It is always nice to bring on new writers with new ideas and different takes on a variety of topics.

If you’ve ever wanted to talk about your own rigs, lessons you learned from specing them, tricks of the trade when it comes to preventive maintenance, or other topics, don’t be bashful. We are always looking for new contributors.

One new writer, Douglas Pietz, submitted his first article, of what will be several, this month. In it, he covers a lot of areas, but there is one point he makes that I’d like to focus on and expand slightly this month.

It is critically important that when we are specing any fire apparatus that we consult with those who will actually be riding the rig. We should be doing our homework on other points, like how often we fully staff the rig (on the volunteer side) to determine how many seats to plan for; examining equipment usage records so we know what equipment gets the most use, which will help us plan for where to mount it; and, of course, other items like generator use, pump hours, etc. to help us specify those items. But, having the folks who ride the trucks contribute is critical. First, in many instances, if it doesn’t work the way they want it to work, they’ll make the changes themselves to make it more functional. But, more importantly, you are preparing them for future purchases when they are building the rigs.

Just like when you’re riding in the cab, everything you’re doing should be preparing younger firefighters to progress through the ranks to become chauffeurs, senior firefighters, and officers. Soliciting input from the folks riding “in the back” not only provides insight into how they use a rig but also allows you to explain why perhaps some things they want would render the rig noncompliant with National Fire Protection Association 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus. It will give them the opportunity to ask questions, and it will allow you to share how your and other firefighters’ experiences are shaping the decisions regarding the next trucks.

Don’t be afraid to admit when you make mistakes. For example, one department on a multi tractor-drawn aerial order took delivery of the first few and discovered that not going with a raised roof in the crew cab area was causing a problem. The department adjusted the specs to address it for the next deliveries.

Getting back to Pietz’s article, he suggests that fire departments ensure a truck committee for a pumper has an operator who knows the pump inside and out—including pump theory. As the spec changes, this individual will help ensure that performance requirements for the rig will be met. Operators know the rigs better than anyone as far as every nuance, every sound, every vibration. They know what works and what doesn’t to ensure t