A multi-generational legacy of building firefighting vehicles thrives at Ladder Tower in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. Fathers and sons work side by side in the company, which specializes in high-ladder apparatuses for fire departments globally.
Ken Weaver, 64, serves as the manufacturing/engineering manager and has been with Ladder Tower for decades. His son Kendrick Weaver, 35, is the fabrication department production lead. Ken's passion for building fire trucks has clearly influenced Kendrick, who has been fascinated by firefighting vehicles since childhood.
The Hackman family is another notable duo at Ladder Tower. Scott Hackman Sr., 53, the facility manager, has been with the company for 34 years. His son, Scott Hackman Jr., 31, works as an electrical and hydraulic engineer. Both recall fond memories of playing with model fire trucks and attending annual fire expos.
Dave Evans Sr., 61, started at Ladder Tower 40 years ago and worked his way up to service manager. His son, Dave Evans Jr., 33, is the lead service technician, and the pair frequently see their work featured in local news and public service displays, particularly in Philadelphia.
Many Ladder Tower employees bring additional expertise to their roles, often serving as volunteer firefighters or EMTs in their communities. Julie Nuernberg, spokesperson for Ladder Tower’s parent company, REV Group, highlighted the pride employees feel in building life-saving equipment.
This blend of professional dedication and familial pride underpins the company's mission to produce reliable, high-quality fire vehicles.