April 14, 2005

Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc. debuts two new innovations at the 2005 FDIC.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA FDIC - Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc. has introduced two new innovative fire fighting vehicles at the recent Fire Department Instructors Conference, President/CEO Chris Ferrara announced today.

Ferrara, an industry leader in innovative and new products, debuted the new "Total Control" mid-mount aerial platform as well as the "Ultimate" a newly designed heavy duty stainless steel fire body.

"Ferrara mid-mount platforms combine the versatility of a 100' aerial platform in a low profile package. Now this popular model has been made even more versatile with the introduction of all the major pump operator controls located in proximity to the mid-mount platform operator's position," said Chris Ferrara, President.

With this new feature, the operator located at the turntable of the platform has full control of all major pump functions. This design allows the pump operator to have a full 360-degree view of the fire scene while located next to all major aerial controls.

In addition to the innovative "Total Control", Ferrara introduced its newly designed stainless steel fire body the "Ultimate". The innovative firefighting vehicle features a 102" wide fire body constructed entirely from heavy duty 12-gauge T304 stainless steel with a 2" x 3" stainless steel tubing sub-frame.

The new design is lighter than standard modular bodies and with greater compartment area and reduces dead space for maximum storage capacity. It features 286 cubic feet of compartment space, 178 cubic feet of hose storage, low 67" crosslay height and a 1000-gallon water tank.

Ladders are stored in Ferrara's popular "Thru-the-Tank" storage system, while suction hoses are located in enclosed storage above the side compartments. Other features include winch receivers in the forward compartment, large storage compartments in the wheel well area, pre-engineered wheel chock storage and an optional built-in hopper and chute to accommodate and dispense floor dry.

"At Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc., we consistently strive to provide our customers with the best possible products utilizing only premium materials. The Ultimate not only meets the current fire department needs, but offers innovation and flexibility to adapt to the future of the fire service," said Chris Ferrara.

In addition to these two new products, Ferrara also displayed their "CAP" Complete Air Bag Protection System and the revolutionary Strong Arm firefighting vehicle.

Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of fire and rescue apparatus. Located in Holden, LA and founded by Chris Ferrara in 1982, Ferrara builds a complete line of fire apparatus including Aerial Ladders and Platforms, Custom and Commercial Pumpers and Rescues, Haz-Mat and Quick Attack vehicles as well as Ferrara's own custom fire chassis, the Inferno and the Igniter, with options such as IFS independent front suspension and heavy duty 4- wheel drive.