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The Finest Supporting the Bravest!

The purpose of the Fire Mechanics Section is to promote standardization of fire apparatus and equipment preventative maintenance, improve safety standards and practices, promote workshops, conferences, and seminars related to the purposes of this Section, and to promote cost savings through standardization of building and equipment purchasing and maintenance.

RECENT FIRE MECHANIC NEWS

Posted: Apr 9, 2025

Fire Apparatus at FDIC International 2025: Wednesday

Check out the rigs on display Wednesday, April 9, at FDIC International 2025. Fire apparatus will be on display at the Indianapolis Convention Center and in Lucas Oil Stadium. Photos by Jonathan Miller.

Posted: Apr 9, 2025

How to Handle Warranty Repairs and Maximize Manufacturer Support

APPARATUS: THE SHOPS

MICHAEL HUBER

Handling fire apparatus warranty repairs and maximizing manufacturer support require a proactive and organized approach to ensure the apparatus remains in optimal condition and any issues are promptly addressed.

Through trials and tribulations and a lot of frustration, here is some information I have learned along the way that could help you manage this process.

Know the Warranty Terms

Review the warranty documentation. Understand the warranty coverage, including the duration and what parts and services are covered. Ensure labor for the repair is included and understand any exclusions of the policy. This will allow you to identify what is eligible for repairs or replacement.

Ensure the correct registration. Ensure you register the fire apparatus with the manufacturer as soon as you purchase it or take delivery. You can often do this online. It ensures that you’re covered by the warranty from day one. Coordinate this with the dealer, as the dealer is the one profiting from not only the sale of the apparatus but the warranty repair reimbursement. A proficient sales representative will perform this task either with you or for you.

Keep all records, including proof of purchase, maintenance logs, and repair history. Manufacturers may require this for warranty claims.

Develop a Maintenance Schedule

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and procedures. This ensures that warranty coverage is not voided and helps prevent issues that could arise from neglect. In the case of engines or generators, make sure you use the specified lubricants so your warranty is not voided. The last thing you want is for the manufacturer to perform an oil analysis and determine that someone added the wrong fluid. This could potentially put you on the hook for high-dollar repairs.

Conduct regular inspections to catch minor problems early. Otherwise, they can escalate into major failures that could require expensive repairs.

Establish Clear Communication Channels

Identify a specific contact person or department at the manufacturer or dealer for warranty claims. This ensures faster and more direct communication.

When reaching out for support, be clear and detailed about the problem. Include information such as the model number, the serial number, the nature of the issue, and any diagnostics you’ve already performed. A picture is worth a thousand words in some cases.

Document All Issues and Repairs

Create an organized repair log of all warranty-related issues, including dates, nature of the problem, repairs, and parts replaced. This can be useful if disputes arise or if follow-up repairs are needed.

Take photos of any damage or defects for documentation. This helps in case the manufacturer requests visual proof before proceeding with repairs or replacements.

Use the Manufacturer’s Network

If possible, use authorized service centers for warranty work. Manufacturers are more likely to support claims made by recognized professionals familiar with their products. Warranties often include direct support from the manufacturer. This can be invaluable, as you’ll have access to technicians with deep knowledge of the specific apparatus and its systems.

Many manufacturers offer training programs for maintenance and troubleshooting. Consider using these resources to better understand the apparatus and reduce the likelihood of issues.

Follow UP on warranty Claims

Submit warranty claims as soon as you

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Posted: Apr 9, 2025

Ferrara Fire Showcases Latest Apparatus at FDIC

HOLDEN, Louisiana (April 8, 2025) – Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc., a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc., and leading manufacturer of custom-built, heavy-duty fire apparatus, will exhibit its latest fire apparatus and technology at FDIC International (Fire Department Instructors Conference) in Indianapolis, Indiana from April 10-12, 2025, Booth #3937.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality equipment for first responders, Ferrara will unveil several of the latest fire apparatus, designed with cutting-edge technology and superior craftsmanship,” said Tim Besser, sales manager for Ferrara. “We look forward to showing our customers some of our latest fire apparatus at FDIC.”

To showcase Ferrara’s “Take Command” stance, the featured trucks include:

  • Inferno Custom Pumper for Sherwood (AR) Fire Department: Specs include a 102’ wide extruded aluminum body, full height/split depth compartments, 750-gallon tank, 1,500 GPM pump, top mount controls, deck gun and internal ladder storage.
  • Cinder Custom Pumper for Shreveport (LA) Fire Department: Built on the Cinder 4- door chassis with seating for six, this side-mount pumper features a 1,500 GPM pump, 500-gallon water tank, crosslays, full-height, split depth compartments, and rooftop storage.
  • Inferno Custom Pumper for Firefighter One Apparatus: This side-mount pumper features the Inferno chassis with 102’ extruded aluminum ultra low hosebed body, 1,750 GPM pump, 750-gallon water tank, extensive storage near fenders, enclosed ladder and three crosslays.

