Hosts Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur look talk with veteran apparatus builder and design Keith Purdy about body construction this month. Purdy is President of Plastisol North America and former regional manager with American LaFrance and Saulsbury Fire Apparatus.
Purdy shares his extensive knowledge of fire apparatus body construction with listeners. They discuss the key factors in body design and construction, including overall use and equipment cache, climate and operating conditions, service and maintenance provisions and the expected life cycle.
Tom and Michael also discuss the use of personal owned vehicles during emergency incidents and what liability the vehicle owner faces when they turn it into an emergency vehicle.
Listen as the Apparatus Architects and Purdy examine the available options to help you determine your needs with upcoming purchases.
Please send any comments, questions or suggestions to: [email protected].
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.