If you haven't thought about these questions, you should. A good apparatus and equipment maintenance program can help make sure your department is always ready to provide emergency services to the people you serve. It also can help avoid injuries and deaths resulting from poor maintenance and reduce your department's potential liability in court.

Apparatus
Truck Manufacturers Announce 2006 Model Changes
In Service Online
Commercial truck manufacturers have announced the new product configurations for their 2006 light-, medium- and heavy-duty models. Some of these changes will affect fire, rescue and ambulance customers.

Spartan Designs Independent Front Suspension
In Service Online
Spartan has designed a new independent front suspension system for its Advantage, Diamond and Metrostar fire and rescue chassis to allow tighter turns, provide better handling and achieve shorter stopping distances.

San Antonio Orders Pierce Apparatus
In Service Online
Pierce Manufacturing received an order from the city of San Antonio for 13 new fire apparatus. The order includes 10 Quantum 105-foot aerial ladders, two Enforcer 1,500gpm pumpers and an Arrow XT aerial platform. Delivery is scheduled to begin in January 2006.

Rosenbauer Receives Order from Plano
In Service Online
The Plano (Texas) Fire Department, which is one of the fastest-growing departments in the United States, ordered five new apparatus from Rosenbauer. The order includes three structure pumpers, a heavy rescue and a light rescue equipped with CAFS.

Marque Acquires McCoy Miller Ambulance
In Service Online
Custom ambulance manufacturer Marque, based in Goshen, Ind., has purchased the assets of the McCoy Miller division of VSV Group, which also builds ambulances. Marque plans to operate McCoy Miller as a separate company under the name McCoy Miller LLC while it evaluates the potential benefits of consolidating the two lines.

West-Mark Introduces Interface Pumper
In Service Online
West-Mark of Ceres, Calif., introduced its Patriot interface pumper to bridge the gap between wildland pumpers and structure pumpers.

New Deliveries
Check Out These Specs
In Service Online
Anytime a department prepares the specifications for a new apparatus, part of the process should be to look at new apparatus being delivered to other departments around the country.

Components
Contender Offers Enclosed Top-Mount Pump Panel
In Service Online
The Contender by Pierce has added a custom chassis enclosed top-mount pump panel to its lineup. This latest offering includes a standard 22-inch raised roof for good headroom, a shortened wheelbase for improved maneuverability and many options.

Akron Brass Introduces New Monitor Products
In Service Online
Akron Brass introduced two new products to improve the efficiency of its monitors. One adds wireless remote control capability to the current line of monitors, and the other provides a new monitor design with a significantly lower pressure drop.

Caterpillar Provides Automatic Transmission Details
In Service Online
At a special presentation during the Apparatus Maintenance Workshop at the IAFC show in August, Caterpillar provided additional details about its plans to introduce a line of automatic transmissions for vocational applications such as construction, refuse and fire service.

New Tire Protection System Available From Pierce
In Service Online
Pierce Manufacturing has introduced a new tire protection system for its apparatus. The system includes a tire monitoring system and a tire blowout wheel protection band.

Did You Know?
ISO Points for Pump Tests
In Service Online
Did you know that the Insurance Services Office will give your department up to 1.53 points out of 10 points for front-line engines if you conduct annual pump tests?

This new feature will offer a variety of short tips and facts about apparatus maintenance and testing. Look for it every month. Submissions of 150 words or less are welcome, subject to editing. Send them to Senior Editor Chris Cavette at cavettes@ix.netcom.com.

Shop News
NFPA 1901 Reviews Hose Beds
In Service Online
The Technical Committee for NFPA 1901, Automobile Fire Apparatus, is reviewing the technical merit and emergency nature of a proposed Temporary Interim Amendment regarding hose bed design.

Telma Retarder Training Available
In Service Online
The Arizona Fire Service Mechanics Association has scheduled a two-day demonstration and training session on Telma retarders at the GM Proving Grounds near Phoenix on Oct. 14-15.

ConMet Upgrades Web Site
In Service Online
ConMet, which makes a variety of vehicle products, has upgraded its Web site to include an online newsletter, news sections and improved navigation.

UPF Builds Wisconsin Plant
In Service Online
United Plastics Fabricating plans to complete a new 70,000-square-foot plant in Neenah, Wis., by December. The new facility will double the space the company currently has in Wisconsin.

EVM Fire Apparatus Opens Plant in Maine
In Service Online
Emergency Vehicles of Maine Inc. recently moved into a new 18,000-square-foot facility in Lewiston, Maine, where it will manufacture, repair and refurbish fire apparatus.

More Stops on TechDrive Tour
In Service Online
Rosenbauer has added several new stops to their nationwide TechDrive 05 Tour.

