The Apparatus Architects: Ideas for Cost-Effective New Vehicles
The Apparatus Architects explore a number of ways to reduce the costs of new vehicles this month. From a quick and simple “bullet list” to a true evaluation based on need versus cost, Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur share several factors that can help make your next rig more affordable and highly functional.
Shand and Wilbur also answer several listener questions, including proper positioning of ladder trucks, the differences between single- and two-stage fire pumps and wheel chocks.
They explore recent news items, including the report detailing what happened when a fire captain was ejected from a pumper at a collision and a crash that ended up catching a tanker on fire.
Please send any apparatus specing or design questions, along with feedback 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.