Roanoke, VA – MES Life Safety, a trusted leader in fire equipment and apparatus solutions, is proud to welcome two new Fire Apparatus Sales Representatives to its growing team: Stewart “Todd” Stone and Randy “RJ” Arft. Their appointments underscore the company’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional service and support to fire departments across the state of Virginia.
Todd Stone brings over 30 years of fire service experience and practical insight developed through a long career of active response and leadership. He is a respected former Fire Captain with the City of Roanoke Fire Department and most recently served as Chief of the Bedford Fire Department, where he led apparatus procurement, fleet maintenance, and department operations. His background in emergency response, technical rescue, and firefighter training gives him a deep understanding of departmental challenges. Leveraging his professional foundation, he will focus on tailored apparatus solutions and services to enhance safety, optimize performance, and ensure long-term reliability for departments throughout Western Virginia.
With over three decades of fire service leadership, RJ Arft joins MES to support departments across Eastern Virginia. He most recently served as Battalion Chief for Fauquier County Fire and Rescue, where he oversaw a diverse fleet of apparatus, managing every aspect of operations, readiness, training, and service. With a career shaped by operational leadership, special teams management, and system-wide program development, RJ understands the practical demands departments face. In his new role at MES, he will apply his knowledge to support departments across Eastern Virginia with practical apparatus solutions and services tailored to their operational needs.
“We’re excited to welcome Todd and RJ to the team,” said Bill Doebler, Senior Vice President of Apparatus at MES Life Safety. “They each bring valuable insight, a strong commitment to the fire service, and a clear understanding of what departments need in the field. Their experience enhances our ability to support departments across the Commonwealth with the expertise and service they deserve as we continue to grow our presence in Virginia.”
About MES Life Safety
Since 2001, MES Life Safety has equipped fire, law enforcement, and industrial safety professionals with highperformance products from leading brands like 3M Scott, Honeywell, Fire-Dex, Hurst, and more. With the nation’s largest network of specialized sales reps and mobile service technicians, MES delivers unmatched support and service across North America. MES is an authorized sales and service center for Sutphen fire apparatus in Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, and for Alexis fire apparatus in New Mexico.
