In 1914, three Pennsylvania firefighters—Alan C. Hale, E.J. Wendell, and C.H. Young, Jr.—joined forces to tackle a shared challenge: make better pumps to protect their communities and support firefighters. Fueled by a vision for something better and the grit to make a lasting difference, they created the first Hale fire pump, nicknamed the "Young Giant." This breakthrough laid the foundation for a company that has become synonymous with reliability, performance, and innovation.

One hundred and ten years after the “Young Giant,” Hale Products is now a global leader in the industry because of our people, culture, and commitment to saving lives. Our people make us who we are, and our customers’ success is why we do what we do. 

The Early Years (1914-1939)  

From its inception, Hale Products focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance fire protection. By the 1930s, the company revolutionized firefighting with centrifugal pumps and a growing export business, setting the stage for the coming decades of innovation and growth.  

Hale’s contributions during World War II are a testament to its resilience and adaptability. The company manufactured pumps for the U.S. Armed Forces and developed foam generators that effectively combated oil fires. By the war's end, production had surged to meet wartime demands. 

Diversification and Growth (1946-1993) 

Post-war, Hale expanded beyond fire services, entering agricultural, industrial, and construction markets. Innovations like the ball-type discharge valve and high-capacity centrifugal pumps solidified its reputation as an industry leader. Key acquisitions, such as Hurst Jaws of Life® in 1984, extended Hale’s impact into the rescue market. 

The IDEX Era (1994-Present) 

Hale’s acquisition by IDEX Corporation in 1994 marked a new chapter of growth and global influence. During this era, IDEX’s strategic acquisitions of companies like Godiva, Class 1, and Vetter expanded Hale’s capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to creating life-saving equipment. Being a part of the IDEX Fire & Safety family of brands provides Hale with the ability to contribute to and benefit from a collaborative, cross-functional support team. This cohesion of brands comes together to deliver comprehensive, trusted solutions to help solve mission-critical problems, save lives, and better the world in which we live. 

Hale’s legacy is defined by the people who built it—visionaries who believed in the power of innovation to save lives. Each milestone, from the “Young Giant” to the first gasoline-powered pump to the development of cutting-edge systems like SAM, reflects a commitment to quality and performance.  

“The 110th anniversary symbolizes the trustworthiness of our product and our dedication to providing the best life-saving equipment in the industry,” notes Stephen Santa Fe, Customer Service Manager at Hale. “We are a company that drives safety, quality, and delivery, and we are making a difference in the communities we serve by providing life-saving equipment with the best quality in the industry.”  

During his 17+ years with Hale and IDEX Fire & Safety, Stephen has seen firsthand how Hale’s legacy stands the test of time and is a brand customers take pride in. “I once received a phone call from a customer with a 1918 Hale truck. This shows that the quality of our products is still outstanding in the industry today.” 

Hale’s longevity is a testament to its employees, who embody the company’s core values of reliability, quality, and service. “At Hale, we take extreme measures to ensure product reliability,” says Jordan St. John, R&D Engineering Manager. “I’m proud to work on products that improve emergency services and make a real difference in the field.” 

The company’s family-like atmosphere fosters innovation and collaboration, allowing teams to focus on creating solutions that meet the dynamic needs of first responders. Hale team members are proud to be a part of the global fire and rescue industry with equipment and products assembled in the US.  

Many of Hale’s employees have personal ties to the first responder community. They’ve either served as first responders themselves or have loved ones who currently do. This personal connection gives them a unique perspective and understanding of the fire and rescue industry's rigorous expectations. For over a century, they have risen to the challenge and exceeded every expectation in empowering first responders to save lives, including their own.  

The Hale story begins with and is sustained by brave first responders—the ones who use Hale Products equipment and solutions every day.  

As Hale Products enters its next chapter, the focus remains on innovation. The SAM system exemplifies this commitment.  

SAM is an integrated water flow control system designed by firefighters for firefighters. It simplifies and streamlines pump operations to save time and lives. By automating critical pump operations, SAM allows operators to shift their attention from the pump operations to the evolving needs of the fireground. The system centralizes pump, tank, intake, and discharge management into a touchscreen interface accessible from two locations on the truck. This enhances efficiency and safety in high-pressure scenarios. 

Traditional pumping operations require constant attention, and multiple steps consume precious time. SAM simplifies these operations by removing several manual steps, including priming the pump, charging lines, and adjusting pressures. 

“Developing advanced technology by teaming up with our other brands like Akron Brass, HURST, and Weldon is an exciting prospect,” adds St. John. “We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.” 

Hale’s vision for the future extends beyond products to encompass a broader mission: empowering first responders with tools that save lives while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. 

Helping fire departments adopt advanced technologies in the future is a high priority for Hale. Bringing new solutions like SAM to the industry with modern firefighting methods and equipment will help save lives and is in the same innovative spirit that launched Hale back in 1914.  

Hale Products wouldn’t be where it is today without the firefighters, rescue teams, and emergency personnel who trust our equipment daily. We are humbled to serve those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. This anniversary is as much about celebrating you, our customers, as it is about honoring our history. 

As we look forward to the next century, our commitment remains steadfast: to deliver reliable, high-quality products that meet the demands of modern firefighting and rescue operations. Together, we’ll continue to tackle challenges and embrace opportunities, ensuring that Hale Products remains a trusted partner for generations to come. 

From the “Young Giant” to SAM and the next revolutionary solution, our journey has been a relentless pursuit of excellence. Our 110th anniversary is a celebration of the people, innovation, and mission that define us. Here’s to another century of growth, service, and support for those who run toward danger.  

Thank you for being a part of our story. Together, we’re building a safer future.