D.C. Fire Apparatus Purchase Process Scrutinized

The process D.C. Fire and EMS uses to purchase fire apparatus is being reviewed by city officials amid questions from the union. 

“D.C.’s really tough on fire trucks, and it’s volume more than anything else. It’s call volume,” Chief John Donnelly told WRC. 

There's no debate -- the department is in dire need of apparatus. But, the union is raising questions about the process. The measure headed for the council's consideration is a no-bid $25 million contract to purchase 18 fire trucks.

Their main concern is that Deputy Chief Michael Poetker, who used to sell HME apparatus, is the one responsible for the fleet -- maintenance, assignment and purchase.

“I want fire trucks. I am agnostic on the manufacturer...So, there wasn’t a bid in this process," the chief said.

He went a different route -- an approved method -- market research that began in 2024.

But, D.C. Firefighters Union Local President David Hoagland questions Poetker's relationship with the manufacturer. 

“It’s not uncommon for a firefighter to have part-time jobs, right? But usually it's banging nails. Usually, it's roofing or you're plowing roads, something like that, right...Now he's turning around and selling those same fire trucks to the department that he works for."

But, Poetker stopped selling HME trucks in 2022, according to the D.C. Board of Ethics and Government Accountability.

Donnelly said city ethics officials, who reviewed his past work with HME, found there was no conflict and the new contract.

Following the reporter's story, city officials said they will review the process.

One of the reserve ladder trucks is 21 years old while an engine is 23.