Heritage Fire Equipment

What Heritage Fire Equipment does

Heritage Fire Equipment is a privately held, family-owned fire apparatus dealer and service company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, operating from a 27,500-square-foot facility that includes offices, service bays, and parts storage, plus a 23,000-square-foot service facility. Founded in late 2016 through the combination of H. Sutphen Fire Equipment and Tradition Fire Equipment by Harry Sutphen, Daniel J. Sutphen, and Jason Frankle, the company sells fire apparatus from multiple OEMs — Sutphen Corporation (pumpers, tankers, heavy rescue, aerial ladders, aerial platforms), Alexis Fire Apparatus, SVI Trucks (heavy rescue, hazmat, air/light units), PL Custom (ambulances, added June 2025), QTAC brush trucks and skids, and Polaris Government and Defense UTVs — alongside its own Heritage Brush and Command vehicles. The company also distributes firefighting equipment from 50+ vendor partners covering suppression, ventilation, extrication, lighting, rescue, and PPE categories with next-day parts fulfillment.

The company earns revenue across four streams: one-time fire apparatus sales (the dominant ticket item), recurring parts sales, firefighting equipment distribution, and service revenue generated by EVT-certified technicians providing mobile on-site repairs, NFPA 1911-compliant pump testing, and in-facility upfitting and warranty work. Heritage is a Tier 1 service and warranty center for Sutphen, Alexis, and SVI, and operates a seven-vehicle mobile service fleet that performs preventative maintenance and repairs at customer firehouses. The go-to-market motion is enterprise field sales: eight regional sales representatives cover Ohio (Central, Eastern, Northwestern, Western, Southeastern, Southwestern, Northeastern), West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, supported by demonstration trailers and participation in seven annual fire service events including FDIC and regional fire schools.

Customers are municipal and volunteer fire departments, and increasingly EMS agencies via the 2025 PL Custom partnership, across a six-state Midwestern/Appalachian footprint. Pricing is quote-based given the custom nature of apparatus; no public pricing exists. The company competes on OEM authorization breadth, EVT-certified technical depth, mobile service responsiveness, and multi-decade sales relationships rather than on price or technology.

Name

Heritage Fire Equipment

Legal name

Heritage Fire Equipment

Website

https://heritagefireequipment.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Heritage Fire Equipment is a Columbus, Ohio-based authorized dealer and service provider for multiple fire apparatus manufacturers, selling pumpers, aerials, tankers, ambulances, and UTVs to municipal fire departments and EMS agencies across Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, with mobile service, parts, and equipment distribution.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fire Apparatus Sales & Service

NAICS

Other Building Equipment Contractors (23829)

SIC

Construction Machinery & Equip (3531)

akta.pro primary industry

Fire Protection Systems Contracting (Sprinklers, Alarms, Suppression) (IMAFALAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Fire Alarm Systems (Inspection/Testing/Monitoring/Service) (IMAIAJAC)

Keywords

• Fire apparatus sales
• Fire equipment service
• Fire truck dealer
• Emergency vehicle maintenance
• Firefighting equipment supply

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Fire Apparatus Sales: Revenue from sales of fire apparatus representing multiple manufacturers including Sutphen Corporation, Alexis Fire Apparatus, SVI Trucks, PL Custom, QTAC, and Polaris vehicles. Sales include pumpers, tankers, aerial ladders, aerial platforms, heavy rescue, brush trucks, command vehicles, and UTVs.
2. Parts Sales: Sales of replacement parts for Sutphen, Alexis, SVI, and other fire apparatus brands. Next-day parts availability to most customers using standard ground shipping.
3. Equipment Sales: Sales of firefighting equipment, tools, suppression equipment, ventilation equipment, extrication tools, hand tools, lighting, rescue equipment, PPE, and mounting products from over 50 vendor partners.
4. Service and Maintenance: Revenue from apparatus service, maintenance, and repairs. Services include pump testing (NFPA 1911 compliant), upfitting, mobile service at firehouses, and repairs at their 23,000+ square foot facility.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Heritage Fire Equipment is a fire apparatus dealer and service provider that sells fire trucks and emergency vehicles from multiple manufacturers (Sutphen, Alexis, SVI, PL Custom, QTAC, Polaris), delivers EVT-certified mobile and in-facility apparatus repair service, supplies replacement parts with next-day availability, and distributes firefighting equipment from over 50 vendor partners to municipal fire departments across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Product overview

