PRESS RELEASE
SeaWestern Emergency Vehicles, MES Life Safety, and True North Emergency Announce Transition of Apparatus Representation and next chapter for SWEV.
Yakima, Washington — March 20, 2026 —
SeaWestern Emergency Vehicles (SWEV), MES Life Safety, and True North Emergency today announced a transition in apparatus representation that positions each organization for continued growth while maintaining strong support for fire departments and emergency response agencies across the Western United States.
As part of this transition, the representation and fulfillment of apparatus contracts for E-ONE, KME, and Fouts Fire has been acquired by True North Emergency. SeaWestern Emergency Vehicles will continue focusing on the design, engineering, production, and support of its proprietary SWEV wildland and specialty apparatus platforms.
This change reflects a natural evolution of the organization, which traces its roots back more than 80 years to Cascade Fire Equipment in Yakima, Washington. Over the decades, the company has supported fire departments across the region with apparatus, equipment, and service built around the operational needs of the Western fire service.
This evolution also reflects a strategic shift in the business, aligning each organization’s strengths while ensuring continuity for customers. Departments currently working with SeaWestern Emergency Vehicles on E-ONE, KME, and Fouts Fire apparatus will continue to be supported through a coordinated transition, including many familiar members of the existing sales team.
A number of the SeaWestern Emergency Vehicles apparatus sales team, including long-time industry leader Mark Merritt, will join True North Emergency and continue supporting customers and representing E-ONE, KME, and Fouts Fire in their respective territories. This continuity ensures that departments will continue working with experienced personnel who understand their operational needs and regional requirements.
“Most of our Apparatus Sales Team, as well as myself, will transition to True North Emergency and continue to support the E-ONE, Fouts, and KME brands that we have represented for decades,” said Mark Merritt. “I remain confident in both organizations and their commitment to serving the fire service.”
SeaWestern Emergency Vehicles will continue operating from its Yakima, Washington facility, with a dedicated focus on SWEV apparatus platforms designed specifically for the terrain and operational environments of the Western United States.
“Our focus moving forward is on continuing to grow the SWEV apparatus program and supporting the departments that have trusted us for generations,” said Jordan Koffler, who will continue leading the SeaWestern Emergency Vehicles division. “We remain committed to delivering apparatus built for the environments our customers operate in and maintaining the relationships that have defined this organization for decades.”
True North Emergency will expand its role in representing E-ONE, KME, and Fouts Fire, supported by an experienced team and an established service infrastructure across the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
“We are excited to welcome members of the SeaWestern Emergency Vehicles team to True North Emergency,” said Todd Hystad, President of True North Emergency. “This transition allows us to build on a strong foundation and continue delivering high-quality apparatus and service to departments throughout the region.”
Departments with questions regarding SWEV apparatus offerings are encouraged to contact SeaWestern Emergency Vehicles, for current E-ONE, KME or Fouts Fire orders or future apparatus needs please contact Mark Merritt or True North Emergency directly.
About SeaWestern Emergency Vehicles
SeaWestern Emergency Vehicles designs and supports wildland and specialty fire apparatus engineered for the demanding environments of the Western United States. With roots tracing back to Cascade Fire Equipment in Yakima, Washington in 1945, the organization has supported fire departments across the region for more than 80 years.
About True North Emergency
True North Emergency is a Pacific Northwest provider of fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, and equipment serving departments throughout the region. Based in Hillsboro, Oregon, with service and support locations across the Northwest, True North delivers apparatus solutions and ongoing fleet support to municipal agencies.
SeaWestern Emergency Vehicles
(509) 453-6527
evsales@seawestern.com
True North Emergency
(503) 848-3276
sales@truenorthemergency.com