About Dalmatian Fire

Dalmatian Fire Equipment, Inc. is the largest supplier of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus in North America.  Since 1995, Dalmatian has provided high-quality products and unbeatable prices for volunteer fire fighting, oil field safety, marine, hazmat applications, mining and many other industrial uses.  In 2002, we moved our service center and distribution warehouse from Canada to the United States. Today Dalmatian operates from two large warehouses in Eaton, Colorado.  Canada remains an essential market for Dalmatian as well as many other countries worldwide.
At Dalmatian Fire Equipment we buy used breathing equipment, and fully refurbish each unit to the highest safety standards.  Each unit is thoroughly cleaned and repaired to look and function like new.  The cleaning process includes the use of ultrasonic cleaners, devices that offer cleaning that is faster, more thorough, and safer than any other method. This method of cleaning is far more effective than scrubbing, soaking and steam cleaning. It's powerful enough to remove heavy oils, waxes, or proteins, penetrating enough to remove smoke particles from interstitial cracks, yet gentle enough to clean tiny precision assemblies. Ultrasonic sound waves moving through a cleaning solution create an effect called cavitation, the rapid formation and implosion of microscopic bubbles. Heat enhances the process by expanding the materials to open the surface pores that are filled with smoke and debris during a fire. The deep-cleaning action of ultrasonics removes even the most stubborn contaminants.
The refurbishment process also includes many extensive computerized tests including the Posi-check testing to OEM specification, and others down to the smallest detail, such as electromagnetic eddy-testing of cylinder threads for microscopic cracks.  Cylinders are tested under DOT license using hydrostatic testing.  Hydrostat testing is done by placing the cylinders in an explosion-proof containment tube, surrounding it with water and overfilling it to test integrity when over-pressurized. Our hydrostatic equipment accurately measures the tolerances of a cylinder while under pressure, and after the pressure has been released. If the cylinder does not meet the required tolerances, it is destroyed. Each unit is built to order for the specific customer so that the configuration and options exactly match the projected use, and so that all tests are new at the time of shipment.   All reconditioned equipment is covered by Dalmatian's limited 10 year warranty.

Russ Kates, President

Russ is an experienced businessman, owning and operating numerous businesses since he graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from Colorado State University in 1970. He has many years of experience as an executive in sales, administration, finance and operations. Russ has personally been awarded “Person of the Year for 2000” by the American Cancer Society, “The Hope Award” by the National MS Society and the “Torch Award for Ethics in Business” by the Better Business Bureau of Northern Colorado. Russ was the President/CFO of a $60M chain of supermarkets in Northern Colorado employing more than 700 employees. During his tenure the company won “1992 Retailer of the Year” for the State of Colorado, presented by The Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, and “1992 In Store Bakery of the Year” by Bakery Production Magazine and Retail Bakers of America. His company was voted “Best Grocery Store” by the Coloradoan Newspaper Readers 16 years in a row. Russ brings a “customer service” attitude to Dalmatian and is eager to make a difference filling your firefighting equipment needs.

Kevin Simmons, CEO