Menu

Welcome

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: Sep 10, 2025

Husband and Wife FFs Hurt in TX Fire Apparatus Rollover

A Quinlan (TX) Volunteer Fire Department engine rolled over Tuesday en route to a call, injuring two firefighters, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety, nbcdfw.com reported.

Officials said the driver of Engine 62 lost control on a curve, then rolled the unit over several times, the report said. The rig came to a stop when it struck a tree in a front yard.

A fire official said the two in the vehicle were husband and wife.

“The driver was transported via AirEvac and the passenger was transported by ground ambulance,” the Quinlan Volunteer Fire Department said in a Facebook post. “Both are in stable condition.”

The Texas DPS is investigating the crash.

The post Husband and Wife FFs Hurt in TX Fire Apparatus Rollover appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Read more
Posted: Sep 10, 2025

Four of Six Frontline Fire Apparatus Now ALS-Certified, FL Fire Department Says

The Englewood Area (FL) Fire Control District announced recently that Tower 75 is now officially operating as an Advanced Life Support (ALS) truck, the department said in a Facebook post.

That means the firefighters/paramedics on Tower 75 are equipped with the tools, medications, and training to provide high-level lifesaving medical care right on the scene, before patients even reach the hospital, the post said.

  • 4 out of 6 frontline fire apparatus are now ALS-certified
  • Faster advanced care for critical medical and trauma emergencies
  • Stronger protection for our growing community

“This milestone reflects our continued commitment to protecting the lives and health of our residents,” said Chief Kevin Easton. “Every minute matters in an emergency and with Tower 75’s upgrade, we’re ready to serve Englewood better than ever.”

The post Four of Six Frontline Fire Apparatus Now ALS-Certified, FL Fire Department Says appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Read more
Posted: Sep 9, 2025

Buffalo (NY) Reenacts Historic Fire Boat’s Arrival in 1900

Buffalo (NY) kicked off the 125th anniversary celebration of the Edward M. Cotter Fireboat with a reenactment of its historic arrival into Buffalo Harbor in 1900. More than 20 vessels joined the Cotter along the waterfront, featuring a water display and a flyover by Air One.

Built in 1900, this historical treasure and firefighting vessel remains an invaluable asset in the city’s fire protection package, the Buffalo Fire Department said in a Facebook post.

“The reenactment of the Cotter’s original arrival in Buffalo is a testament, and a symbol of our resilience, and rich maritime history,” the department said.

The vessel remains a vital and multifaceted firefighting apparatus. This powerful tool and flood prevention resource is poised for future success, and well positioned to serve the city and surrounding communities well into the future.

“Today we celebrated 125 years of the Edward M. Cotter Fireboat, the world’s oldest working fireboat and one of Buffalo’s greatest treasures,” Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon said in a Facebook post. “The Cotter is still in active service today, protecting our waterfront and assisting in fighting fires. Join us September 20 at Riverfest Park for Cotterfest to help preserve and support this piece of Buffalo history for generations to come.”

The post Buffalo (NY) Reenacts Historic Fire Boat’s Arrival in 1900 appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Read more
Posted: Sep 9, 2025

The Apparatus Workshop: Beyond the Final Inspection

The latest episode of The Apparatus Workshop, hosted by Nick Wilbur and Win Slauch, offers an in-depth look at what happens after a new fire apparatus rolls off the factory floor. While some might assume the job of a spec committee ends at delivery, this discussion reveals the complex, ongoing process involving final inspections, operational training, and maintenance planning that extends well beyond delivery day.

Wilbur highlights real-world examples where expectations didn’t match reality—for instance, ladder placement that seemed fine to taller committee members but posed challenges to shorter firefighters. These nuanced details often go overlooked until daily use begins, underscoring the need for diverse viewpoints during inspections.

Once the spec committee finishes its work, the baton passes to training officers—but the transition isn’t always seamless. Wilbur and Slauch emphasize that departments must tailor operator manuals and training programs to reflect the specific apparatus delivered. Generic manufacturer manuals won’t always match the customized build and can confuse operators with irrelevant or missing information.

One important point is that apparatus acquisition is a continuous improvement cycle, not a one-and-done event. After the rig goes in service, departments are encouraged to hold follow-up meetings at intervals—30 days, six months, even a year—to gather feedback, assess operational performance, and identify unexpected issues.

The post The Apparatus Workshop: Beyond the Final Inspection appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Read more
RSS
First2829303133353637Last

Theme picker

Upcoming Events

Theme picker

Sponsors

Fire Mechanics Section Board

Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Chair

Elliot Courage
North Whatcom Fire & Rescue
Read more

Vice Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Vice Chair

Mike Smith 
Pierce County Fire District #5
Read more

Secretary

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Secretary

Greg Bach
South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue
Read more

Director #1

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #1

Doug Jones
South Kitsap Fire & Rescue
Read more

Director #2

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #2

Paul Spencer 
Fire Fleet Maintenance LLC
Read more

Director #3

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #3

Jim Morris
Mountain View Fire Department
Read more

Director #4

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #4

Arnie Kuchta

Clark County Fire District 6

Read more

Director #6

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #6

Brett Annear
Kitsap County Fire District 18
Read more

Director #5

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #5

Jay Jacks
Camano Island Fire & Rescue
Read more

Legislative Representative

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Legislative Representative

TBD
TBD
Read more

Immediate Past Chair

Posted: Oct 20, 2015

Immediate Past Chair

Brian Fortner
Graham Fire & Rescue

Read more
RSS

Theme picker

2020 CAR SHOW