Continuing past years’ theme “Protecting Those Who Protect Us,” REV Fire Group will host the popular “REV It Up Series” on Thursday and Friday at 12:00pm. This will include the REV It Up Product Review and live product walk-arounds. In addition, attendees and customers are invited to visit REV Specialty Vehicles Pavillion #4148 for complimentary coffee service each day until 1:00pm, as well as REV It Up Happy Hour at 2:00pm on Thursday, April 10 and Friday, April 11.

Daily Show Hours

  • Thursday, April 10: 11:00 – 5:30
    • Friday, April 11: 10:00 – 5:00
    • Saturday, April 12: 9:00 – 1:00

To see all the Ferrara apparatus at FDIC, visit Booth #3937.

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About Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc.

Ferrara, a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc. (NYSE: REVG), builds custom, heavy-duty fire apparatus for municipal and industrial fire departments. Located in Holden, Louisiana, Ferrara is focused on protecting firefighting personnel with a custom chassis line and extruded aluminum body that exceeds NFPA and industry safety requirements. For over 30 years, Ferrara has led performance

standards by delivering custom-engineered fire trucks that provide maximum response capabilities.

About REV Group, Inc.

REV Group companies are leading designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, which serve a diversified customer base, primarily in the United States, through two segments: Specialty Vehicles and Recreational Vehicles. The Specialty Vehicles Segment provides customized vehicle solutions for applications, incl

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Posted: Apr 8, 2025

E-ONE Showcases New Tractor Drawn Aerial at FDIC 2025

OCALA, Fla April 8, 2025E-ONE, Inc., a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc., will showcase a new Tractor Drawn Aerial and its new Select Series Aerial that highlight E-ONE’s “Strength Through Excellence” at FDIC International (Fire Department Instructors Conference) in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 10-12, 2024, Booth #4536.

“The E-ONE booth should certainly be on your top priority list for FDIC this year,” said Mike Purvis, E-ONE’s Director of Sales.  “Not only will you get to see the new E-ONE Select SeriesAerial for Kittery, ME, which provides accelerated delivery times, but you’ll also get to see the new E-ONE Tractor Drawn Aerial for Jersey City, NJ and the low hosebed rescue pumper for Streetsboro (OH) Fire Department. We are super excited to showcase this year’s lineup!”

The specs for the E-ONE fire apparatus on display include:

  1. Tractor Drawn Aerial for Jersey City, NJ: Engineered for today’s busy fire departments, this TDA features a 110’ vertical reach and 102’ horizontal reach, 250 lb. tip load plus 75 lbs. equipment, 2 H-type outriggers with 16’ spread and short jack capability, advanced aerial control system, Typhoon 58” extruded aluminum cab, and center mounted tunnel with 207’ of ground ladders.
  1. E-ONE Select Series™ 100′ Aerial for Kittery, ME: This aerial features a Typhoon 58” extruded aluminum cab with severe duty interior, 100’ aerial with 500 lb capacity + 75 lbs equipment, crisscross underslung outriggers with 11’ jack spread, 127’ of ground ladders, 470 gallon water tank, 2200 GPM pump and advanced aerial control system.
  1. Cyclone® Low Hosebed Pumper for Streetsboro, Ohio: This extruded aluminum low hosebed body features full height driver and officer side compartments. The 100’ Cyclone 67.5” extruded aluminum cab features a 4” raised roof and 12” rear vista roof. It has a 2,000 GPM pump, 750-gallon water tank and a foam system with 30-gallon foam cell. 

In addition, attendees and customers are invited to visit REV Fire Group Booth #4136 to celebrate first responders and to see the all-electric North American-style Vector® fire truck built for the Charlotte (NC) Fire Department. Continuing past years’ theme “Protecting Those Who Protect Us,” REV Fire Group will host its popular “REV It Up Series” on Thursday and Friday at 12:00pm. This will include the REV It Up Product Review with live product walk-arounds.

Back by popular demand is the “Tiller Time Miller Time” REV It Up Happy Hour on Thursday and Friday at 2:00pm which focuses on Tractor Drawn Aerial products, including the new E-ONE TDA for Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department.

Daily Show Hours 

  1. Thursday, April 10:  11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  2. Friday, April 11:  10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  3. Saturday, April 12:  9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Visit E-ONE at Booth #4536 to see the latest products and technologies available for the fire industry.

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Fire Mechanics Section Board

Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Chair

Elliot Courage
North Whatcom Fire & Rescue
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Vice Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Vice Chair

Mike Smith 
Pierce County Fire District #5
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Secretary

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Secretary

Greg Bach
South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue
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Director #1

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #1

Doug Jones
South Kitsap Fire & Rescue
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Director #2

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #2

Paul Spencer 
Fire Fleet Maintenance LLC
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Director #3

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #3

Jim Morris
Mountain View Fire Department
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Director #4

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #4

Arnie Kuchta

Clark County Fire District 6

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Director #6

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #6

Brett Annear
Kitsap County Fire District 18
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Director #5

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #5

Jay Jacks
Camano Island Fire & Rescue
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Legislative Representative

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Legislative Representative

TBD
TBD
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Immediate Past Chair

Posted: Oct 20, 2015

Immediate Past Chair

Brian Fortner
Graham Fire & Rescue

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