An Illinois fire chief recently asked me via e-mail if his department was required by NFPA to use a certified EVT to make any repairs to fire and EMS apparatus. He had been told that motor and transmission work could be done by non-EVT repair shops, but everything else should be done by an EVT....More

Who would make a good consultant — fire chief, fleet manager or apparatus salesman? What is the appeal of using a consultant? It is the sense of objective input, compared to working with a manufacturers’ dealer? Conversely, wouldn’t an experienced dealer offer more insight to a manufacturer?...More

Last week, while in Florida for the FDSOA's Apparatus Specification and Maintenance Symposium, I had the opportunity to present FIRE CHIEF's 2012 Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year award to Shaun Sigrest of the Springfield (Mo.) Fire Department. Sponsored by C.E. Niehoff, the award honors an EVT for his or her outstanding efforts to promote a high standard of excellence in quality and safety in emergency vehicles....More

More than 300 attendees participated in the 25th Annual Fire Department Safety Officers Association Apparatus Specification & Vehicle Maintenance Symposium in Orlando this week with a focus on safety, new technology and industry updates....More