The History of Jefferson Fire & Safety
Jefferson Fire & Safety, Inc, located in Middleton, WI. has the rare distinction of being a FOURTH generation, family-owned and operated business.
Founded in the late 1920’s, almost 100 years ago, the company’s founder Everett Luden (E.L.) Jefferson started in the fire equipment industry as a regional sales manager for the Fyr-Fyter Company in Dayton Ohio. In 1948 he made the decision to purchase a Fyr-Fyter distributorship and move his family to Madison, Wisconsin. The first office was at 516 Mifflin Street.
In 1952, his son David Carl Jefferson joined his father in the business and they changed the name to E.L. Jefferson & Son. It was during this time that they branched out to fire department supplies and service. They were committed to the highest quality even then and sought out the best products available at that time. Quality service was also a large component of their business and David became an expert in breathing apparatus. In fact, his reputation is still ‘legendary’ in parts of Southern Wisconsin. This combination of quality products and superior service allowed E.L Jefferson & Son to flourish. In 1969, the business changed its location to downtown Madison at 825 E. Johnson Street. They also changed the name to the current Jefferson Fire & Safety Inc.
In 1975, the third generation, Peter David Jefferson, joined the family business in extinguisher sales and service. Peter quickly developed a love for sales and brought many new product lines to JFS. These were only the highest quality products like Task Force Tips, Angus Fire Hose and Morning Pride clothing.
In 1982, Beth married into the Jefferson family and into the family business. In 1985 the decision was made to expand the business into fire apparatus. After much research a relationship was solidified with General Safety Equipment in North Branch Minnesota. Our first truck sale was in 1987 to Milton Fire Department.
In 1994 Peter and Beth visited a fire apparatus manufacturer in Austria. The mission was to investigate a company by the name of Rosenbauer. It was clearly evident that Rosenbauer apparatuses were of the highest quality and engineering. This would lead to a great partnership between JFS and Rosenbauer and a merger between General Safety and Rosenbauer. In 2008 Lifeline Ambulances, manufactured in Sumner Iowa, were also added to the product lines.
JFS would expand its sales territory into Minnesota and Illinois and add to their outside sales staff. This growth did not come without pains and in 1992 the decision was made to move out of downtown Madison to 7617 Donna Drive in Middleton, Wisconsin. The 10,000 square foot location gave JFS a nicer showroom, increased office space, warehouse space and room to repair fire apparatus.
Tyler Roth Jefferson, the fourth generation, officially joined the family business as a sales representative in Milwaukee in 2010. In reality, Tyler’s fire training began on his first fire truck ride with his Dad, before his first birthday. The plan for Tyler to take over the daily operations of JF&S was rushed by the death of Peter in 2013.
Today Jefferson Fire & Safety is continuing to thrive under the direction of the unique mother-son duo; Tyler Jefferson CEO and Beth Jefferson CSO. Tyler brings extensive fire product knowledge, new ideas, technology, enthusiasm and a good business sense. Beth brings experience, stability, organization, a strategic business plan, and vision. Through their collaborative efforts, a new chapter is being written. In the fall of 2018, Jefferson Fire & Safety moved into a new home at 7620 Donna Drive in Middleton, Wisconsin. This new larger facility features a 5,000 sq. ft. service center, new training capabilities, an expanded showroom and significantly more office space. This expansion was necessary to allow us to better serve our customers.
We are inspired by our past and excited about our future. We are committed to uphold the legacy of Jefferson Fire & Safety. We are therefore continuing the tradition of dedication to only the highest quality products and outstanding customer service.
Founded in the late 1920’s, almost 100 years ago, the company’s founder Everett Luden (E.L.) Jefferson started in the fire equipment industry as a regional sales manager for the Fyr-Fyter Company in Dayton Ohio. In 1948 he made the decision to purchase a Fyr-Fyter distributorship and move his family to Madison, Wisconsin. The first office was at 516 Mifflin Street.
In 1952, his son David Carl Jefferson joined his father in the business and they changed the name to E.L. Jefferson & Son. It was during this time that they branched out to fire department supplies and service. They were committed to the highest quality even then and sought out the best products available at that time. Quality service was also a large component of their business and David became an expert in breathing apparatus. In fact, his reputation is still ‘legendary’ in parts of Southern Wisconsin. This combination of quality products and superior service allowed E.L Jefferson & Son to flourish. In 1969, the business changed its location to downtown Madison at 825 E. Johnson Street. They also changed the name to the current Jefferson Fire & Safety Inc.
In 1975, the third generation, Peter David Jefferson, joined the family business in extinguisher sales and service. Peter quickly developed a love for sales and brought many new product lines to JFS. These were only the highest quality products like Task Force Tips, Angus Fire Hose and Morning Pride clothing.
In 1982, Beth married into the Jefferson family and into the family business. In 1985 the decision was made to expand the business into fire apparatus. After much research a relationship was solidified with General Safety Equipment in North Branch Minnesota. Our first truck sale was in 1987 to Milton Fire Department.
In 1994 Peter and Beth visited a fire apparatus manufacturer in Austria. The mission was to investigate a company by the name of Rosenbauer. It was clearly evident that Rosenbauer apparatuses were of the highest quality and engineering. This would lead to a great partnership between JFS and Rosenbauer and a merger between General Safety and Rosenbauer. In 2008 Lifeline Ambulances, manufactured in Sumner Iowa, were also added to the product lines.
JFS would expand its sales territory into Minnesota and Illinois and add to their outside sales staff. This growth did not come without pains and in 1992 the decision was made to move out of downtown Madison to 7617 Donna Drive in Middleton, Wisconsin. The 10,000 square foot location gave JFS a nicer showroom, increased office space, warehouse space and room to repair fire apparatus.
Tyler Roth Jefferson, the fourth generation, officially joined the family business as a sales representative in Milwaukee in 2010. In reality, Tyler’s fire training began on his first fire truck ride with his Dad, before his first birthday. The plan for Tyler to take over the daily operations of JF&S was rushed by the death of Peter in 2013.
Today Jefferson Fire & Safety is continuing to thrive under the direction of the unique mother-son duo; Tyler Jefferson CEO and Beth Jefferson CSO. Tyler brings extensive fire product knowledge, new ideas, technology, enthusiasm and a good business sense. Beth brings experience, stability, organization, a strategic business plan, and vision. Through their collaborative efforts, a new chapter is being written. In the fall of 2018, Jefferson Fire & Safety moved into a new home at 7620 Donna Drive in Middleton, Wisconsin. This new larger facility features a 5,000 sq. ft. service center, new training capabilities, an expanded showroom and significantly more office space. This expansion was necessary to allow us to better serve our customers.
We are inspired by our past and excited about our future. We are committed to uphold the legacy of Jefferson Fire & Safety. We are therefore continuing the tradition of dedication to only the highest quality products and outstanding customer service.
Through the years with Jefferson Fire & Safety...
'E.L. Jefferson & Son' van circa 1952
Jefferson Fire and Safety's 2nd location on E. Johnson Street in Madison WI - 1969
E.L. Jefferson
E.L., David, and Pete Jefferson
David and Pete Jefferson at the company's 3rd location - Middleton, WI
Tyler and Pete Jefferson
Jefferson Fire and Safety's newest location in Middleton, WI
Tyler and Beth Jefferson, proudly displaying the company's rich history
