HME: A Century of Engineering Innovation
HME Tilt-Cab Engineering was a fire industry first in 1983.
HME has provided the heavy-duty transportation industry and the fire industry with a 100-years of forward-thinking engineering firsts. From founder Magnus Hendrickson’s ground-breaking axle and suspension innovations in 1913, the first tilt-cab design for a fire apparatus in 1983, to the introduction of the first Compressed Natural Gas Fire and Rescue truck, and touch-screen pump valve technology and tandem-steer and dual axle drive aerial designs in 2012, HME continues to lead the industry with innovations and technology that have changed the direction of fire apparatus engineering and design today. Read More…
HME Storage Solutions to the Rescue
A new HME Fire Truck shows off its expansive storage capacity with a variety of shelving and drawer options
HME engineers and designs storage solutions to maximize capacity for equipment, gear, hoses and tools, as well as improving crew efficiency. Be sure to take an inside look into the innovations and progress HME has made in optimizing storage and performance, as well as the impact it’s making on today’s Heavy Rescue and Rescue Pumpers where specialized storage solutions are so critical. It’s all coming in the next HME Pumper Press. Read More…
Recent Posts
HME Scorpion Strikes Back in HME Two-Minute-Drill Video
Take a quick ride with the HME Scorpion™ in another new HME Two-Minute-Drill video. It’s as fast and exciting as the HME Scorpion is in action. The first tandem steer axle and dual drive aerial in the fire industry, the HME Scorpion offers exceptional maneuverability, safety and enhanced capability along with a number of industry-first-innovations [...]
HME MiniMax Two-Minute-Drill Video and Countdown to FDIC 2013
Another fast-moving HME 2-Minute-Drill video featuring the new HME MiniMax™. For the full length video visit the HME YouTube Channel. The list of HME Fire Trucks to make an appearance at this year’s FDIC in Indianapolis, April 22-27, 2013, is being made right now. One of the stars of last year’s show was the HME [...]
HME It’s Michigan Made TV – The 2-Minute Drill
If you haven’t seen the “It’s Michigan Made” television program that aired in 2012 on WXYZ, Detroit, here’s a chance to watch it from our new, condensed 2-minute-drill HME video collection, now available on the HME YouTube Channel. In 120-seconds you’ll catch all the highlights and best features of HME fire trucks, innovations, technology and [...]
HME Centennial 1913 – 2013
HME Ahrens-Fox is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2013. We’ll be sharing the history and traditions of the company, along with some of the most notable fire trucks over the past decades, during the coming year.
HME MiniMax Debuts in HME YouTube Video
The HME MiniMax™ has recently made its video debut on the HME YouTube Channel. Find out how HME engineers have expanded the capacity and capability of traditional mini-pumpers without sacrificing the maneuverability and economy that have been the mainstays of mini-pumper designs for over 40 years.
The 2012 HME Fab Five
While HME produces a wide range of fire apparatus to meet every need for every fire department around the world, five HME Fire Trucks stood out as fan favorites in 2012. We like to call them the HME Fab Five. Is your favorite HME Fire Truck on the list? If it’s not, let us know!
Lemons in the Fire Truck Industry?
At HME we’re dedicated to building the best fire trucks possible. HME Fire Apparatus aren’t just designed smart and built tough, but are made to deliver dependable service and the highest level of performance and safety possible. HME fire trucks are engineered and manufactured, down to the last detail, nut, bolt, durable stainless steel panels [...]
HME Made-For-America Television Hits the Airwaves
“Over the Wildlands of the West, the Great Lakes, the winding roads of the East, America depends on its hometown firefighters, and its HME Fire trucks …” This is just part of the narrative and the beginning of the HME Made-for-America television spot now hitting the airwaves nationally. This production is an expanded and national [...]
The HME Scorpion Strikes in Newly Released Video
The new HME Scorpion™ full-length video is now up for viewing and sharing on the HME YouTube Channel. Not only will you feel like you’re riding along on this unique, tandem steer axle and dual rear drive 104′ Platform aerial, through our multiple camera angles, you’ll also get to meet one the scariest and creepiest [...]
