FDIC International is the largest conference and trade show for the fire and rescue industry in North America, and our team had an exceptional experience at this year’s event in Indianapolis. From April 7-12, we connected with thousands of fire service professionals, sharing the benefits of our Smart Suspension™ technology and building relationships that strengthen our commitment to supporting those who serve and protect our communities.
Showcasing the Complete Fire Truck Suspension System
One of the highlights of our FDIC experience was having an F-550 cab chassis, from Elevation Off-Grid on display without a bed, allowing visitors to see our complete suspension system up close. This hands-on demonstration proved invaluable for educating dealers, installers, and end-users who were familiar with LiquidSpring® but had never seen the technology in detail.
“Everybody sees the red strut and thinks LiquidSpring® is just a strut,” explained Don Gephart, our Marketing Specialist. “We were able to explain that it is a whole, entire suspension system—we’re removing the factory leaf springs, coils, shocks, and replacing all of that with our complete kit.”
The education didn’t stop at the hardware. Our team explained how the system works with compressible fluid, multiple sensors throughout the vehicle reading inputs 1,000 times per second, and adjusting the spring rate in 40 milliseconds. This technical depth resonated with fire service professionals who demand reliability and performance from their equipment.
Building Bridges: Multilingual Outreach and OEM Connections
FDIC 2025 showcased our expanding capabilities in reaching diverse markets. Gus, our newest sales team member who is fluent in Spanish, was able to provide comprehensive demonstrations to Spanish-speaking partners, opening doors to new markets and demonstrating our commitment to serving the entire fire service community.
Carl Harr, our National Sales Director for EMS and Fire & Rescue, leveraged his expertise to connect with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). One notable connection was with Spencer Fire, a Michigan-based manufacturer who is currently building a fire truck equipped with our suspension system.
“FDIC is always a great opportunity to connect with fire service professionals and vehicle manufacturers. These conversations give us a chance to demonstrate the real-world value of LiquidSpring suspension — from improving ride quality and reducing crew fatigue to enhancing overall vehicle performance and safety.”
— Carl Harr, Director of Sales, LiquidSpring
The Value of Fire Truck Suspension Technology
For fire and rescue vehicles, suspension performance impacts operational capability. Our Smart Suspension™ technology provides critical benefits for emergency response:
- Enhanced stability during high-speed emergency response
- Improved handling when navigating challenging terrain to reach remote incidents
- Reduced vehicle stress extends the lifespan of expensive apparatus
- Better equipment protection keeps onboard tools and technology secure during transport
- Driver and crew safety reduces fatigue and maintains control in demanding conditions
Looking Ahead
The connections made at FDIC 2025 reinforce our position as a trusted partner in the fire service industry. Our commitment extends beyond the trade show floor. We understand that fire service professionals need reliable, proven technology that performs when lives are on the line. That’s why 97% of Type 1 ambulances choose LiquidSpring® suspension—a testament to our dedication to the emergency services community.
Learn more about how LiquidSpring® suspension can improve your fire department’s performance and reliability, or contact our team directly.
