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The Apparatus Architects: Budget Concerns and Inspection Trips

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This month’s edition of the Apparatus Architects looks at the important role of the in-process and final inspections. While some city hall workers believe these trips are not justifiable, skipping these vital visits can be costly. They often wind up saving money in the long run. Better to catch the changes mid-stream than wait until the piece is delivered.

With the ever-present budget crisis hitting departments and the rising costs of equipment for manufacturers, the Apparatus Architects speculate on the future of the custom cab and chassis. Find out their predictions on the future of custom apparatus. Will apparatus be standard across the country?

The Apparatus Architects offer advice to help on future cost avoidance because of the upcoming NFPA 1901 Standard changes, including stowing away more tools and equipment. Also, tune in to find out why Caterpillar and Detroit Diesel will be leaving the fire apparatus industry in 2010.

The show wraps up with a myriad of issues including the best choice of warning lights and the need for a firefighter to be stationed at the turntable during an incident.

Please send any suggestions, questions or comments, to: podcast@firehouse.com

Related Links
• Emergency Vehicle Operations

See the Apparatus Architects Live
The Apparatus Architects, Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur, will host a live podcast during the upcoming in July. After kicking some tires on the exhibit floor, stop by the classroom on Saturday, July 27 to ask the experts about your upcoming purchases. Shand and Wilbur will be presenting “Design Considerations for Heavy Rescue and Squad Apparatus” and “First Due Operations with the Engine and Truck” during the classroom lectures.

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The Apparatus Architects: Rig Replacement Programs and Current Trends

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In this month’s edition of the Apparatus Architects, hosts Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur take a look at some of the recent trends in new units being purchased.

One of the new trends is the ever increasing size of pumpers. They discuss the features including length and added load capacity. Shand and Wilbur also look at the larger water tanks. They wrap up the trends discussion with a review of quints versus ladder trucks.

The Apparatus Architects talk about the importance of apparatus replacement programs.

Shand and Wilbur also discuss recent news items involving fire apparatus, including crashes and the death of a firefighter struck by a ladder pipe in Pennsylvania. They applaud NIOSH officials their quick response to publish a safety alert.

Please send any suggestions, questions or comments, to: podcast@firehouse.com.

Related Links
• NIOSH Releases Aerial Ladder Advisory Following Pennsylvania LODD
• Emergency Vehicle Response

See the Apparatus Architects Live
The Apparatus Architects, Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur, will host a live podcast during the upcoming in July. After kicking some tires on the exhibit floor, stop by the classroom on Saturday, July 27 to ask the experts about your upcoming purchases. Shand and Wilbur will be presenting “Design Considerations for Heavy Rescue and Squad Apparatus” and “First Due Operations with the Engine and Truck” during the classroom lectures.

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• iTunes - Subscribe to Podcast FREE Here

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The Apparatus Architects: New Rig Technology & Tool Mounting

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Hosts Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur talk about their observations from one of the first major trade shows, FDIC. They’ll review some of the latest designs they saw at the Indianapolis event. Hear what they have to say about the placement of a data recorder in a truck.

While 2007 saw a 17 percent decrease in apparatus deliveries across the country, what’s going on now?

Wilbur goes over the rash of crashes and other incidents. Recently, trucks have been stuck in mud and hit by blind drivers. And, firefighters continue to get behind the wheel after throwing down a few drinks.

The Apparatus Architects also will share their thoughts on proposed changes to the NFPA 1901 Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus that include significant requirements. The show wraps up with a discussion on the importance of mounting tools and equipment inside the cab. Tune in to hear what they suggest.

Please send any suggestions, questions or comments, to: podcast@firehouse.com.

Related Links
• NFPA 1901: Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus
• Emergency Vehicle Response

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The Apparatus Architects: Protecting Your Assets

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This edition of the Apparatus Architects opens with an update on the fire apparatus industry. The hosts will explore ways that can help you avoid major losses if your equipment order is not completed.

Hosts Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur review the latest news on American LaFrance and other apparatus builders. Michael Wilbur offers an update on recent apparatus crashes and his headline of the month.

The hosts talk about the importance of paperwork that protects your department’s purchase. Tune in to hear what they have to say about the issue. In light of recent industry changes, it’s a presentation you can’t afford to skip.

Please send any suggestions, questions or comments, to: podcast@firehouse.com.

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• Emergency Vehicle Response

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The Apparatus Architects: NFPA 1901 Changes & Pumper Purchasing

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This month’s edition of the Apparatus Architects looks at some of the changes being proposed in the NFPA 1901 Standards for Fire Apparatus.The proposed changes include the placement of a black box-like device to record vehicle data, tool mounting policies and more. Hosts Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur also will discuss recent fire engine crashes in which firefighters were saved by seat belts.

If your department is considering the purchase of a new vehicle, the architects offer advice on cost-saving methods to insure your department gets the right one.

