About us
Since 1994, our goal has been simple: make the lives of firefighters a little bit easier.
A better way to fill the tank
Fireman's Friend Engineering, Inc. was established in 1994 to patent and develop a design for a direct-fill device. The work was done by William Rucker, the inventor, and Dale Larson, the developer. Bill Rucker also invented the TOPMOUNT PUMPER, a design that has since become the dominant design for pumpers.
The decision to move forward came from the enthusiastic reception the valve received from fire chiefs, especially Lewis Baker, Pumper/Tanker Instructor at the Tennessee Fire Academy. When Mr. Baker saw the prototype valve for the first time, he said it was “something we have needed in the fire service for as long as I have been in the fire service, and that's over 40 years.”
We named the company Fireman's Friend Engineering because we sincerely believed this design would be a significant improvement over existing valves, making firefighting easier, safer and more effective. That has proven to be the case. Just as important, the valve has been in regular fire service since 1998 and has proven to be maintenance-free, while safely delivering more water than any other fill device or system we know of.
We consider it a privilege to make a real difference for some of our greatest public servants: firefighters.
Inventor and developer
William “Bill” Rucker
Inventor
Bill Rucker invented the Fireman's Friend direct-fill valve. He also invented the TOPMOUNT PUMPER, which has since become the dominant design for pumpers.
Dale Larson
Developer and founder
Dale Larson developed the valve. In his words, fire departments all over the country have been experiencing “the little valve that could.”
Fire departments all over the country are experiencing the 'little valve that could.' It is so simple, but it makes such a significant difference in the fire service. The bottom line is that this valve enables firefighters to get water from the source to the fire faster and with less hazard.
This is the best fill valve built today!
This valve is something we have needed in the fire service for as long as I have been in the fire service, and that's over 40 years!
Our history at a glance
Fireman's Friend Engineering, Inc. is founded to patent and develop a direct-fill device.
The FFE fill valve enters regular fire service, where it has performed without maintenance ever since.
The design is protected by U.S. Patent No. 5,662,140.
Please call for current pricing
We're happy to talk through which valve fits your tankers and pumpers. Call or email us and we'll get back to you.