CHARLOTTE, Mich., July 27, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), hosted the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge® (FCC) last week in Charlotte, Mich. The two-day event brought out crowds of spectators as some of the best trained, most physically fit firefighters in North America turned out to compete in what has been called the "toughest two minutes in sports."
Given the depth of Spartan Chassis' connection to the fire industry, hosting the FCC and its many related events and activities was a natural fit for the Company. Spartan Chassis and Spartan Motors have consistently contributed to the fire industry in many areas beyond their commercial involvement, including employing a number of former and current firefighters and fire chiefs. "Retaining a workforce with extensive firefighting experience and empathy for the job ultimately helps us design and manufacture a better portfolio of products that better meets the needs of our customers," said Tom Gorman, Chief Operating Officer, Spartan Motors.
Jeff Wertz, a Spartan Chassis System Design Engineer and a volunteer firefighter/EMT with the Charlotte Fire Department & Rural Fire Association, was among the FCC competitors. He was one of more than 80 individual and team participants dressed in full bunker gear and breathing apparatus who raced against the clock to execute the extreme physical demands of firefighting. The event featured a linked series of five tasks, including climbing a five-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175-pound "victim."
"These competitors face rigorous challenges in their life-saving duties every day," noted Gorman. "The FCC event reflected that intensity and truly embodied the spirit of firefighting. It was a great, family-friendly opportunity for our associates and the community to witness the physical challenges firefighters face to keep us protected."
Gorman added, "Spartan Motors would like to offer a special thanks to the various fire departments, competitors, vendors, fans, and the many volunteers, including Spartan associates, who made this spirited event a huge success."
Taking place alongside the main competition was a "Kid's Challenge" course for children 4 – 11 years old. Participants had the opportunity to take part in events that mirrored those in the FCC, including getting outfitted with a helmet and "turn-out gear."
In addition, the FCC offered various other activities, including firefighter waterball, 3-on-3 basketball, a downtown car show, a display of antique fire apparatus at the Courthouse Square Museum, Spartan Motors product displays and factory tours, a variety of children's activities, entertainment, a food court, and much more.
Each year, the FCC attracts thousands of U.S. and Canadian municipal fire departments to more than 25 locations around the world, including New Zealand, Germany, Argentina, Chile and South Africa.
Photos of the event can be viewed on Spartan Chassis' Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SpartanChassisER.
About Spartan Chassis
Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Charlotte, Mich.-based Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), is a world-class leader in the engineering, manufacturing and marketing of chassis and aftermarket parts for emergency response, recreational vehicle (RV), defense and specialty vehicles. End users recognize and request the Spartan Chassis brand, which consistently delivers superior performance, exceptional safety ratings, and innovations which distinguish us from the competition. Visit Spartan Chassis at www.spartanchassis.com.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, government services, defense, and delivery and service markets. The Company's brand names - Spartan™, Crimson Fire™, Crimson Fire Aerials™, and Utilimaster® - are known for quality, value, service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,700 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana, Florida, and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $481 million in 2010 and is focused on becoming a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of specialty vehicles and chassis. Visit Spartan Motors at www.spartanmotors.com.