Ed Smith, Director of the Emergency Vehicles Division at VT Hackney, has announced his retirement effective December 31, 2017. Smith began his career with VT Hackney in 1994 where he has been instrumental in growing the EV business from a relative unknown in the fire industry to being recognized as America’s Rescue Leader.
“I look back with fond memories of days after introduction of the first Hackney recessed roof bodies shown at national trade shows in the late '90s," Smith said. "That is when our team would hear statements like, ‘Wow that sure doesn’t look like a beer truck.’ I knew right then we had crossed the threshold of acceptance of a conventional beverage body as a revered fire apparatus.”
Effective immediately, Neal Dixon has been named General Manager of the Emergency Vehicles Division and will take over leadership responsibilities. Dixon has also been with the Emergency Vehicles Division since 1994 where he began his career out of college as a Product Designer. Neal’s extensive experience has included a broad range of roles from product design, sales management, manufacturing support, and engineering.
“I look forward to continuing the success we have achieved under Ed’s leadership,” said Dixon.“We have a great team and we will continue to push the product into the future as the industry evolves.”
Dixon resides in Washington, NC, with his wife Wendy and two children. He enjoys spending time supporting his kids in their various sports and hunting/fishing.
Smith plans to retire to Ocala, FL, where he lived previously, to enjoy outdoor activities, nearby family, and reconnect with the church he served with 25 years ago.
For more information about Hackney, go to www.vthackney.com.
