BROOKFIELD, WI—William “Bill” Foster, a pioneer and icon in the fire industry and one of the four founders of Spartan Fire Chassis (formerly Spartan Motors), passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Mike Virnig, Specialty Vehicles Segment President for REV Group said, “Bill’s impact on the fire industry is immeasurable. He will always be remembered for his contributions, including setting the highest standards for professionalism, continuing training and education, exceptional customer service, and dependability. Bill will be missed for his generosity, kindness, and being a true gentleman.”
Foster served 27 years as a firefighter with the Delta Township (MI) Fire Department where he held many ranks including Assistant Chief. In 1975, Foster and three fellow engineers established Spartan Motors and built their first chassis for the Covington (OH) Fire Department.
From 1976, Foster served as a cofounder and Vice President and, in 1978, became a Director on the Spartan Motors Board. Foster’s unique insights led to the development of specialized fire apparatus that prioritized safety and efficiency. In addition, Foster founded the annual Fire Truck Training Conference (FTTC) in 1994 to enhance the skills of emergency vehicle technicians (EVT) and help ensure the highest standards in vehicle maintenance and safety. After attending the 2019 Fire Truck Training Conference, Chris Mc Loone, Editor in Chief, Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment wrote, “It isn’t often you get to sit down with someone who’s been with a company from its inception. It’s also not often you find yourself in the presence of a person who can say he built the fire truck in the room that hails from 1975. When you do, you sit down with him right away. In this case, the person is Bill Foster, a mainstay in the fire service, and the venue was Spartan’s 25th Fire Truck Training Conference.” For the last 10 years of FTTC, an EVT has been awarded the ‘Bill Foster Award’ for exemplary service.
In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Foster received numerous accolades, including the Jim A. Bland Memorial Award presented at the Southwest E.V.T. Conference and a commemorative chrome fire hydrant at the Charlotte (MI) Fire Department, both in 2008. Foster also received a special award for his 30 years of commitment to Emergency Vehicle Technician training and education from the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA).
Bill’s obituary and funeral details can be found at: William F. Foster | Estes Leadley Funeral Homes.
