A number of manufacturers debuted electric fire apparatus at FDIC International 2022 in April. This month, we asked Advisory Board Members Bill Adams and Ricky Riley: “Is the fire service ready for electric fire apparatus? Do you see any potential for the future?”

I don’t believe the fire service is ready to accept electric fire apparatus. There is a plethora of reasons behind my rationale. To dispel any accusation of me being a traditionalist and the effect of aging on my decision, I am 100% in favor of making firefighters’ jobs easier, safer, and more efficient to accomplish. Should electric fire apparatus meet that criterion, so be it. Buy as many as you want. And, there is no belittling manufacturers that introduce new products that benefit the fire service, regardless of their reasoning. Kudos to them.

If the concept is being promoted strictly because of a political doctrine, I am skeptical. If the real objective for introducing electric apparatus is to satisfy a philosophy or a theory, regardless of being perceived or desired, I am very skeptical. In my opinion, political doctrines, predisposed viewpoints, and subjective hypothesis have no place in determining what kind of apparatus a fire department should purchase.

• Electric Apparatus Archives
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• Ithaca (NY) Fire Department Wants Green Fleet
• Los Angeles City (CA) Fire Department to Take Delivery of First All-Electric Fire Truck in North America
• DocGo Announces Delivery of U.S.’s First All-Electric Ambulance
• Gilbert (AZ) Signs Contract for Electric Fire Truck

Questions from potential purchasers

I will address electric apparatus from the perspective of an open-minded fire chief and an apparatus purchasing committee (APC). For simplicity’s sake, the chief and APC members have no hidden agendas and no preconceived feelings toward or against electric fire apparatus. All want to provide the best possible equipment for the firefighters. They have looked at the brochures and advertisements of the electric fire apparatus manufacturers and have read articles about them in the various trade journals. The chief and the APC are receptive to new ideas yet want to ensure the fire department and taxpayers receive the best value for the monies expended. More importantly, the new purchase must enhance

KY Gov. Andy Beshear presented $1 million in awards to improve infrastructure in Calloway County by building a new fire station and expanding water service to 70 unserved households, KFVS.com reported.

According to the governor’s office, $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response funds was awarded to the city of Murray for the new fire station at 303 16th Street, the report said.

The new fire station is now operational and includes separate quarters for firefighters, as well as more efficient ventilation systems, the report said.

The governor also announced his approval of $500,000 in Cleaner Water Program funding to the Dexter-Almo Heights Water District for a waterline extension project, the report said.

The Valdosta Fire Department, Freedom Park and the city’s Utilities GIS Division will undergo improvements totaling $1.6 million during the next two years, ValdostaDailyTimes.com reported.

At Valdosta City Council’s latest meeting, council members unanimously approved two new Sutphen fire engines, over Fiscal Year 2023 budget by approximately $78,694, the report said.

A Valdosta fire official said the fire department is in immediate need for two fire engines proposed by Williams Fire Apparatus due to the current supply environment and the condition of two 1998 reserve engines that are increasingly challenging to keep in service, the report said.

Volunteer firefighters in Wausau now have a new station to call home, WJHG.com reported.

The new fire station is located next to city hall in Wausau. The city received funding from the state to make this a state-of-the-art facility.

The new fire station has offices to hold meetings, a kitchen, and for the first time a laundry room to wash uniforms and gear. It holds three fire trucks and is large enough to store equipment, the report said.