Evolution of the Mini-Pumper: A Closer Look at the HME MiniMax
The new HME Mini-Max™ brings a new level of performance and fire suppression capability and power to the world of standard mini-pumper design. Introduced to the industry at FDIC 2012, the HME MiniMax sparked a flurry of interest throughout the show. This innovative and affordable solution hit the mark for budget minded fire departments looking for [...]
The HME Scorpion comes alive and is ready to strike!
The HME Scorpion is just a few days away from being unleashed at this year’s FDIC. Make sure you’re there for the unveiling of this breakthrough in engineering, design, and innovation from HME. Be one of the first 100 visitors to the HME Booth #9434 and receive a free HME Scorpion™ Souvenir. Until then, enjoy [...]
One more for the road: The new HME MiniMax rolls to Indy
HME will be rolling out a number of new and exciting fire apparatus designs at this year’s FDIC in Indianapolis. In addition to the unveiling of the new HME Scorpion™, and the appearance of this year’s new star in rural fire-fighting, the HME RedFox™, as well as the return of America’s best value in custom [...]
HME Scorpion™ Ready To Strike At FDIC 2012
No one, and we mean no one, except the designers, engineers and builders at HME have seen the new HME Scorpion™. By looking at our friend above do you have any idea what kind of fire apparatus the Scorpion™ could be? It has eight legs and it’s quick, maneuverable and has the ability to scurry [...]
HME is on the way to FDIC 2012
It’s time once again for the FDIC, beginning this April 16th, 2012, at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. If you haven’t attended the FDIC (Fire Department Instructors Conference) before, it is the largest fire fighter training conference of its kind in the world. It’s a week filled with hands-on training, classroom sessions, and [...]
HME at Center of Firehouse World Exposition
HME was quite literally at the center of the 2012 Firehouse World Exposition in San Diego, positioned in Booth #1537. With such a central location, at the hub of the San Diego Convention Center, action swirled around HME fire trucks during the five day show which concluded this February 23rd. This year’s Firehouse World Exposition drew [...]
Cee Lo Green Says Thank You to Firefighters In a Music Video
Entertainer, singer, songwriter, producer and television host Cee Lo Green is everywhere. From his recent appearances at the Grammys, his Super Bowl halftime show and as host of NBC’s hit show The Voice, Cee Lo Green is one busy entertainer. But while he may be enjoying the spotlight of fame and working around the clock [...]
The HME 3000 Club – Big Boy Tankers and Tenders
This month’s HME Pumper Press is all about Tanker, Tender and Pumper Tanker engineering, stability and safety. There’s also a special section of this month’s Pumper Press dedicated to that specialized group of tankers and tenders that belong in the 3000 gallon Big Boy Tanker class, or as we like to call it, the HME [...]
California In Flames LIFE Magazine Photo Gallery: No Longer Available Online
If you read the about the California In Flames story and photo gallery in the recent NEWS FLASH in your Pumper Press (Issue 5), and were looking for the HME CAL FIRE truck featured in the gallery (pictured above), we are sorry to say it is now unavailable online. Right after going to press it appears [...]
HME Aerial Welcomed to Mackinac Island
An HME fan passed along this television news story (from Michigan’s 7 &4 News covering the northern tip of Michigan’s lower peninsula). The news story covers how this unique HME Aerial was shipped and welcomed onto Mackinac Island by the fire chief, mayor, and a retired fire fighter, and how it’s now playing an important [...]
Robert McGrath Returns to Duty as Fire Chief in Stratford, Connecticut
Only months after retiring from the Stamford Fire Department, in Stamford, Connecticut, Robert McGrath has returned to active duty as the Fire Chief of the Stratford Fire Department, in Stratford, Connecticut. After serving in the Stamford Fire Department for 41-years, and in the past 11-years in the capacity of Stamford Fire Chief, McGrath made the move only [...]