Shop Calendar

SEPTEMBER

E-ONE Multiplex Electrical System Service Training Class
Sept. 20-22, Ocala, Fla.
A three-day class covering an overview of multiplex theory and operation, the location and function of various multiplex components, and hands-on multiplex troubleshooting techniques.
Contact: E-ONE; www.e-one.com/ training.asp?year=2005

Ohio Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians Symposium
Sept. 25-30, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Training on a wide range of subjects. See Web site later this year for details.
Contact: Pat Guhde at 440-476-8707 or Ken Shrefler at 440-476-0045; www.oaevt.org

Hale Pump Maintenance and Operations Seminar
Sept. 26-30, Conshohocken, Pa.
Includes instruction on pump design, construction, components, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and testing. The first day includes optional instruction on CAFS; the last day includes an optional EVTCC test.
Contact: Hale Products; www.haleproducts.com

Bendix Air Brake Training School (Class # D-1)
Sept. 27-29, Washington, D.C.
Classroom and hands-on instruction covering operation and troubleshooting of Bendix dual air systems and antilock braking systems. Lunch and workbook included.
Contact: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, 800-247-2725; www.bendix. com/learning/AirbrakeSchool.shtml

American LaFrance Pump Repair and Testing
Sept. 27-29, Charlotte, N.C.
Covers operations, repair, overhaul and service testing of American LaFrance Twinflow and Powerflow pumps as well as those made by several other manufacturers. Includes an introduction to firefighting foams. Students must have completed the American LaFrance Service and Maintenance course and meet other requirements.
Contact: American LaFrance; www.americanlafrance.com

OCTOBER

Allison 3000 Series Transmission Overhaul
Oct. 3-4, Tampa, Fla.
A two-day training class on the proper method of overhauling Allison 3000 Series automatic transmissions.
Contact: Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison, 813-621-5651; http://www.fdda.com

Darley Pump School
Oct. 3-5, Chippewa Falls, Wis.
Class on Darley pumps, covering everything from pump theory to hands-on maintenance and repair. Class is free, but students must pay for transportation, lodging and meals. Each student will receive a 600-page Pump Repair Manual valued at $150; limit one per company or department.
Contact: Charlene Swintek, 800-323-0244

Bendix Air Brake Training School (Class # I-4)
Oct. 3-6, Huntington, Ind.
Classroom and hands-on instruction covering operation and troubleshooting of Bendix dual air systems and antilock braking systems. Lunch and workbook included.
Contact: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, 800-247-2725; www.bendix. com/learning/AirbrakeSchool.shtml

E-ONE Electrical One Service Training Class
Oct. 3-7, Ocala, Fla.
A five-day class covering basic electrical theory with emphasis on reading schematics, use of diagnostic readers and proper crimping techniques. It includes an overview of AC and DC systems with information on power distribution, load management and WABCO ABS/ATC.
Contact: E-ONE; www.e-one.com

Allison 4000 Series Transmission Overhaul
Oct. 5-6, Tampa, Fla.
A two-day training class on the proper method of overhauling Allison 4000 Series automatic transmissions.
Contact: Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison, 813-621-5651; http://www.fdda.com

American LaFrance Service and Maintenance
Oct. 10-13, Charlotte, N.C.
Covers service and maintenance procedures for the Eagle and Metropolitan custom chassis including cab, chassis, HVAC, auxiliary braking systems, electrical, pumps, Allison MD/HD transmissions and other components.
Contact: American LaFrance; www.americanlafrance.com

National EVT Fall Training Academy
Oct. 10-13, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Includes review for the EVTCC fire apparatus F-series and ambulance E-series exams in preparation for the nationwide testing on Oct. 15. To make hotel reservations, call 386-254-8200 and mention Florida Fire Chiefs' Association EVT Training. Students must make separate arrangements to take the EVTCC exams on Oct. 15 at one of the more than 150 locations throughout the country (see announcement below).
Contact: Florida Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians, 386-676-2744; www.faevt.org

E-ONE Aerial One Service Training Class
Oct. 10-14, Ocala, Fla.
A five-day class covering preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and repair for all models of E-ONE aerial apparatus (except Bronto), including the electrical and hydraulic systems. The emphasis is on preventive maintenance.
Contact: E-ONE; www.e-one.com/ training.asp?year=2005

Hale Pump Maintenance and Operations Seminar
Oct. 10-14, Conshohocken, Pa.
Includes instruction on pump design, construction, components, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and testing. The first day includes optional instruction on CAFS; the last day includes an optional EVTCC test.
Contact: Hale Products; www.haleproducts.com

American LaFrance Multiplexing Class
Oct. 13-14, Cleveland, N.C.
Covers the multiplex electrical system used on ALF apparatus. Includes instruction on component location, function and diagnostics, plus electrical schematic and harness drawing interpretation as it applies to multiplex systems. Requires the ALF Service and Maintenance class.
Contact: Ronnie Fulcher, 704-278-6216, ronniefulcher@freightliner. com; ALF Training

Telma Retarder System Demo and Training
Oct. 14-15, Phoenix, Ariz.
Test drives of cars and trucks at the GM Proving Grounds on Oct. 14, followed by instruction on the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of Telma retarder system on Oct. 15.
Contact: Arizona Fire Service Mechanics Association, Charles Miller, 480-570-3207, Charles_Miller@tempe.gov; http://www.arizonafiremechanics.com

EVTCC Nationwide Testing
Oct. 15, more than 150 locations
Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission exams in all tracks and all subjects. Prior registration is required.
Contact: EVTCC; www.evtcc.org

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