated professionals are not only building these units but also serving as volunteers at their local fire stations. It's a testament to their genuine love for what they do.
As you watch this episode, you'll have a front-row seat to the remarkable process of transforming raw steel into the finished fire trucks that protect our communities. We're especially thrilled that HME builds most of their units from the ground up, including constructing their own chassis. This level of hands-on craftsmanship sets them apart in the industry.
We owe a huge thanks to the team at HME Ahrens-Fox for granting Heroes Next Door unprecedented access to their shop floor. You'll get an inside look at the entire production process, from start to finish. It's incredible to witness their years of knowledge and expertise in every meticulously crafted fire truck, ensuring it meets the exacting standards of a true lifesaver.
This episode is the second part of a special series because there's simply too much incredible information to fit into just one episode. If you missed the first part, we highly recommend going back and checking it out to catch up on the full story.
We want to extend our gratitude to our loyal viewers who continue to watch, read, and learn from Heroes Next Door. We're dedicated to bringing you exclusive content that has never been seen on KZbin before. If you enjoy what you see, please consider subscribing, liking, and sharing our episodes. You can also support us by becoming a member; just click the link on our home page and become part of the Heroes Next Door experience.
Thank you for joining us on this thrilling journey through the world of fire truck manufacturing. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and behind-the-scenes access, only on Heroes Next Door.
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#HeroesNextDoor #factory #firetruck #puremichigan

[@user-ej9jq2zf1y]

I am a retired (career) firefighter (captain) with over 30 years of fire experience and as majority of firefighters once it is in your blood it is always cascading through a firefighter's veins. So I currently support working several shifts a month my city's 6 station (fixing to build station 7) fire department protecting over 120,000 population. We have standardized apparatus which are manufactured by Spartan. We have 10 engines and 3 aerial apparatus (2 100' foot [ladder] aerials and 1 100' tower [platform]). Backlogs for fire apparatus manufactures are saying depending on which manufacture, they are running 2-5 years behind. In other words if you think you are just going to make a trip and purchase an apparatus today and have it delivered tomorrow or 6 months is not going to happen! Allen P, Firefighter (captain) Enjoyed the video!!!

[@timslager5966]

BIG NOTE TO HME ENGINEERS! PLEASE mount the test plugs for future pump testing on the pump panel face, makes it easier whlie yearly pump testing. We have to keep the gauge panel back by twisting a gate control to keep closed. Fire Captain speaking for experience with a 2011 Specta tanker with 2k gpm pump and 3k gallon tank, love this truck, great build!

[@trooperfrag1387]

My department currently has a 2019 HME 1871-SFO Silverfox pumper and we love it. It's small so it can get into some of our tight streets, has a 1500gpm pump and 1000 gallon tank

[@Jamie-2307]

Thanks Heroes Next Door for your videos.

[@SMichaelDeHart]

Our department had HME/Four Guys Engine for from the early 90's for 22yrs. Traded in about 8 yrs ago on a nrw order. It was a good rig. Its still in service somewhere.

[@BIGTAYLORNI]

I love the demo rig, the colour black over red, blackout parts, hose bed, inside looks like it's work ready. UK viewer here.

[@jamesbwell7118]

I don’t understand how this channel doesn’t have more subscribers!! Amazing content as always!

[@JonathanMiller-oy2me]

Pierce manufacturing custom fire trucks is actually amazing

[@Bobbyd0052]

PRIDE,INTEGRITY! "DIGG ITT" ! FANTASTIC TOUR ! THANK YOU BROTHER MIKE ! 🇺🇲

[@HeroesNextDoor]

We appreciate you!

[@JerseyResponders]

get over here to Monroe for their station 51!! beautiful station, and trucks!

[@johnlebzelter4208]

@JerseyResponders He needs to be invited.

[@joshw1687]

That pumper tanker for Boxford Mass is designated Engine 1

[@davidbehrend7054]

Cool video of apparatus construction!! Love their idea of the “black out” concept. Chrome can be neat & shiny, but heck to keep it looking good. The black out though is probably easier to spray off and keep looking nice.

[@griffinf8469]

That was awesome!!! It’s so cool to see the process and the time that it takes to build a fire truck!

[@ianmintz12806]

Believe it or not, the process of building fire trucks is on an episode of the show How It’s Made!

[@johnlebzelter4208]

@@ianmintz12806irrelevant/pointless

[@christopherstrong880]

Building fire trucks!!

[@devinhansen7966]

My station's new engine was briefly featured. I can't wait to see it in person.

[@Metra_90_Video_Productions]

I love the old 2010 HME Ahrens fox, they are my favorite type of Fire Engine

[@4merLawman]

Been out to numerous manufacturers and I feel Pierce wins hands down

[@elizabethcherry920]

Now this is a great video, very informative

[@RobSharp-wo5qj]

Nice looking rigs

[@mooseriddle]

Thanks for the tour!!

[@fyrdoc]

We are talking about our next truck and those after might be white. Since it is a common color it is cheaper on the cost.

[@deanthonymims3095]

Incredible

[@HeroesNextDoor]

If you ever have the chance to stop in you would love it. Video just does not do it justice

[@ianmintz12806]

Wow! This stuff is neat!

[@johngrathoff6854]

Great Video Mike. The HME rigs ride pretty smooth

[@HeroesNextDoor]

Thanks 👍

[@emergencyresponsevideosand4423]

0:35 HME: hello everyone today we copy a kme pumper

[@arstd99]

Nice tour. The tour guide looks like Eric Bogosian.

