Waukesha, WI – H.O. Bostrom Company, a leading manufacturer of innovative seating solutions for the fire, transportation and marine industries, is pleased to announce that fourth-generation family member Jared Bostrom has joined the company as a Sales and Business Development Manager.

Jared, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin and is pursuing an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, has spent the last seven years gaining valuable experience as a Sales Engineer, Product Manager and Account Manager at both Siemens and OneSource Distributors, a Sonepar company. His background in developing strong customer partnerships, working with technical and industrial products and identifying innovative solutions positions him well to serve H.O. Bostrom’s customers and develop new business opportunities.

“I am honored to join H.O. Bostrom and follow in my family’s footsteps,” said Jared. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team to continue providing exceptional products and services to our customers while exploring new avenues for growth.” As the Sales and Business Development Manager, Jared will focus on expanding the company’s market presence, enhancing customer relationships and implementing innovative strategies to maintain H.O. Bostrom’s position as a leader in the industry.

“We are excited to welcome Jared to our team,” said Paul Bostrom, President and CEO of H.O. Bostrom. “With the addition of a fourth-generation family member, we are reinforcing our commitment to the continued support of our customers and maintaining a legacy built on trust, integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence in seating solutions. Jared’s insights, gained from working at some of the largest companies in the world, as well as his engineering and business education, will be invaluable as we look to the future.”

About H.O. Bostrom Company
Founded in 1946, H.O. Bostrom Company has established itself as a leader in manufacturing high-quality seating for the fire, transportation, marine and specialty vehicle markets. Recognized for its commitment to innovation, quality and customer satisfaction, the company continues to set the standard for excellence in seating solutions.

For more information about H.O. Bostrom Company and its products, please visit www.hobostrom.com.

October 30, 2024 | 11:00 ET

Fires are growing and extending faster in the modern age than they ever have before. As a nozzleman, you must be able to think and act as an independent operator. This webcast presented by Kyle Romagus, is a deep dive into understanding the goals of the first-due engine and how to operate independently on the nozzle and attack the fire with cruel intentions.

APPARATUS: THE SHOPS Michael Huber

The cost of fire apparatus represents a substantial challenge for both career and volunteer fire departments. Effectively addressing these challenges necessitates strategic planning, the pursuit of diverse funding sources, and exploring cost-saving measures such as shared purchasing agreements (HGAC, NOVA, Sourcewell) or acquiring used equipment.

Given the increasing costs associated with fire apparatus, it is crucial to prioritize maintaining existing equipment to extend its operational lifespan and ensure continued readiness.

Selecting a fire apparatus dealer as a repair facility or a technician is a crucial decision, as it impacts the quality, reliability, and support of your emergency response equipment. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Research and recommendations: Start by asking for recommendations from friends or colleagues who have experience with apparatus technicians. Check with surrounding departments.
2. Customer service: Evaluate a facility’s responsiveness to your inquiries and its willingness to provide detailed information. Ascertain through references how it handles post repair support.
3. Check certifications: Look for technicians who are certified by reputable organizations, such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification Commission. This ensures they have the necessary skills and knowledge.
4. Experience with your apparatus: Ensure the technician has experience with the specific make and model of your apparatus. All apparatus have unique systems and parts, so experience with your make of vehicle is important.
5. Visit the shop: Visit the repair facility to assess its cleanliness, organization, and equipment. A well-maintained shop often reflects the quality of work.
6. Geographic location: Consider the dealer’s location relative to your department. A local facility may offer quicker service and support.
7. Ask questions: Inquire about the technicians’ experience, specialties, and the types of repairs they handle. Discuss any specific issues your apparatus has, to see how they approach diagnosis and repair.

8. Check warranties: Ask about warranties on parts and labor. A good dealer and mechanic should stand by their work and offer some form of warranty.
9. Communication: Choose a dealer or technician who communicates clearly and keeps you informed about the status of repairs. Good communication helps build trust and ensures you’re aware of what’s being done to your apparatus.
10. Trust your instincts: If you’re uncomfortable or feel pressured, it’s okay to seek out another dealership or technician.
11. Trial run: If possible, start with a smaller job or maintenance task to test the technicians’ service quality before entrusting them with more significant repairs.
12. Discuss emergency repairs: Since fire apparatus are critical in emergencies, ask about a shop’s/ technician’s ability to handle urgent repairs and turnaround times for critical issues. Check if the dealer/ technician offers 24/7 support or emergency assistance.
13. Long-term relationship: Think about th

Brandon Clark
Daily Gazette, Sterling, Ill.
(TNS)

Oct. 17—STERLING — After a sobering report on the condition of the Sterling Fire Department’s apparatus, many have asked: “How did we get here?”

How did the department end up with an aerial truck that has been out of commission the past 10 months? Why are there two fire engines that are in need of so many repairs, leaving the fire department with one reliable fire engine? What is the plan to shore up the fleet?

• Sterling (IL) FD Apparatus Report Leaves City Council ‘Shocked’ and ‘Horrified’

To answer those questions, we need to go back a few years.

The fire department’s situation appears to mirror a nationwide problem that comes down to changes in the Environmental Protection Agency requirements and COVID-19-related kinks in the supply chain.

“This is an issue affecting fire departments across the country,” said Kerry Federer, secretary-treasurer of the Illinois Firefighters Association. “Part of the problem is the change in the EPA requirements caused problems with getting a chassis. If you can’t get a chassis, you can’t build a fire truck. I think that’s also where some of the backlogs first started out.”

On Aug. 5, 2021, the EPA launched a three-year plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants from heavy-duty trucks through a progressive series of rules. The Clean Trucks Plan was completed in March, with the signing of the final two rules focusing on greenhouse gases for heavy-duty engines and emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles.

Sterling Fire Chief Forrest Reeder said supply chain issues during the COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to a backlog of apparatus orders that have increased wait times for these vehicles.

“I’ve been around a while now, and when I first started the business, you could get an engine in under a year,” Reeder said. “Now, it’s two years for an engine and up to three years for a truck with an aerial ladder.”

Reeder said his October presentation to the Sterling City Council detailing the fleet’s needs was meant as a budgeting tool to assist the city.

“The council, the mayor and the city manager have been tremendously responsive to the fire department’s needs,” Reeder said. “Because there is the potential for some pretty large capital expenditures down the road, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, [but] certainly in the near future, we wanted to prepare them as they start thinking about next year’s budget.”

According to Reeder’s presentation during the City Council meeting, this is how the fire department’s transportation roster shakes out:

Truck/Tower 4

The department’s only truck with an aerial ladder was purchased in May 2021 for $319,000. Its first significant repair occurred a little over a year later, in August 2022, at a cost of $9,200, with other substantial repairs following only a year later. The truck has cost the department more than $200,000 in repairs since its purchase.

‘The Twins’

These two fire engines were aptly nicknamed by SFD for sharing many of the same repair issues.

Engine 3 was purchased in December 2021 for $150,000. Its first major repair followed almost a year later with a repair bill of almost $28,000. Since its purchase, it has cost the department more than $75,000 in repairs.

Engine 5 was purchased just a few weeks later, in January 2022