Jamaica Fire Brigade receives helmets donation from Rosenbauer America following Hurricane Melissa

Helmets donation to support Jamaica Fire Brigade

Rosenbauer America has donated 99 HEROS Titan Pro firefighting helmets and maintenance parts to the Jamaica Fire Brigade following Hurricane Melissa in late 2025.

Rosenbauer America confirmed the donation, valued at $61,647 USD, was provided in response to a request coordinated by National Safety LTD, its authorised dealer in Jamaica.

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in late October 2025 as a severe storm and caused widespread damage across communities, placing pressure on emergency response resources.

National Safety LTD led outreach to industry partners in the weeks after the storm to secure equipment support aimed at restoring operational readiness for firefighters across the island.

Equipment details and response from organisations

The helmets supplied are Rosenbauer HEROS Titan Pro models and are accompanied by maintenance parts intended to support continued use during recovery and routine operations.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is expected to use the equipment to maintain frontline response capability while recovery work continues.

National Safety LTD stated: “On behalf of the Commissioner, we extend the Jamaica Fire Brigade’s sincere appreciation for this timely and impactful donation.

“These helmets will meaningfully support the men and women who continue to serve communities despite resource challenges.

“This contribution will enhance the Brigade’s firefighting and rescue capabilities, and the JFB is grateful to Rosenbauer America for its support.”

Joe Caughey, Director of Firefighting and Body Components for Rosenbauer America, said: “Supporting firefighters—wherever they serve—is fundamental to who we are.

“We are honored to contribute equipment that will help strengthen safety and readiness for the Jamaica Fire Brigade as their communities rebuild.”

Rosenbauer America has previously supported the Jamaica Fire Brigade, including supplying 30 fire apparatus in 2021 from its Wyoming, Minnesota campus.

MES-New Mexico becomes Rosenbauer dealer for apparatus sales and service

Rosenbauer dealer appointment in New Mexico

Rosenbauer America has appointed MES-New Mexico as its authorised dealer for apparatus sales and service in the State of New Mexico.

Rosenbauer America announced that MES-New Mexico will operate from a full service facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with in house and mobile service capabilities for fire departments across the state.

The appointment follows a transition in dealer representation in the region, which was previously managed by Artesia.

Rosenbauer America also welcomed Shannon Cherry, Apparatus Sales Manager, MES New Mexico, and the service team to its dealer network.

Service support for fire departments statewide

Diego Salazar, Director of Dealer Development, Rosenbauer America, said: “Rosenbauer is excited to welcome MES New Mexico to our dealer network to support customers throughout New Mexico.

“With both brick and mortar and mobile service capabilities, they are well positioned to serve our customers’ needs statewide.”

Cherry said: “We are proud to represent Rosenbauer and the company’s 160 year reputation for excellence.

“We align closely with Rosenbauer’s mission of saving lives and protecting property.

“We are excited to offer Rosenbauer’s full fire apparatus line.”

MES background and regional transition

Rosenbauer America stated that the change is intended to strengthen its presence in the region and raise service and support for fire departments across New Mexico.

Since 2001, MES has supplied SCBA and PPE in the United States through a national network of sales representatives and certified mobile service technicians.

Todd McBride to lead global vehicle sales for Rosenbauer America

New department to oversee Rosenbauer America global vehicle sales

Todd McBride has announced via LinkedIn that he has been appointed director of global vehicle sales at Rosenbauer America.

According to McBride, the role was created in June 2025 to merge two existing functions within the company.

He said the new department combines sales of Rosenbauer vehicles built on its global platforms, including the RTX and industrial fire apparatus, with the international sales team that supports fire services in the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean.

McBride stated that this integration will align products with target markets and strengthen customer partnerships.

He added that the teams will also coordinate to provide product support and market-specific solutions.

Focus on aligning products with market needs

McBride said: “By bringing these teams together, we’ll align the right products with the right markets, strengthen partnerships, and deliver innovative fire apparatus where they’re needed most.”

He added: “The Global Vehicle Sales team will also work closely with the International Sales team to ensure product support and solutions tailored to each market.”

Previous roles within Rosenbauer America

According to his LinkedIn profile, McBride has been with Rosenbauer America for over 20 years.

He was most recently RTX programme manager from June 2024 to June 2025.

Before that, he served as RTX sales and marketing manager from May 2021 to June 2024.

His earlier positions included business development manager for digital solutions, CPQ configuration administrator, and product manager for Raptor and T-Rex aerials.

He also held roles in inside sales, including team lead and presales specialist.

Career progression and experience

McBride’s career began at Rosenbauer America in April 2005 as an apparatus specialist.

He later became inside sales contract administrator and subsequently advanced through various leadership positions.

According to his profile, his skills include sales and customer service.

He has worked in hybrid, remote and on-site capacities during his time with the company.

Global reach of Rosenbauer America

Rosenbauer America produces fire apparatus for domestic and international markets.

Its global platform products include vehicles designed for municipal, industrial and specialised firefighting applications.

The company exports to regions including the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean.

According to McBride, the new department aims to better match these products with local requirements.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This appointment indicates a shift in Rosenbauer America’s approach to international sales by combining product and regional expertise under one role.

For fire and safety professionals, it may mean more tailored equipment offerings and improved support in export markets.

The integration of global platform vehicle sales with international sales teams could lead to closer alignment between equipment design and operational needs in different regions.

Rosenbauer America creates global vehicle sales director role: Summary

Todd McBride announced via LinkedIn that he has been appointed director of global vehicle sales at Rosenbauer America.

