BY BILL ADAMS

The dictionary defines reality as realism, the truth, and actuality. It can be an accurate and verifiable statement of fact that can, when necessary, be substantiated with documentation.

In the fire truck world, reality is not always addressed objectively by some apparatus purchasing committees (APCs) or some firematically oriented members of the authority having jurisdiction. Pundits, commentators, and some so-called industry experts can be equally as guilty.

In the apparatus purchasing process, personalities, pride, and traditionalism can cloud the judgment of decision makers. The oft-heard statement that the fire service is “200 years of tradition unimpeded by progress” is no longer relevant and, in my opinion, repeating it is detrimental to the goodwill, morale, and discipline of the occupation—whether it be career or volunteer oriented. The “good ole days” are gone. They will never return but should never be forgotten, because all parties can learn from prior mistakes and errors in judgment.

Look at the title “Fire Department.” Some organizations now call themselves Fire-EMS, Fire-Rescue, Fire & Emergency Services, or various combinations thereof. Changing a name to accurately define the occupation is innocuous, although it does reflect reality. Not changing the name is equally inoffensive. The name on the door is not going to affect the proficiency of the organization on the fireground or at the incidents it responds to.

On the other hand, purchasing a new fire truck is a different story. Purchasing one that reflects the personal preferences of decision makers who live in the past and yearn for those “good ole days” is disgraceful. Buying a rig just because it is bigger and better than the neighbors’ is equally shameful. Buying one that does not adequately address the actual day-to-day operations and fireground functions is doing a disservice to the taxpayers who pay for it and the firefighters who staff it. That is reality. Reality is the truth, and sometimes the truth hurts.

Accepting Reality

Accepting reality can be troublesome for many departments. The following statements in italics are common when specifying a “first-due” engine company. The realistic responses in rebuttal are typical and reflect the growing pains of smaller cash-strapped communities and volunteer entities where increasing nonfirematic responses and shrinking staffing are becoming the norm.

We need a 10-person cab in case we get a big crew like on meeting or drill night. The volunteers: “Studies over the past several years show our membership is declining. We’re lucky to get all the rigs on the road. During the week, we often only have one responding.” Career departments: “We’ve never had more than three or four people assigned to the engine, and it’s doubtful the city will increase staffing. We’re lucky the city doesn’t reduce what we have.”

Everyone is buying rigs with large horsepower motors. “Our district doesn’t have any hills. We shouldn’t buy a big motor just because our neighbors have one.”

We’ve always had multiple preconnects. You can never tell when you’ll need them. “Our analysis of past incidents where attack lines have been used shows a single line has been pulled on 95 percent of them. Two