Heritage Fire Equipment is a fire apparatus dealer and service company offering a comprehensive portfolio of apparatus sales, service, parts, and equipment. The company represents multiple fire apparatus manufacturers including Sutphen Corporation (pumpers, tankers, heavy rescue, aerial ladders/platforms), Alexis Fire Apparatus, SVI Trucks, PL Custom (ambulances), QTAC (brush trucks/spray systems), and Polaris (UTVs). Heritage also manufactures its own Heritage Brush and Command vehicles. Services include EVT-certified mobile and in-facility apparatus service, NFPA 1911-compliant pump testing, vehicle upfitting, and parts supply. Equipment sales encompasses 50+ vendor partnerships spanning suppression, ventilation, extrication, lighting, rescue, and PPE products, with demo trailers available for customer product evaluation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sutphen Corporation Fire Apparatus Full line of fire apparatus including custom pumpers (3/16" extruded aluminum or #304 stainless steel), tankers, heavy rescue, aerial ladders, and aerial platforms (SP70, SP95, SP100, SPH 100 mid-mount). Sutphen is the oldest continuously owned and operated fire apparatus manufacturer in the US, founded in 1890. Sold to municipal fire departments in Heritage's territory.
• Alexis Fire Apparatus Fully custom-built fire apparatus including aerials, rescues, pumpers, and specialty vehicles across Response 1, Vision Series, and Engine 1 series. Alexis is a family-owned manufacturer founded in 1947 with a 55,000+ square foot facility and 75+ engineers, craftsmen, and mechanics. Sold to municipal fire departments seeking custom apparatus.
• SVI Trucks Custom-built heavy rescue trucks, hazmat trucks, and air and light vehicles. SVI partners with Sutphen Corporation combining Extreme Duty Sutphen chassis with SVI product quality. Represented by Heritage in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
• PL Custom Emergency Vehicles Modular ambulances including Medallion Type III, Titan Medium Duty, and Classic Type I, plus body remounts and Fire Chief/First Response vehicles. PL Custom is a family-owned manufacturer founded in 1946, operating from a 110,000 sq ft facility with 175+ employees producing 175+ vehicles annually.
• QTAC Fire and Rescue Products Vehicle-based emergency response equipment and mobile spray systems manufactured by MTECH Inc., including quick-attack brush trucks, truck skids, UTV/ATV skids, and EMS rescue units. Sold to fire departments requiring specialized off-road and quick-attack response capabilities.
• Heritage Brush and Command Vehicles Custom-designed brush trucks for rough terrain and command vehicles for on-scene operations, tailored to specific emergency response needs. Deliveries include custom brush truck and command vehicle deliveries to Summerfield Fire Department, Norwich Township Fire Department, and Westerville Fire Department in Ohio.
• Polaris Government and Defense UTVs Turn-key UTV solutions with complete upfits for firefighting, EMS, policing, and combination emergency response uses. Available as standard packages or full custom builds.
• Apparatus Service EVT certified service technicians providing mobile and in-facility repairs for fire apparatus. Tier 1 service and warranty center for Sutphen Corporation, Alexis Fire Apparatus, and SVI trucks. Capable of quality service work on all makes and models of fire apparatus. Operates a 23,000 square foot service facility and 7-vehicle mobile service fleet.
• Mobile Pump Testing NFPA 1911 compliant pump testing performed on location using Draft Commander 3000 mobile pump trailer or static water source. Includes fire pump inspection and on-site repair quotes. Service provided to fire departments requiring compliance testing.
• Vehicle Upfitting Fabrication and installation services to customize apparatus for department needs. Includes layout design and tool installation for new apparatus purchases or customer-provided vehicles. Service for fire departments requiring customized apparatus configurations.
• Parts Supply Parts supply for Sutphen, Alexis, SVI, and other fire apparatus brands. Next-day parts delivery available using standard ground shipping to most customers.
• Holmatro Rescue Tools Industry-leading battery powered rescue equipment including Pentheon series with superior access tools, cutters, and shoring equipment. Includes demonstration tools and Holmatro service capabilities. Targeted at fire departments needing extrication and rescue equipment.
• Equipment Sales (50+ Vendor Partners) Comprehensive firefighting equipment sales through partnerships with over 50 quality vendors including suppression equipment (Elkhart Brass, Akron Brass, Darley), ventilation (Supervac, Euron), extrication (Holmatro), hand tools (Milwaukee Tool, FLIR), lighting (Whelen, Streamlight, Code 3 PSE), rope/tech/water rescue (Petzl, CMC Pro), PPE, and mounting products. Next-day parts availability through these partnerships. Demonstration trailers and vehicles available for product evaluation.

