Our Heritage and History

In 1962 Jack Slagle started a one man part-time business, or some would say hobby, selling fire equipment and related supplies. The idea of this venture becoming a full-time career was something Jack kept well hidden, possibly even from himself.

The seed for this new business was planted a few years earlier. The year was 1951, Jack and a few other townsfolk decided to organize a volunteer fire department after an arsonist burned down half the town.

3rd mysterious fire levels one third of Virgilina Business District	Devastating fire that leveled part of Virgilina, Va. (photo from Halifax Gazette, May 31, 1951)

Throughout most of the 1950's and early 60's Jack was the fire chief. He also operated a small family owned grocery store located next door to the fire station. Rumor has it that once, in a rush to get to a fire, Jack accidentally locked some shoppers inside the store.

Another tale has it that a new fireman once caught a ride with Jack to a fire; when it was time to go back to the station, the weary man refused to get back in the fire truck. The fireman threw up his arms and shouted, 'if I can’t catch a ride back with somebody else, then I’d just as soon walk back.'

It was in small-town Virgilina that the seed for new and unusual business was planted, took root and grew. The year was 1962 and the first location of the business was a small, one room building.

With Mrs. Slagle taking care of things on the home front, Jack began a ritual of loading up his station wagon with as much new & used equipment as it could possibly hold, he'd then head out of town to cold call on Small-town and Rural Volunteer Fire Departments.

Mr. Jack Slagle's Ford Station Wagon

Slagle Fire Equipment Company Today

For several years now, all five Slagle sons (Virgil, John, Barry, Garry and Scott) have been intricately involved in various areas of the business. Jack L. Slagle Fire Equipment & Supply Company, Inc. owns and operates two (2) fully-staffed Regional Sales & Service Facilities, one (1) in South Boston, Va., and the other in Columbia, SC.

South Boston, Virginia Facility	Columbia, South Carolina Facility

Combined, these facilities represent over 20,000 square feet of display, office, warehouse, and service & manufacturing space. Reporting to these sales & service facilities are numerous salesmen who call on fire departments in Virginia, North and South Carolina.

The Slagle Family has dedicated its time and its resources to building a full-service dealership; one capable of handling most any need a fire department may have. With our continuing goal of striving to improve customer service, we now have SlagleFire.com; a detailed and informative fire-rescue apparatus & equipment web site.

New Fire Equipment and Trucks

Due to the after sale service & support required on some products, customers outside our normal coverage area will not be able to purchase some items. These items will usually be marked as such. When shopping at SlagleFire.com, fire departments and firefighters will be able to shop for fire protection items such as turn-out gear, boots, hoods, helmets and gloves. If your fire department needs fire hose, nozzles, adapters & appliances, foam & foam adapters or PPV fans & vent saws, we can get it to you. If you need warning or scene lights, we can handle it. If its time to purchase a new aerial, pumper, tanker, rescue, mini or midi pumper, skid unit or rescue vehicle, Slagle’s is here to serve you.

Pre-Owned Fire Trucks and Emergency Vehicles

If a fire department anywhere in the world needs a good pre-owned fire truck, Slagle’s can provide a dependable, reconditioned or refurbished: aerial, pumper, tanker, mini or midi pumper, skid unit, rescue vehicle or even an ambulance.

Services Offered

If a department needs fire truck repairs, or refurbishing & paint, Slagle’s Apparatus Service Centers have the skilled mechanics & craftsmen needed to do the job right. We also have On-the-Road Service Trucks that are stocked and Available for Emergency Repairs or PM Service. Our new service trucks even have on-board oil recovery systems to meet OSHA requirements. We bring the new oil and take away the old oil.

Closing Comments

The Slagle Family and the many dedicated Slagle employees would like to offer a sincere thank you to our existing customer. We appreciate the opportunity and privilege given us in serving the equipment and apparatus needs of your fire department, and your community.