HME Made-In-Michigan Television Commercial Hits the Airwaves
HME is proud to make some of the best fire trucks you’ll find in the world today, right here in the state of Michigan. To showcase our dedication to designed smart, built-tough, quality Made-In-Michigan fire trucks, HME has recently produced and released a television commercial that gives viewers an idea of what the pure Michigan experience [...]
Michigan Firemen’s Memorial Festival 2011: A Made-In-Michigan Success Story
The Michigan Firemen’s Memorial Festival has been celebrating the lives, bravery and dedication of Michigan Firefighters for 32 years. This year’s 2011 Festival drew thousands of visitors from across the country, and around the world, for its traditional memorial services, parades, demonstrations and exhibition of Made-In-Michigan fire apparatus at the Roscommon Fire Training Grounds, formerly [...]
HME Fire Trucks: Built Tough. Built Safe. Built So Everyone Goes Home At The End Of The Day.
The scenario fire fighters dread more than any other is being delayed on their way to a fire or emergency – or in the worst case scenario not being able to make it there at all. The possibility of danger or an accident is potentially waiting around every turn and at every traffic light when [...]
HMEAxxess Phone App Now Available for Droid!
The HMEAxxcess phone app is now available for all of you Droid users out there! Now you can download and start using this exciting FREE phone app for your Droid smartphone with just a quick trip to your favorite Android Market App Store. Already available for iPhone and iPad users, HMEAxxess connects you instantly to everything [...]
Catch The New HME Red Fox for Affordable Performance and Quality
The HME Red Fox taking a moment to rest in its natural habitat. HME is proud to announce the release of its all new HME Red Fox™. If you haven’t already heard about the HME Red Fox before and have not had a chance to view the new HME Red Fox video that’s now available [...]
For The Latest Fire Service And Fire Industry News: HMEAxxess
HMEAxxess lets you know instantly where the action is in the fire fighting industry. From Spokane to Springfield, Chicago to New Orleans, you’ll have immediate access to the latest national fire industry, fire service, and incident news with the new HMEAxxess phone app, now available on iTunes. One of the smart features people are already [...]
HME Drive Trains: The Perfect Balance of Power and Performance
HME Fire Trucks are known throughout the fire truck industry for their best-in-industry turn radius, superior fire fighting capability and technology, efficient storage capacities, as well as the durability and long service lives of their stainless steel bodies. But what is sometimes over-looked, just because it’s expected of HME engineering quality, is the torque, strength, [...]
HMEAxxess App Now Available On iTunes
HME is proud to announce their new iPhone/iPad app, HMEAxxess, has released to the general public on iTunes. This FREE app is currently designed for your iPhone and iPad and connects you to everything “HME” with just one touch. Now, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, you’ll be one touch away from the world [...]
HME Innovations Provided Today’s Modern Era of Fire Apparatus With a Lift
The design of today’s era of modern fire apparatus owes a debt of gratitude to one of the most significant innovations ever introduced to the industry by HME. HME designers and engineers were the first to bring the tilt-cab design function to the fire apparatus industry. One of the most notable fire truck innovations of all [...]
THE MAD DOG Days of Summer: Compressed Air Foam Systems to the Rescue
It wasn’t that long ago that CAFS (compressed air foam systems) were something new, almost a novelty in the fire industry. Early developers of the system would visit fire departments and spray the outside walls of the fire house with foam to demonstrate how the fire smothering “foam” could stick to a vertical wall and [...]
HME: A Stainless Reputation in Fire Apparatus Manufacturing
Apart from the quality, engineering, superior design and innovations, what separates HME Fire Apparatus from the rest of the fire trucks in the world? An HME Custom Pumper is the perfect showcase for the class, durability, and sustainability of stainless steel. If your answer was stainless steel, you know your HME fire trucks inside and [...]
HME Rodent Packs Big Storage and Fire Suppression Solutions in One Small Package
There are standard and commercial solutions that can sometimes effectively fit the general requirements of a fire department. Then, there are custom build solutions, where a fire apparatus is specifically designed and equipped to meet individual demands and push the limits and capabilities of an apparatus to a whole new level. One of a kind [...]
