The Apparatus Architects have been spending a lot of time on the road visiting new apparatus deliveries and met at Firehouse Expo to discuss some of the red flags that they are seeing.
Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur talk about the top three, including the "fire station syndrome," rigs that are too large, too heavy and the overall design is not being factored into the department's needs.
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.