Our History

PROUD OF WHERE WE’VE BEEN – AND WHERE WE ARE GOING

LION makes the gear emergency service providers, civilian responders and militaries need to stay safe in the line of duty. We got our start at the end of the 19th century as a dry goods store in Dayton, Ohio. By 1941, we had received a commendation from Army Air Force Commanding General “Hap” Arnold, saluting the company for “outstanding services rendered to your government” after supplying the Army Air Force with electrically heated flying suits during World War II. Over the next two decades, we opened regional warehouses and had started operating in the firefighter station uniform market.

In 1970, we moved into the firefighter turnout business – and we have never looked back. We actually coined the term “StationWear” and were the first company to develop digital training technology for the firefighting market. Today, we continue to deliver innovative, patented technology to the fire service market. We have a dedicated research and development staff that works with fire departments to generate (and evaluate) new product ideas. Real end users collaborate with us on wear trials and focus groups so we can deliver solutions that work for actual first responders like you.

Ready for Action. Before. During. And After.

Trusted

We provide turnout gear to seven of the 10 largest fire departments in the U.S., and 25 of the top 50. We are also the largest supplier of chem-bio protective garments for the U.S. Military and National Guard civil support teams.

Capable

And we know how to go big. LION fulfills hundreds of orders for uniforms each week. Police, Fire, and EMS agencies across the country stay looking their best and are clearly identifiable out on the job in our Elbeco brand uniforms.

Focused

But don’t think we are old-fashioned. LION is on the cutting edge of our industry. We have a patent on the use of Digital LCD displays to create realistic fire training environments – and we designed, built and equipped the world’s largest fire training facility in Shanghai, China. Plus, we work with research and development teams to create and produce products that meet your needs – safely, cleanly and efficiently.

Committed

LION is still family owned and managed. With stable family ownership, we take the long-term approach to investment in the best people, new technology and systems.

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