I firmly believe that when a disaster hits and the fire service is activated, the fire apparatus mechanic or technician also should be included in the mix. There have been several major disasters in the recent past where fire service mechanics and technicians have been stretched beyond their limits.

Where do we get help with our “specialized apparatus”? For a number of years, emergency vehicle technicians have been telling people that a fire truck is not a normal truck and should be treated as “specialized apparatus.” We have also been saying you can't just go down the street and pick a random mechanic to fix a fire truck.

During a major disaster, when do we deploy mechanics and technicians? In my opinion, they should be deployed with a task force. Even the military would not deploy without a mechanic support team. During major incidents it's important to know that many mechanics can help keep the apparatus operational.

Mechanics can evaluate, report and repair apparatus in the field as well as in a shop, usually without immediate supervision. Technicians should know when it's too much work to repair the apparatus and what parts could be removed to place on another apparatus to get it back into service, all while keeping a record of what's been done. Assembling a team of mechanics would only enhance the process of returning apparatus to service.

Mechanics should garner some respect when it comes to repairing apparatus. The past few disasters have seen fire service mechanics not called up. Mechanics and technicians have been overlooked as a task group.

For example, my shop has an average of 45 apparatus per mechanic. When you're suddenly faced with 350 or more apparatus during a disaster, what do you do? Many mechanics and technicians will work many long hours and even days to get apparatus back in service. If that load could be lessened the quality of life could be returned to the area sooner.