The role was created in June 2025 to combine sales of global platform vehicles with international sales.

Products covered include the RTX and industrial fire apparatus.

Export regions include the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean.

McBride has worked for Rosenbauer America for over 20 years.

Previous roles include RTX programme manager and RTX sales and marketing manager.

He also held positions in business development, configuration administration, product management and inside sales.

The company produces fire apparatus for municipal, industrial and specialist applications.

It exports products worldwide and aims to match them with regional requirements.

Rosenbauer America recognised with Governor’s International Trade Award

Rosenbauer’s commitment to innovation and foreign investment acknowledged

Rosenbauer America, a leading manufacturer of fire apparatus, has been honoured with the 2023 Governor’s International Trade Award.

This recognition comes as a testament to the company’s significant contributions through foreign direct investment and its pioneering efforts in electric vehicle (EV) fire trucks.

Kevin McKinnon, Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Economic Development and Research, highlighted Rosenbauer America’s growth and transition into EV fire trucks as key factors for this accolade.

The Governor’s International Trade Awards annually recognise Minnesota companies excelling in foreign market exports and foreign-owned firms contributing significantly to Minnesota’s economy.

Rosenbauer America’s journey in Minnesota

Rosenbauer’s history in Minnesota dates back to 1929, starting with General Safety Fire Equipment in Lindstrom.

After merging with Austria’s Rosenbauer International in 1995, the company has significantly grown its presence in the state.

Operating from Wyoming, Minnesota, Rosenbauer Minnesota and Rosenbauer Motors now employ over 450 people and produce more than 700 fire apparatus yearly, serving both domestic and international markets.

Edmund Penz, Director of RTX and EV Technology at Rosenbauer America, expressed pride in the company’s recognition for its investment in the future of firefighting.

Rosenbauer’s pioneering electric fire engine

The Rosenbauer RTX electric fire engine represents a groundbreaking development in emergency vehicles.

Designed from scratch, this fully electric fire truck is set to be deployed in Minnesota’s capital, St. Paul, joining other forward-thinking cities like Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Boulder in electrifying their firefighting fleets.

IFSJ Comment

Rosenbauer America’s receipt of the 2023 Governor’s International Trade Award is a significant milestone in the fire and safety industry.

This award reflects the company’s dedication to innovation, particularly in developing electric fire trucks, which are critical for sustainable and efficient emergency response solutions.

Rosenbauer’s presence in Minnesota, dating back nearly a century, underscores the long-standing commitment to the state’s economic development and the fire safety sector.

The deployment of their electric fire engine, the RTX, in St. Paul and other cities marks a significant shift towards environmentally friendly firefighting technologies.

This move not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also sets a new standard in emergency vehicle technology, potentially influencing future designs and implementations in the industry.

Rosenbauer America announces partnership with IKON Fire

Rosenbauer America has announced that it will partner with IKON Fire, LLC for apparatus sales and service in the states of Colorado and Wyoming effective immediately.

IKON Fire brings more than 50 years of apparatus sales and service to the region and is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, 70 miles north of Denver, Colorado and Wyoming departments now have a close resource for sales and service of Rosenbauer apparatus and equipment sales.

Mark Fusco, President of Rosenbauer America, said: “Rosenbauer is thrilled to welcome IKON Fire to our dealer network to serve customers in Colorado and Wyoming.

“IKON is well known and respected throughout the fire industry for the highest levels of integrity and customer service. IKON has convenient brick-and-mortar and mobile service options available for customers throughout Colorado and Wyoming.”

IKON Fire President Ron Weinmeister expressed his excitement about the partnership: “We are proud to represent Rosenbauer and the company’s 150-year-old reputation. We share in Rosenbauer’s mission of saving lives and protecting property.

“We are excited to be an authorised dealer of Rosenbauer’s fire apparatus line, especially its aerial lineup. Colorado and Wyoming are experiencing amazing growth, and these vehicles will serve our community well.

Staffed by EVT-certified technicians, IKON’s 160,000-sq-ft facility provides chassis, engine and driveline service, as well as accident repair and fire pump maintenance.

IKON has revealed plans to display Rosenbauer demo units at the Fire Leadership Challenge, hosted by the Colorado State Fire Chiefs in Keystone, Colo., in mid-October 2023.

Fusco added: “IKON was a natural choice for Rosenbauer to partner with, making IKON Fire, LLC the premium authorized Rosenbauer sales and service dealership for Colorado and Wyoming.”

Rosenbauer America donates 24,000 KN95 facemasks to first responders

Rosenbauer America has donated 24,000 KN95 facemasks to first responders as a thank you for their dedication through the COVID-19 pandemic – distributed to fire departments across the United States and Canada.

“Our communities rely on first responders answering calls for service; we need to protect their health and safety,” said John Slawson, Chairman and CEO of Rosenbauer America. “COVID-19 is personal; the virus literally follows responders home, subsequently, threatening the family members of our first responders with infection. Never before have our first responders been so concerned that they have chosen to self-isolate away from their families.”

Rosenbauer’s partner network has been surveying fire departments to determine where this donation can fill gaps in KN95 supplies. “In early March our network partners were going on product demo calls to fire departments; their focus has transitioned to that of ally against COVID-19,” said Slawson. “More than 40% of fire departments lack adequate PPE according to industry experts. We wanted to help in whatever way we could to keep our first responders safe. We are all in this together; we are an ecosystem, and we must continue to be vigilant and support our first responders.”

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