The insurance provider VFIS has announced that it will be voting against Annex D, a supplement of NFPA 1901, Automotive Fire Apparatus, because it disagrees with the removal from service of apparatus manufactured before 1980.

"VFIS wholeheartedly concurs that vehicle design, maintenance, use, and training are integral components of vehicle safety," said the organization in a statement. "We support regular testing and inspection of all vehicles to assure functionality and operability. It is also our view that converted vehicles should be removed from service, and replacing them should receive the highest funding priority from the Assistance to Firefighter Grant programs.

"We are concerned, however, that this type of unfunded mandate also establishes new standards of care for fire departments that may indeed not be justified mandates. In addition, for those communities which cannot afford to replace apparatus at the suggested frequency may result in a reduction in fire protection for the community.

"Merely because a vehicle is 25 years old, in and of itself, is no reason to mandate its replacement. There are many quality, reliable apparatus from the '60s and '70s that provide communities with appropriate and needed protection. The most important component of serviceability remains maintenance, use and training, not age."

VFIS is conducting further research on the issue and will advise when that research is available.

VFIS, a division of the Glatfelter Insurance Group, is the largest provider of insurance, education and consulting services to emergency service organizations. It was originally known as Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services.