Mike Olney joined the Horton sales team in 1992, but he didn't come without some experience: 30 years as a professional firefighter for Delaware, Ohio, and 25 year as a firefighter/paramedic.
In addition to his service experience, Mike created the first in-house paint facility for Horton in the early 70s. He had his own fire and EMS vehicle repair and service and provided factory service of fire and EMS vehicles from 1978-1992.
"During my career, we have gone from modified Type II van conversions, to raised roof van conversions, to the current all-aluminum modular Type I and Type II conversions today," Mike said.
Even the modular bodies have changed, he said. "The modular body started with basic riveted sheet metal, to all-aluminum extruded bodies that are 20g sled tested for the safety of the EMTs and patients," Mike said. "Interiors have gone from particleboard to all the aluminum cabinets used today."
"The greatest advancement, in my opinion, has been with the vehicle electrical systems," Mike said. "We have gone from high-amp draw rocker-switch controlled systems to milliamp-switch solid state to today's multiplexed Intelliplex system. These advancements are producing not only safer, but much more reliable Emergency Vehicles."
Mike lives in Delaware, Ohio, with his wife. They have two grown children.
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