Steven Suché handles Yukon, government and export sales for Fort Garry Fire Trucks. He joined the organization in September 2000 and is based in Winnipeg, Canada.

What’s the most significant change you have seen in the apparatus area for the fire & emergency services industry?
The most significant change to new apparatus would have to be all the new safety equipment and systems required in the new 2008 NFPA standard and the new 2010 EPA emission engines. Also we have seen a many departments moving towards urban interface pumper/rescue trucks with more rescue equipment, driver-controlled pump-and-roll features, high-pressure pump and foam systems.

In addition, some rural fire departments have been purchasing economically priced formed type bodies, as opposed to the heavy-duty extruded-aluminum bodies that have been purchased in the past.

In your area of expertise, what is the top emerging issue that fire chiefs should be aware of? What advice would you have for them on this issue
The top issue in Canada that fire chiefs should be aware of would be the lack of federal government funding for the fire service. Most departments are now keeping their rigs longer than FUS and ULC standards recommend and their communities are losing their insurance ratings and operating unsafe equipment.

My advice to chiefs would be to get involved with their Provincial/State fire chiefs’ associations who are working together with the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association, as well as the Fire and Equipment Manufacturers and Services Association and their Alliance Partners (www.famafemsagac.org/) in the U.S. and Canada to get our governments to properly fund the fire service. Please read and download the "10 Key Facts Flyer."

What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Be yourself, be honest and treat your customers (all people) the way you wish to be treated and you will always be successful.