Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur discuss answer the question "when is a fire truck too big?" in this month's edition of the Apparatus Architects. Listen as the two discuss the changes in apparatus and how they have impacted the overall size of the vehicles and how some committees try to cram everything on to one vehicle.
They also talk about one department's purchase of a rig that was too large for the station. They share several issues that came up and how to avoid this costly issue that can affect the department's response needs and resources.
Mike offers an update on the seal belt project that he has been involved with for some time and they also discuss several news stories, including a fatal apparatus crash and a blown tire that resulted in a pumper crashing into marsh land.
About the Author
Tom Shand
TOM SHAND, who is a Firehouse contributing editor, is a 36-year veteran of the fire service. He works with Michael Wilbur at Emergency Vehicle Response, consulting on a variety of fire apparatus and fire department master-planning issues. Shand is a member of the Firehouse Hall of Fame.
Michael Wilbur
MICHAEL WILBUR, who is a Firehouse contributing editor, retired as a lieutenant in FDNY, where he was last assigned to Ladder Company 27 in the Bronx. He has served on FDNY's Apparatus Purchasing Committee and consults on a variety of apparatus-related issues around the country. Wilbur is a member of the Firehouse Hall of Fame. For further information, access his website at www.emergencyvehicleresponse.com.