Fire industry leader Richard ‘Dick’ Young passes away

Richard “Dick” Young, founder of Performance Advantage Company (PAC) and former president of Young Fire Equipment Corporation, passed away peacefully on 17 March 2025.

Young was a second-generation firetruck builder, following in the footsteps of his father, Lester Young, who founded Young Fire Equipment Corporation in 1944. He began working at the company before serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Upon his return, he rejoined the family business, eventually becoming its president.

During his time at Young Fire Equipment, Young introduced several apparatus design innovations, many of which are still industry standards. After the company closed in 1991, he founded Performance Advantage Company in 1992, focusing on tool mounting brackets for emergency services and other industries.

Contributions to the fire industry

Young served as president of the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA), continuing his contributions to the fire service beyond his work at Young Fire Equipment.

Through PAC, Young expanded his impact, growing the company into an international business supplying products in over 38 countries. His experience in fire apparatus manufacturing informed PAC’s development of equipment mounting solutions used across multiple industries.

Legacy in the firefighting community

Young was actively involved in preserving fire service history and supporting his local community. He donated land for the Greater Lancaster Museum of Fire Fighting and contributed items from his personal collection.

In addition to his industry contributions, Young was a lifelong honorary member of several fire departments in western New York and served on the Lancaster Village Board. He was also a published author and musician.

Memorial services and tributes

Young’s funeral services will be held on 23 March 2025 at Wendel & Loecher Inc. Funeral Home in Lancaster, New York, from 12:00 to 16:00. A celebration of life will follow at Ripa’s Restaurant from 18:00 to 21:00.

The family has requested donations in his memory to the Dick Young Heritage House, a non-profit supporting Lancaster volunteers, in lieu of flowers.

Statement from IFSJ/FSJA

International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ) and Fire & Safety Journal Americas (FSJA) acknowledge the passing of industry innovator Richard “Dick” Young, whose contributions to fire apparatus manufacturing and tool mounting solutions have had a lasting impact on the fire service.

Performance Advantage Company (PAC), founded by Young, has grown into a globally recognized provider of equipment solutions for emergency services. His legacy will continue through the innovations and industry advancements he helped shape.