Monrovia Volunteer Fire Department recently accepted delivery of its newest apparatus, Tower 512, a 100′ aerial by Pierce, the department announced on its Facebook page.

With the growth of the area and the continued development of multistory structures, this apparatus was much needed, the department said.

A 1920 Seagrave Ladder Truck used in parades and popular with residents is undergoing extensive repairs before returning to the road, AtholDailyNews.com reported.

An Athol Fire Department official said the truck is being repaired at Gasper Automotive Restoration in Manchester (CT), the report said. The garage specializes in restoration of vintage trucks, cars and antique fire apparatus. Because of the age of the ladder truck, finding parts can be difficult, so some came from collectors while others were custom-built at Gasper Automative. One of the truck’s cylinders had to be replaced and was taken from another vehicle at Gasper.

It’s estimated the work will cost between $20,000-$25,000, and paid for by the Athol Firefighters Association, according to the report. The plan is to have it back on the road in March.

For immediate release:

The Mansfield, Foxboro, and Norton fire departments were awarded a $527,550 Assistance to Firefighters Grant, the Mansfield Fire Department said in a news released posted on Facebook Monday.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is a competitive federal grant initiative designed to help municipalities manage the financial burden of delivering fire protection and emergency medical services to their communities. The leadership of the Mansfield, Foxboro, and Norton Fire Departments are proud to bring this funding home to our communities.

The funding will be utilized to replace existing antiquated or failing portable and mobile radio units. Expenditures will be for must-have items that would have otherwise been funded through our local tax levy.

This grant was made possible through the support of the Southeastern Massachusetts Regional 911 District (SEMRECC) who is funding the 10% funding match required by the federal government.

We would also like to thank Congressman Auchincloss and Senator Elizabeth Warren’s offices for all of their support at the federal level for this grant.

By Bill Adams

Comparing “apples to apples” in the competitive bidding process can be a daunting task when specification wording is vague. Technical requirements such as metal thickness, water tank capacity, and a ladder’s length are easily compared and evaluated. Ambiguous specification requirements such as best industry practices, first class, top-of-the-line, premium, and the oft-used heavy duty are self-promoting and unprovable terms. However, they appeal to the sales and marketing folks because they can influence purchasers. 

Fire apparatus manufacturers (OEMs) and their dealers use them and others including model, style, and type when describing product.  Attempting to compare similar apparatus from multiple OEMs is akin to attending an open forum at the United Nations without an interpreter. Everyone speaks a different language.  

Custom Cab & Chassis

The terms custom cab, custom chassis, and the collective variant of custom cab and chassis are used generically throughout the fire service and apparatus industry. They have no formal definitions. They’re subject to personal interpretation and are used synonymously by buyer and seller. 

Custom cabs and chassis are built specifically for the fire service. Commercial cabs and chassis are built predominantly for everyone else.  Some commercial cabs and chassis are modified or customized for use as fire apparatus. OEMs often refer to them as custom fire apparatus which is their prerogative although it is a bit misleading. What’s confusing is when OEMs assign names and catchy monikers to their apparatus and in particular custom cabs and chassis. Does the name reflect the chassis or the cab or both?

NFPA 1901

The National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 1901 Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus defines a chassis in Chapter 3 Definitions under 3.3.34 Chassis: “The basic operating motor vehicle including the engine, frame, and other essential structural and mechanical parts, but exclusive of the body and all appurtenances for the accommodation of driver, property, passengers, appliances, or equipment related to other than control. Common usage might, but need not, include a cab (or cowl).” 

The NFPA specifically says a chassis does not include the cab – but acknowledges some people may think otherwise. Cabs are addressed separately in NFPA 1901 Chapter 14 Driving and Crew Areas. The NFPA does not define a custom or a commercial cab and chassis – nor should it.  

My definition of a cab is where firefighters sit.  A chassis is everything underneath the cab.

OEMs’ websites and literature seldom say if the name or model number assigned to a cab and chassis means just the cab structure or is inclusive of the chassis. Some just show a rig’s photograph with an identifying moniker. Some literature describes styles, series or configurations or model numbers. Also, not every cab and chassis has a trademarked name.  

Let the OEMs define their own cabs and chassis but explain what components the definition includes! OEMs don’t usually describe a specific cab and chassis as their top-of-the-line product. Not every OEM uses the word model to define their cab and chassis. Some use series and configuration and others just a name. 

Specifications

Envision an apparatus purchasing committee (APC) tasking each member to investigate and evaluate a different cab and chassis manufacturer. If finding what could be pertinent information on an OEM’s websi