A Look Back
South Park Corporation was incorporated in 1932 as South Park Hydrant and Pump Company. The founders manufactured fire hydrants and fire truck hardware products. Since its inception, the company has been owned and operated by a succession of family members.
In mid-1970, the company ceased building fire hydrants and focused on expanding its fire truck hardware product line. At that time, its name was shortened to South Park Corporation, a nod to its origin and location.
Curt Kemp and Curt Hintz purchased sole ownership in 1980 and ran South Park’s daily operations until selling to Erick and Phillip Schmidt in 2005. While ownership has changed over the years, the mission has remained the same.
A focus on quality fire truck parts at competitive prices.
Today, South Park continues to grow and thrive with new and expanded product lines to better serve the needs of those in the field.
- In February 2020, South Park acquired EZ Spanner, the only multi-function ratcheting, fire hydrant, fire hose and fittings wrench. A product designed by firefighters, for firefighters, this acquisition was about getting this tool in the hands of those who need it most and letting its founder, Dennis Garrison, a veteran Los Angeles Fire Department engineer, and his business partner and colleague, Dan Will, return to the day-to-day firefighting work they love, while putting these tools to the test.
- During the summer of 2020, South Park acquired FlameFighter, based in Minnesota and known for its innovative piercing nozzle. Over its 30+ year history, it grew from one innovative product to include seven models and six product categories.
At the end of the day, South Park has always been focused on providing the best to the best. This means quality, custom parts for those in the field.
Everything you need to keep your team rolling!
Because we believe there is nothing more important than our firefighters in the field and their safety.
Honoring It All: The Bell Tradition
Historically, a functional component of the fire truck and fire house, it…
- Signaled a start to the shift
- Called firefights to the station
- Notified the department of a call
- Announced an engine returning to the station following a completed call
Now, the bell is a tradition – a meaningful reminder of past, present, and future.
At South Park, we know the craftsmanship must reflect the significance.
When a new engine is put into service, the old truck is pushed out, the bell removed, and installed on the new engine before being pushed into the fire station … ready to serve and protect. It is a way to honor the past and the evolution of the firefighting industry.
The bell is also a sign of respect. When a firefighter falls in the line of duty, making the ultimate sacrifice, how is one way we honor the memories and the sacrifice.
For this reason, each bell – both a nod to the past and a look to the future, is crafted with care and intention. Providing the best to the best.