Spartan Emergency Response, a business unit of Spartan Motors, Inc., will host equipment manufacturers, dealers, service center representatives, emergency vehicle technicians, and first responder driver-operators from across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America next week for its Fire Truck Training Conference (FTTC); the industry's largest emergency vehicle training-centric symposium. The annual event, in its 24th year, will be held at The Lansing Center in Lansing, Michigan, from September 30 to October 5.
FTTC attendees are provided a full week of workshop sessions focused on new and emerging technologies impacting fire apparatus designs, new advancements in repair and maintenance, and educational courses that allow for onsite Emergency Vehicle Training (EVT) certification.
"This conference reflects Spartan's heritage and commitment to the first responder community, and those who support them," said Daryl Adams, Spartan Motors President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our five-day curriculum has evolved over the past 20 years to become what is now the premier training and educational event for the industry. We're proud to build the safest heavy duty, purpose-built fire apparatus on the road, but we're equally gratified to know we're doing our part to educate and share best practices enhancing the safety and wellbeing of our first responders."
As part of its ongoing effort to promote careers in the skilled trades, Spartan has offered eight local high school students its Next Generation Scholarship. This allows students to attend the conference at no cost with the opportunity to fully participate in training courses and workshops that lead to EVT certification upon completion.
"Training today's technicians is vital, but it's important that we seed interest and develop talent for tomorrow as well," said Adams. "If our scholarship program leads to even just one new talented technician, it's worth the effort and the investment. These folks are the foundation of the firehouse."
In addition to over 40 classes offered on truck-specific diagnostics, service, and maintenance training, FTTC will also feature an extended manufacturer plant tour at Spartan's headquarters in Charlotte, Michigan. The event includes an awards banquet which honors top EVT talent and contributions to the industry.
Diamond Sponsors of this year's event include: Allison Transmission, the world's largest manufacturer of fully automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and a leader in hybrid-propulsion systems for city buses; and Meritor, a leading global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking, and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets. DANA, a world leader in highly engineered solutions for improving the efficiency, performance and sustainability of powered vehicles and machinery, is this year's Gold Sponsor. Silver Sponsors include: Whelen, a designer and manufacturer of reliable and powerful warning lights, white illumination lighting, sirens, controllers, and high-powered warning systems for automotive, aviation, and mass notification industries worldwide; and Cummins, a leading designer, manufacturer, servicer, and distributor of diesel and alternative fuel engines and generator sets, as well as related components and technology.
