Our History
The S.M. Smith Co. was started in 1983 as a repair shop for tents, sleeping bags, etc. It evolved into mitten manufacturing and custom climbing harnesses in 1987. Joining the fire service in 1989 I saw a need for mask bags and blackout covers shortly after Michigan passed legislation providing each firefighter with their own mask, rather than sharing them. we immediately started manufacturing bags. During FFI training, I was not happy using smoke or putting paper in our mask to black them out so I invented the slip on Blackout Cover which changed the nature of training forever. Our sales in 1992 were a few dozen bags in Michigan but after exhibiting at both the FDIC and IAFC around 1995, our sales picked up greatly and exceeded 10,000 in 2001. Since then, we have added several different styles of bag. We continue to produce bags and Blackout Covers here in Michigan into 2021!
Due to an injury sustained on the fire ground in 2001, I have retired from the Iron Mountain Fire Dept. Although no longer actively fighting fires, we will continue to be active in manufacturing the highest quality products and supporting our customers. Once a firefighter, always a firefighter.
Steven M. Smith Lt., Retired.
Veteran owned company. USMC 1978-1981. Semper Fi Brothers! Thank you to all Vets for your service!
The S.M. Smith Co. was started in 1983 as a repair shop for tents, sleeping bags, etc. It evolved into mitten manufacturing and custom climbing harnesses in 1987. Joining the fire service in 1989 I saw a need for mask bags and blackout covers shortly after Michigan passed legislation providing each firefighter with their own mask, rather than sharing them. we immediately started manufacturing bags. During FFI training, I was not happy using smoke or putting paper in our mask to black them out so I invented the slip on Blackout Cover which changed the nature of training forever. Our sales in 1992 were a few dozen bags in Michigan but after exhibiting at both the FDIC and IAFC around 1995, our sales picked up greatly and exceeded 10,000 in 2001. Since then, we have added several different styles of bag. We continue to produce bags and Blackout Covers here in Michigan into 2021!
Due to an injury sustained on the fire ground in 2001, I have retired from the Iron Mountain Fire Dept. Although no longer actively fighting fires, we will continue to be active in manufacturing the highest quality products and supporting our customers. Once a firefighter, always a firefighter.
Steven M. Smith Lt., Retired.
Veteran owned company. USMC 1978-1981. Semper Fi Brothers! Thank you to all Vets for your service!