Named customers3 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• P.L. Custom Body and Equipment Co. (PLCB)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 June 2025Heritage Fire Equipment became an authorized dealer for PLCB to strengthen their presence in the Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia marketplace. PLCB is a Manasquan, New Jersey-based family-owned emergency vehicle manufacturer founded in 1946, operating through 17 independent dealers across 27 states and the District of Columbia. Heritage will sell PLCB's emergency vehicles (ambulances, rescues, specialty vehicles) in their territory.
• Sutphen CorporationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeritage Fire Equipment is an authorized dealer for Sutphen Corporation, the oldest continuously owned and operated fire apparatus manufacturer in the United States (established 1890). They sell Sutphen apparatus including aerial platforms, aerial ladders, custom pumpers, tankers, and heavy rescue in Southern Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Southern Indiana, and Northern Michigan. Heritage is also a Tier 1 service and warranty center for Sutphen products.
• Alexis Fire ApparatuscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeritage Fire Equipment represents Alexis Fire Apparatus, a family-owned fire equipment manufacturer founded in 1947. Alexis offers fully custom-built apparatus including aerials, rescues, pumpers, and refurbishments. Heritage is a Tier 1 service and warranty center for Alexis products.
• SVI TruckscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeritage Fire Equipment represents SVI Trucks in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. SVI offers custom built heavy rescue, hazmat, and air/light fire trucks. Heritage is a Tier 1 service and warranty center for SVI products.
• PL Custom Emergency VehiclescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeritage Fire Equipment represents PL Custom Emergency Vehicles, a family-owned manufacturer founded in 1946, now operated by Jean Smock (CEO) and Deborah Smock Thomson (President). PL Custom offers Type I, Type III, and Medium Duty ambulances, body remounts, and First Response vehicles.
• QTAC / MTECH Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeritage Fire Equipment represents QTAC fire and rescue products, manufactured by MTECH Inc. Product line includes quick-attack brush trucks, truck skids, UTV/ATV skids, and EMS rescue units.
• Polaris Government and DefenseminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeritage Fire Equipment partnered with Polaris Government and Defense to provide turn-key UTV solutions for firefighting, EMS, policing, and combination emergency response needs. Offers both standard packages and full custom builds.
• Holmatro (Pentheon Series)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeritage Fire Equipment partnered with Holmatro, the industry leader in battery powered rescue equipment. They offer Pentheon series rescue tools including cutters and shoring equipment. Heritage has demo tools available and offers Holmatro service capabilities.
• 50+ Equipment VendorsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeritage Fire Equipment partners with over 50 vendors for firefighting equipment including: suppression equipment (Elkhart Brass, Fire Pump, Darley, Akron Brass), ventilation (Supervac, Euron), extrication (Holmatro), hand tools (Milwaukee Tool, FLIR), lighting (Whelen, Streamlight, Code 3 PSE), rope/rescue (Petzl, CMC Pro), PPE, and mounting products. Next-day parts availability offered through these partnerships.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• REV Group: REV Group is a publicly traded manufacturer of specialty vehicles including fire apparatus (E-ONE, KME, Ferrara, Spartan Emergency Response, REV Ambulance). It is a broad incumbent that both manufactures the products Heritage distributes and competes for end-customer relationships, but at vastly greater scale and with owned distribution rather than independent dealership.
• Pierce Manufacturing: Pierce Manufacturing (an Oshkosh Corporation subsidiary) is the largest US fire apparatus manufacturer, offering custom pumpers, aerials, rescues, and custom chassis. Comparable because Pierce's apparatus are sold through regional dealer/service networks similar to Heritage, and Pierce competes directly with the Sutphen/Alexis/SVI brands Heritage represents.
• KME (Kovatch Mobile Equipment): Kovatch Mobile Equipment is a Pennsylvania-based custom fire apparatus manufacturer (now part of REV Group) producing pumpers, tankers, aerials, and rescues. Comparable as another domestic fire apparatus OEM that competes with Sutphen/Alexis/SVI for the same regional fire department customers Heritage serves.
• E-ONE (Emergency One): E-One is a major US fire apparatus manufacturer (REV Group subsidiary) producing custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescues, and industrial vehicles. Comparable because E-One's products directly compete with the Sutphen, Alexis, and SVI brands Heritage distributes and could be obtained through competing regional dealers.

