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What History Can Teach Us About Fire Apparatus Trends

By Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director

The fire and emergency services are experiencing changes the likes of which haven’t been seen since the seventies, when the Vietnam War, the gasoline crises, high interest rates and inflation altered the landscape.

In the early 1970s, fire apparatus shifted from gas to diesel engines and manual to automatic transmissions, and increased to 500- to 1,000-GPM pumps and 2.5- to 5-inch supply hose.

That decade also saw a shift in fire-apparatus market leaders. American LaFrance, Pirsch, American Fire Apparatus, Ward LaFrance, Mack and Grumman, and others disappeared from the scene. The small, family owned Pierce began to expand to compete with big boys FMC and E-ONE, eventually knocking out FMC along the way....

Feature Story

An Apple a Day

Dec 1, 2011 12:00 AM, By Stephen Wilde

Preventive maintenance programs — especially those that follow NFPA 1911 — are a great investment....

New Delivery

Hempstead Rolls Out Two from Seagrave

Dec 23, 2011 11:35 AM

The Hempstead (N.Y.) West End Engine recently took delivery of two Seagrave pumpers built with Marauder II stainless-steel tilt cabs....

Apparatus & Components

Multiple Fire-Apparatus Makes, Models Included in Meritor Wabco ESC Recall

Dec 23, 2011 10:39 AM, By Janet Wilmoth (janet@firechief.com)

Two months ago, Meritor Wabco Vehicle Control Systems issued a recall of certain electronic stability control (ESC) modules shipped to North American Vehicle manufacturers from August 2005 through September 2011. Meritor advises that 10,700 units could be affected. ...

E-One Sends First eMax Vehicle Into Service

Dec 23, 2011 11:08 AM

The Apex (N.C.) Fire Department is the first to place an eMAX by E-ONE into active service. ...

Fire Truck Maintenance Tips to Ensure Safety and Save Money

Fire truck maintenance is an essential part of every fire department's routine and budget. However, with the nation facing an economic downturn, fire department officials are looking for ways to save money. FDNNTV.com's Barbara Brooks and veteran fire department Maintenance Officer Sammy Dominick, Sr. bring you tips on daily fire truck maintenance practices that can help your department save money and keep your vehicles in optimum working condition....