Chief Kurt Nass Says His Department's Pumper Truck is the "Future of Firefighting"

By Spencer Staff

How a leap of faith—and a groundbreaking technology—redefined one department's front-line response

Six years ago, Chief Kurt Nass of the Hadley Township Fire Department took a leap that would reshape his department's capabilities—and help lead the evolution of fire apparatus technology. Today, he proudly calls their pumper truck, built by Spencer Fire Trucks and featuring the innovative SAM System, "the future of firefighting."

It all began in 2018 at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC), where Nass and his team were scouting builders for a new front-line pumper. That's where they first met Grant Spencer, president of Spencer Fire Trucks. "After meeting with them, it was quickly apparent there was something different about the company compared to all the other sales pitches," Nass recalls.

Unlike many manufacturers, Spencer stood out not just in philosophy but in practicality. They were one of only two companies willing—and eager—to build a midship pumper with identical pump controls on both sides, a rare and highly specialized design that would dramatically improve operational efficiency.

From that first handshake, the process was different. "The family business actually felt like a family business with customer care that was genuine, Nass explains. Spec'ing the pumper was smooth—the Spencer team offered tweaks that better suited our needs."

But it was during the build phase that Spencer truly broke ground. Grant Spencer reached out to Nass personally with an exciting proposition: to be the first department in the world to field a front-line pumper equipped with the SAM System—a revolutionary pump control interface developed by IDEX Corporation. Though still in limited deployment and not yet in full production, the SAM System was poised to change firefighting operations through automation and intuitive controls.

"We decided to take a leap of faith and go with it," says Nass.

That leap paid off.

The pumper, completed and delivered in July 2019, debuted at the 2019 FDIC Show and was immediately recognized as a standout in innovation. It was the world's first fully functional midship pumper built with the SAM System.

"The craftsmanship was outstanding," says Nass. "And after the sale, follow-ups were often and appreciated. Like I said, this is a family business that makes you feel like family."

Even without a formal instruction manual, the department was able to quickly familiarize itself with the SAM System. "The IDEX/SAM sales rep couldn't be there right away, so he told us, 'Just play with it.' We had a training meeting and figured it out in minutes. That night, the truck went into service."

Today, six years later, that same truck remains the cornerstone of the department's fleet—and still draws admiration. "It's still, in our opinion, the best pumper in the world," Nass says confidently.

More than just an apparatus, the truck represents what can happen when tradition meets innovation—and when trust, craftsmanship, and vision come together. For Chief Kurt Nass and his department, the decision to take that leap has not only transformed their firefighting capabilities but also set a new standard for what's possible in fire service technology.

"This truck was more than just a build—it was a partnership," Nass says. "And it's proof that sometimes, taking a leap of faith is exactly what moves the fire service forward."

In 2022, we began the build of a 3,500 gallon tanker. Spencer was the only consideration. We took delivery in June of 2024. “We now have two Spencer front-line trucks. Quality is our reason for the return business. Having it a Michigan-made product is the icing on the cake for us. The Spencer family puts their name on the product and the pride shows”.

With two Spencer rigs already in active service, Chief Nass looks ahead to 2028, when the department will replace its pumper/rescue, completing a front-line fleet exclusively built by Spencer. It’s a decision grounded in performance, trust, and a belief that the best tools make better firefighters.

“Our firefighters take pride in our apparatus,” said Nass. “We believe they’re the best in the world. And based on their continued performance, we stand by that. I highly recommend the Spencer brand—in my mind, they are hands down the best!”

March 13, 2025, SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. Custom fire and rescue apparatus manufacturer, Spencer Manufacturing, Inc. has finalized construction of a new 40,000 square foot addition at its facility located at 165 Veterans Boulevard in South Haven, Michigan. The new space, which opened in phases over the last year, has increased the company's total square footage by 150%, doubled the service, fabrication and painting capacities and tripled assembly capabilities, aiding in reducing lead times for fire departments. The expansion also provided an opportunity to upgrade and acquire new equipment and technology, including two state-of-the-art paint booths, a press brake and laser, plus four 5-ton cranes.  

"The expansion has been extremely conducive to increasing our performance in all areas, especially regarding employee and customer experience. Providing exceptional customer service has been one of our core values for 40 years, and the expansion has reinforced our commitment to our customers", said Spencer Manufacturing President, Grant Spencer. "Equally important is supporting our employees and ensuring they have what they need to succeed. Without our team, we wouldn't be where we are today." The new space features comfortable viewing areas throughout the facility to allow clients to be a part of the final stages of production, a dedicated workspace for engineering collaboration, upgraded LED shop lighting and space for stock truck production.  

In addition to leveling up for efficiency and production, Spencer Manufacturing continues to positively impact the local economy.  The increased production has generated new employment opportunities and relocation to the community, helping stabilize South Haven's volatile seasonal economy. "Spencer Manufacturing is a community business leader and checks all the boxes in being a premier employer in the South Haven area. It is family-owned, community-oriented and a year-round business providing family-supporting jobs. We are fortunate to be the home of Spencer Manufacturing," said James Hettinger, Economic Development Advisor to the City of South Haven. In the last year, the company has increased employee head count by 30%, recruiting top talent from across the country and locally to accommodate the increased production and continues to hire, adding jobs to the area. 

About Spencer Manufacturing -   

Spencer Manufacturing was founded by volunteer firefighter, Brian Spencer in 1986. The custom fire and rescue apparatus manufacturer has built and serviced trucks for fire departments nationwide for nearly 40 years. Spencer Manufacturing's single in-house team produces fully customized fire and rescue apparatus, from design to delivery, at its South Haven, Michigan facility.   

Today, the next generation is carrying on the legacy that their father started. Under Grant, Garrett and Quintin Spencer's leadership, Spencer Fire Trucks continues to provide departments across the nation with superior, purpose-built trucks designed and built with crews in mind.  

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