Apparatus Architects: 2015 Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Roundtable

Hosts Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur hosted a panel discussion with several manufacturers at Firehouse Expo in July.

Panelists included Jason Witmier, aerial product manager for KME Fire Apparatus; Rich Holzman, product manager for Spartarn ERV; and Brian Bashista, vice president of sales for Atlantic Emergency Solutions (Pierce).

The discussion starts with the status of the fire apparatus industry, including current build times. They explain how the request for bonds can add a significant amount of time to the bidding process, which they say they are often seeing rush requests on. 

The guests share the reasons why the use of commercial cabs and lower-costs vehicles are not the new norm, as many expected. You'll also hear why the latest EPA emissions standards will impact apparatus design starting in 2017.

Each guest shares their best practices to help departments maximize their next purchase, including planning and design tips.