[@HeroesNextDoor]

I can see that 😂😎👍🏻

[@johncashler3611]

I use to work at pirsch before it went belly up. Antique equipment used to build them, they were nutts not to modernise the plant.

[@Studio23Media]

They should get those frames custom extruded to be a thicker single frame to prevent rust jacking even better than galvanizing.

[@frankbill9172]

I love HME !!!!!!

[@jackburgess9482]

I had the pleasure of taking the tour of the HME shops a few years ago when we went to do the final inspection on our new engine. They were a pleasure to work with throughout the whole process of designing, building and delivery of our truck. Their service after the sale is second to none, we had an A/C compressor go out a couple of months after delivery, I called them they sent a new compressor to the shop that I took it to and paid for the repair, the siren speaker went out, I called them and they overnighted one to me no questions ask! I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.

[@arstd99]

BULLSHIT YOU DID!!!!

[@trob0914]

Nice behind the scenes video! What are some of the bigger, more popular departments that have HMEs! THANKS!!

[@malcolmcossar6447]

Detroit Mich FD has 5 HME Heavy Rescue Squads and Flint Mich has 3 HME Engines a 104ft Rear Mount Tower and I think a Heavy Rescue. Not totally sure on the Rescue though. I'm sure there are other Big cities with HME but you might have to Google that. Hope this answered some of your question👍

[@jackburgess9482]

Cal-Fire and Chicago had some trucks being built when I was there a few years ago.

[@user-ej9jq2zf1y]

How could I contact the retired BC, to discuss a safety idea that I have had on my mind for a long time??? I retired from a city fire department located just south of Houston. Great video!

[@klacklery]

Doubt you're still here in Grand Rapids, but, if by chance you are, should swing by to AeroMed over at the airport!

[@johnlebzelter4208]

@Klacklery He needs to be invited.

[@RobPhotography07]

Hey Mike! What department did you/do you work with?

[@HeroesNextDoor]

Westwood fire company Chester county PA

[@ianmintz12806]

@@HeroesNextDoorhey Mike, please let your fellow firefighters know that I am thankful for your service that you do! As a matter of fact, I’m thankful for all United States men and women who are involved in the army, navy, marines, military, fire and rescue, medical, police, federal law enforcement, and coast guard services!

[@RobPhotography07]

@@HeroesNextDoor You're a firefighter/paramedic?

[@michaelborrello9944]

Yes

[@SeksL28]

Where at location?

[@HeroesNextDoor]

Wyoming township Michigan. Just out side of Grand Rapids

[@legend_520]

*How to build a fire truck* 50,000 People: Interesting...

[@Squad61]

I wonder what kind of driving behaviour these trucks have? They just put two axles on a frame, and than ad anything to it the customer wants. In Europe we use well designed and tested commercial truck chassis. Bodywork, and weight distrubution is taken in consideration building a fire engine. It seems here more effort is in making it shine then in (driving)safety.

[@HeroesNextDoor]

They actually drive awesome

[@jackburgess9482]

They handle great, we have no complaints.

[@timslager5966]

Got a 2011 Spectra with 3k water tank and 2k gpm pump rolls out the door at 63,000 lbs, handles better than my pickup!

[@ericdaniel7069]

How many times did this guy say “exactly”?

[@EdBoringFireguy]

I think i said it 99 times, apparently it was my word of the day! I noticed it too after watching this.

[@benlatimer7910]

And he only said "OK" 129 times!

[@HeroesNextDoor]

True. Hard not to sometimes. I was learning and getting what he was talking about

[@TempoDrift1480]

20 years??? I drive an 85 Suburban in mint condition so if i spend $700,000 on a fire truck i expect 3-4 times 20 years out of it.

[@ritirons2726]

Remember when firefighters (particularly volunteers) took pride in the appearance of their apparatus? Always trying to make their department stand out from the rest? Nice and red, shiny chrome, gleaming brass, and of course intricate gold leaf. Everything now is dark and dull. It all looks like an economically depressed municipality ordering bare bones apparatus. Black this out, black that out. There’s no eye catching allure. Don’t get me wrong, there are still some nice apparatus being turned from all the manufacturers but enough is enough with the “blackout” fad.

[@daseinzigwahrem]

If you are willing to pay for all that expensive, useless, extra metal - please, go ahead.

[@ritirons2726]

@@daseinzigwahrem yeah you’re not wrong there

[@amyhayhurst4762]

Can you make a fire truck hand made

[@YTClassifiedProductions]

Reply with Fire Truck if u love the Fire Department ❤

[@YTClassifiedProductions]

Fire Truck

[@RDC2003]

Fire truck (I also work at a dept)

[@timslager5966]

🚒🚒🚒

[@MrTLinSTL]

Did I just watch an infomercercial?

[@waynegarrison2481]

They are FIRE ENGINES......NOT TRUCKS

[@scootertrash911]

I like fire trucks, but the music sucks.

[@HeroesNextDoor]

Sorry you don’t like the music. What do you like?

[@scootertrash911]

I'm an old retired fireman, just ignore my comment. I actuall drove a Reserve 1950 Mack Ladder Straight 75 foot stick with a convertible cab to a fire (my all time favorite apparatus)

[@Reemdaddy83]

You can look at him a d tell he's never been in that life if he was he would support instead of mock.he's just another kid misinformed

[@trentverdonck18]

Pierce it seagrave, anything else is garbage