HME Ahrens-Fox Best-In-Industry Turn Radius
Whether it’s scurrying down urban alleys, or running wide-open on twisting two-tracks, nobody can out-turn or out-manuever an HME Ahrens-Fox®. Ride along with us on our latest HME YouTube Channel installment as we put the pedal down to explore the limits of the HME Best-In-Industry Turn Radius on narrow city streets and alleyways. Our industry [...]
HME Ahrens-Fox Introduces 2011 Video Series With Hydra Technology
In the next few weeks HME Ahrens-Fox will be introducing a series of new HME videos featuring the industry leading HME innovations you’ll find integrated into every designed smart and built tough HME fire apparatus. You’ll also be able to view the entire of collection of HME videos on the dedicated HME YouTube Channel, as they become available. [...]
The Year of the Wildfire and HME Wildland Fire Trucks
Nationwide, wildfires have burned almost as many acres in the first half of 2011 as were recorded by the National Interagency Center for all of last year. The agency reports that 3.1 million acres in the United States had been ignited by wildfires as of May 31st of this year, compared with a total of [...]
HME Type 1 Interface – Born and Raised in the Wild West
“Necessity is the mother of invention,” right? Well the necessities of CAL Fire and the California EMA (Emergency Management Agency), along with California’s Mother Nature, certainly could be considered the mother of today’s HME Type 1 Interface. Lets start with the necessities of Cal Fire and Cal EMA. For those who are not familiar with California’s [...]
HME Hometown Heroes: GRFD Video Series Targets Fire Prevention And Safety
At HME we’re dedicated to building innovative fire apparatus designed to serve the specific needs of individual fire departments to protect lives and property. While great fire apparatus play an important part in fighting deadly and damaging fires, in our cities and communities, it’s important to remember that sometimes the best line of defense against [...]
HME Ahrens-Fox Red-Hot Sweepstakes
Enter on the official HME Facebook page to win! Click Toolbox to Enter Now through June 20th, 2011, it’s your chance to spice up your fire department’s kitchen and BBQ by entering the HME Ahrens-Fox Red-Hot Sweepstakes. Winners will receive an HME Stainless Steel Tool box, carrying the official HME Ahrens-Fox Badge, filled with a [...]
Stamford Connecticut : Unique Fire & Rescue Challenges Demand Unique Solutions
Apart from everyday dangers and risks, serving as Fire Chief in Stamford, Connecticut (see Farewell To The Chief) is not an easy task for any man, or woman. Located on the coastline of Long Island Sound, Stamford is only 35-miles east of New York City, and 40-miles southwest of New Haven. Not only does Stamford Fire [...]
Farewell To The Chief: Stamford Fire & Rescue Chief McGrath Announces Retirement
“All men are created equal, then a few become firemen.” ~Author Unknown Many of you are already aware that Stamford Fire & Rescue’s Chief McGrath has made plans to retire at the end of this summer. Here at HME, we wanted to take a moment to pay a tribute to the Chief, his accomplishments and [...]
HME Ahrens-Fox: Continuing a Legacy of Innovation and Quality
“I can think of no more stirring symbol of man’s humanity to man than a fire engine.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut Sometimes it takes an artist, even one as unlikely as Kurt Vonnegut, to put what we see and feel we have into words. Those who appreciate and understand the beauty of a quality fire apparatus [...]
HME Answers the Call to Historic Fire in its Own Backyard: 100 Year Old Kindel Factory Fire
Various HME fire apparatus, from all over Grand Rapids, were called to the historic Kindel Furniture factory fire, on Monday afternoon, May 9, 2011. HME Fire Trucks And Kindel Furniture: Both Handcrafted In Grand Rapids Various HME Rescue Pumpers, from stations throughout the Grand Rapids Fire Department system, were called to the factory fire at [...]
California Greening: The HME CNG Cruises Hermosa Beach
When you think of California, and Southern California in particular, what comes to mind first? If you’re old, it’s probably the Mama’s and Papa’s California Dreaming, or the Beach Boys melodies about surfing and their Little Deuce Coupe. If you’re from the younger generation it’s more likely Snoop Dogg and Katie Perry rapping [...]