Direct peers

• Sutphen Corporation: Sutphen Corporation is the OEM for which Heritage is an authorized dealer — the oldest continuously owned and operated US fire apparatus manufacturer (est. 1890). It is comparable because Sutphen's other regional dealers perform the same sales/service/parts role for Sutphen products in their respective territories, and Sutphen ownership partially overlaps with Heritage's founding family.
• Alexis Fire Equipment: Alexis Fire Equipment is a family-owned Illinois-based fire apparatus manufacturer (est. 1947) producing custom aerials, rescues, and pumpers. Comparable because Alexis is one of the OEMs Heritage represents, and Alexis's other regional dealer-partners serve the same sales/service role Heritage plays in the OH/KY/WV/IN/MI footprint.
• SVI Trucks: SVI Trucks is a Colorado-based specialty fire apparatus manufacturer focused on heavy rescue, hazmat, and air/light units built on Sutphen chassis. Comparable as one of Heritage's core OEM partners with other regional dealers performing the same authorized representation function in their territories.
• PL Custom Body and Equipment (PLCB): PL Custom is a New Jersey-based family-owned emergency vehicle manufacturer (est. 1946) producing ambulances, rescues, and specialty vehicles through 17 independent dealers across 27 states. Comparable because Heritage became an authorized PLCB dealer in June 2025, and PLCB's other 16 dealers serve the same sales role for ambulances/rescues in their respective states.
• Ten-8 Fire & Safety: Ten-8 Fire & Safety is a regional fire apparatus dealer and service provider in the Southeast US, offering sales, service, parts, and equipment across multiple fire equipment brands. Comparable as a regional independent dealer with a similar one-stop sales/service/parts model competing for the same municipal fire department customers in adjacent US regions.
• Midwest Fire Apparatus: Midwest Fire Apparatus is a regional fire apparatus dealer/servicer in the Midwest US that sells, services, and parts multiple fire apparatus brands. Comparable as a regional independent dealer offering the same multi-OEM sales, service, and parts value proposition to municipal fire departments that Heritage targets.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/heritage_fire
• Facebookfacebook.com/HeritageFE
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/heritagefireequipment

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Heritage Fire Equipment