The fire service has experienced significant changes in how we operate, maintain and replace our apparatus in recent years. This underscores the need for strategic planning as we navigate challenges related to vehicle acquisition, production delays and escalating apparatus costs.
A wide spectrum of experience
Without question, a large portion of the fire service still needs to work on the acquisition of apparatus to modernize their fleet. We acknowledge that many are trying desperately to find ways to upgrade a 1970s-model fire apparatus and at least get into the current century. With the slow delivery and high cost of new apparatus, even used apparatus costs can be hard to budget for.
| ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: Smarter specs: How to optimize fire apparatus design
On the other end of the spectrum, modern apparatus is evolving at such an incredible pace that end-users like fire department personnel must not only address the changes we currently face but also anticipate and adjust for future challenges. As just one example, consider that as manufacturers continue to incorporate hybrid and electric technology into new apparatus designs, this innovation doesn’t just impact the apparatus on the bay floor; it also impacts the station and the infrastructure needed to support the vehicle. Similar to when the fire service switched from gasoline to diesel-powered apparatus and then added diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), these changes need to be anticipated and planned for because they are not going away anytime soon.
Critical questions
So, when you think about your fleet, your plan should be similar in development and strategy, no matter if your organization is a single firehouse in a small rural community or numerous stations in a large jurisdiction. We can all acknowledge that “this is the way we’ve always done it” is not an acceptable rationale for anything we do in the fire service — and certainly not when it comes to our apparatus fleet.
With this in mind, here are a few factors to consider in this planning process:
- What do you need? Your future apparatus needs are a critical first question, even more important than how much you can afford. Why? If all you consider is how much it will cost, you will limit your vision and undersell your needs for your subsequent apparatus acquisition. Because apparatus acquisitions are a capital expenditure, it is critical to understand your needs first and then look at the budget to see how close you can get to meeting most or all your needs.
- Ask challenging questions about needs versus wants for your apparatus/fleet. No firefighter on the planet just wants something that works — if it’s blinky, flashy or has chrome, we want it. The reality is it all costs money. But I have also seen the value of adding a few pieces of “flair” to instill pride and enhance the morale of the rig’s staff. It’s all about balance. Remember, fire trucks don’t operate on their own. And if your people aren’t proud to be affiliated with what they ride, they won’t take care of it. Fire service leaders must remember this key point and retain an opportunity to invest in our people. They must be valued too.
- Develop a list of non-negotiable must-haves early in your apparatus design/build/acquisition planning process. Start with the basics, focusing on what you need. And this means everything — the apparatus’s gross vehicle weight (GVW), engine, pump, water tank, hose bed height, storage capacity needs, cab occupancy, and compliance with NFPA standards for both new and used apparatus. You’ll be using this rig for the next decade or two, so this is the time to get it right.
- Narrow the scope of the options you will consider. If you ever walk the floor at a fire conference like FDIC or Fire-Rescue International, you know how easy it is to get overwhelmed. But if you are at the point where apparatus acquisition is in your near future, there is no better place to find out what you want or need than the expo floor. Talk to the manufacturers, ask questions, understand what’s available, and assemble your list. Once you return home, it’s time to narrow that list and find a reasonable balance between needs, wants, innovation and cost. Based on your specific needs, the goal is to incorporate as much as possible within a reasonable budget.
New vs. used apparatus
New versus used is an issue that hamstrings many fire agencies because, as some might say, “we’ve never been able to afford a new truck.” Or, on the flip side, “we don’t buy used trucks here because we need a new/modern fleet.” But let’s face it, you could be waiting 36 to 48 months for delivery of a new truck these days. We must be flexible and consider all options. We cannot continue our “200 years of tradition, unimpeded by progress” attitude with our future apparatus. Yes, we want to plan ahead, but we also need to do what makes sense today.
Feedback matters
The fire service continues to face a recruitment and retention challenge. Our stations and apparatus are our “customer-facing” tools, and they help recruit and maintain our staff. However, if staff members don’t have any input, then they likely won’t take ownership of the tools and resources provided. Before long, that lack of ownership will show.
On the plus side, we have seen a resurgence in “washdown” and “push-in” traditions, which are excellent for morale. But again, if the team didn’t have any input in the apparatus, they probably just washed it and pushed it in. It’s not theirs, it’s just another tool. As Chief Rick Lasky reminds us, pride comes from ownership. If we don’t allow our people to own their part of the fire service, they won’t take any pride in the fire service, your organization or the apparatus. Bottom line: Get feedback from your staff on your apparatus acquisitions.
Final thoughts
In 2020, we went into emergency response mode, but fortunately, the emergency is over, and it’s time to slow down, reevaluate our apparatus and fleet strategy, get strategic about our processes and include our members. Their buy-in and support, from the design/build phase to the pride they take in using the apparatus, will be a key part of our fire service for decades to come.
Remember, your apparatus acquisition strategy is a key long-term consideration in your organization’s ability to deliver service effectively and efficiently in the future. It is also a key ingredient in your organization’s mission, value and community pride, plus your ability to recruit and retain your future firefighters.