The show wraps up with a continuation of the discussion on the state of the apparatus industry. The hosts give an update on the American LaFrance Chapter 11 filing, and the issues that other apparatus manufacturers are facing.

Related Links
• Emergency Vehicle Response
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The Apparatus Architects: A Bad Start for 2008 & Accident Prevention

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It hasn’t been a good start for the new year. There have been a rash of collisions involving both personal vehicles and apparatus. A firefighter in his personal vehicle was killed en route to a house fire. Several other major wrecks are highlighted in the news portion of the podcast, which features the new “headline of the month.”

The focus of this show is crash prevention. Hosts Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur will discuss the ramifications of collisions. What happens when the apparatus is placed out of service?

The hosts also offer tips for safe operations and driving. It’s essential not to put the lives of your crew or the public at risk. If you operate an emergency vehicle or drive your vehicle to alarms, you don’t want to miss this presentation. Your life may depend on it.

Be Apart of this Podcast at Firehouse World!
Join hosts Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur during a live taping of The Apparatus Architects at Firehouse World in San Diego. The show will begin at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6 in Room 24A. If you’re buying a new rig soon or have questions regarding apparatus, bring them to this informative session.

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• Emergency Vehicle Response
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The Apparatus Architects: Predictions for the 2008 Apparatus Industry

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This edition of The Apparatus Architects looks at the latest news of 2007. As the year winds down, several manufactures face big changes that may impact fire departments across the nation. Hosts Michael Wilbur and Tom Shand offer their predictions for the state of the industry in 2008.

If your department is considering the purchase of a retired school bus and ambulance, tune in to see what Tom and Mike have to say. The hosts will tell you why these units have been retired and why they should never be used for emergency response.

Just before a new pumper is delivered, it is pump tested. Do you know what that means? Tom details the pump test processes and Mike looks at the ladder testing. The Apparatus Architects share their thoughts on what to look for if you have your eye on used or rehabilitated apparatus. One listener admits the deal his department thought it was getting turned out to be costly instead.

Please send any suggestions, questions or comments, to: podcast@firehouse.com.

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• Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association
• Emergency Vehicle Response

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The Apparatus Architects: Working with Dealers and Warranties

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Whether your department is looking to buy a used fire truck or designing a new unit, this month’s edition of The Apparatus Architects is a must. Hosts Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur use their experience to offer advice on the purchase of used apparatus. Hear about how a department lucked out and purchased a 20-year-old ladder truck with only 6,500 miles.

They also will give valuable tips to use when establishing a relationship and negotiating with dealers. After all, your investment may have to last more than 20 years. This podcast also looks at warranties. It’s essential you get one that fits the bill.

The Architects discuss a question about a department’s new policy not use the “Jake Brake” because of noise complaints. They also will offer comment on recent news including the impact of firefighters nabbed for driving under the influence.

Please send any suggestions, questions or comments, to: podcast@firehouse.com.

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• Emergency Vehicle Response

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The Apparatus Architects: Accident Liability and Older Units

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Apparatus Architects Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur dedicate a good chunk of this podcast to several recent events that involved fire apparatus. From an engine that rolled into a lake, to a unit that was stolen from a manufacturing plant, the hosts discuss ways to avoid these situations. Another topic they’ll tackle centers around the liability issues that surface when department and personal vehicles are involved in crashes.

Tom Shand talks about the challenges a Massachusetts department is facing as it starts thinking about replacing its 39-year-old ladder truck. He also holds a frank discussion about agreements between departments, and the issues that may arise when one has more modern equipment than the other.

Please send any suggestions, questions or comments, to: podcast@firehouse.com.

Related Links:

• Massachusetts Community Needs New Ladder Truck
• Two Teens Accused of Stealing Apparatus from North Carolina Plant
• Ontario Firefighter Faces Charges in Death of Good Samaritan
• Florida Pumper Rolls Out of Station, into Lake
• Emergency Vehicle Response

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The Apparatus Architects: Manufacturers Roundtable for Apparatus Safety Issues

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In this installment of the Apparatus Architects, Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur present a roundtable discussion on the current state of the fire apparatus industry with representatives with several manufacturers. This roundtable focuses on firefighter safety in all aspects of the apparatus design and use.

Manufacturer representatives include Keithy Purdy with American LaFrance; Jim Salmi with Crimson Fire Apparatus; Allan Hollister with E-ONE, Jason Witmier with KME and Jim Featherstone with Pierce.

Topics for this podcast include: improvements to apparatus design for firefighter safety and the affects of government regulations on the industry. The current trends in pumper design, including standardization and streamlining are discussed as well as the increasing costs of apparatus construction.

Please send any suggestions, questions or comments, to: podcast@firehouse.com.

Related Links:

• American LaFrance
• Crimson Fire
• E-ONE
• KME
• Pierce Manufacturing
• Emergency Vehicle Response

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