Whether you’re part of a small volunteer fire department or a large city fire department, writing specs for unique apparatus is a daunting task. But firefighters at the Kansas City (Mo.) Fire Department (KCFD) found that with a little diligence and creativity, it can be done successfully.
Over nearly 30 years, the KCFD has built an apparatus design and replacement program that has at times challenged its supplier, but has ultimately been successful in meeting the department’s response and budgetary needs.
A Long-Term Partnership
The KCFD first became an E-One customer in 1979. At that time, the KCFD took delivery of a dozen E-One engines, which were placed in service with a mix of Mack, Seagrave and American LaFrance apparatus. Following the initial delivery, the number of E-One engines used as front-line apparatus in KCFD’s fleet grew steadily (aerial apparatus were provided by other manufacturers).
In 1995, the KCFD made a bold move and replaced its entire fleet, spending more than $11 million in new E-One apparatus. In 2005, it repeated the process.
But it wasn’t just the amount of money the KCFD spent that made these orders noteworthy. Most apparatus manufactured today are standard design based on each manufacturer’s chassis and cab arrangement. The department’s spec committee generally adds options to customize the apparatus, but the basic design is rarely unique.
This was not the case for the KCFD. In 1994, the department decided to purchase five tractor-drawn aerials from E-One. Up to that point, E-One had never built a tiller.
Although it might seem odd to order from a manufacturer that had no history of building that type of apparatus, Deputy Chief Sal Monteleone explains that the process was remarkably smooth. “With the help of Conrad Fire Equipment, the local E-One dealer in the area, E-One’s engineers and KCFD’s technical services labor management committee, specs and technical drawings were produced in 6 months, and production of the first of five tillers rolled off the assembly line,” he says. “The first E-One tillers ever produced!”
In 2006 the same process was replicated when the KCFD needed technical rescue units. Using the design specs developed for the tillers, E-One produced three technical rescue units that serve as part of a six-unit regional search-and-rescue task force. These units accommodate eight firefighters and carry technical rescue equipment ranging from exothermic cutting torches to sophisticated listening devices, in addition to the normal hydraulic rescue tools.
Replacement Program
Prior to 1995, the KCFD didn’t have a structured apparatus fleet replacement program. Apparatus were replaced on an as-needed basis when they wore out.
“The city had a pay-as-you-go program,” Monteleone says. “And this concept was disabling the fleet. Keeping up with maintenance costs associated with an aging fleet as well as safety issues with 15-year-old vehicles was becoming a problem.”
In 1995, the department changed its philosophy, choosing to focus on replacement rather than repair; it also instituted a more viable lease/purchase program. Due to this program the entire front-line fleet was replaced within 14 months. Concurrent with this, the department established an 8-year lifecycle for front-line apparatus. Based on this plan, the department replaced its fleet again between 2003 and 2004.
So far the plan is working nicely for the KCFD; however, evaluation is ongoing. “Like many departments, the KCFD’s apparatus plans are influenced by community demands, shifting demographics, changes in operational standards and funding,” Monteleone says.
Speccing the Design
The KCFD’s Technical Services Committee is responsible for writing specs for the fleet. The committee comprises respective members appointed by the labor management group. These subject matter experts work together with E-One’s area representative to develop organizational and delivery needs. “The success of the KCFD fleet design is attributable to Conrad Fire Equipment of Olathe, Kansas,” Monteleone says. “We have been associated with this local E-One dealer since 1985. By keeping abreast of and steering us clear of common problems in the industry, Conrad has guided our apparatus purchases, saving us money and time.”
As Monteleone explains, that ability to meet the department’s needs trumps any other consideration. “Specifications driven by operational need are the primary factor in choosing a manufacturer to build our apparatus,” he says. “Cost is secondary. On some occasions we may opt to fast-track purchases by piggybacking on other fire departments’ vendor contracts if our specs can be met thorough that process.”
Fleet funding is provided through a $100-million operational budget and a 15-year designated fire safety sales tax that expires in 2015.
Plans for the Future
Within the next year, the KCFD will add a high-rise rescue unit and two rescue boats to its fleet. Apparatus replacements will include four brush units, two aerial platforms and an air-and-light unit. The estimated value will be approximately $3.1 million.
The KCFD’s proactive fleet-replacement program is possible due to the funding it receives. Although your department may not be in such a position, or you may not require a full-scale replacement, it doesn’t hurt to evaluate your long-term needs. By anticipating your future apparatus needs, you might be able to budget accordingly and save money on maintenance costs by replacing or refurbing older apparatus.
Replacing engines every 8 years or trucks every 10—12 years might not be feasible for you. But a 15—20-year cycle might be a good way to start.
Ask around and see how other local departments plan their replacement. Try to get out of the habit of replacing your vehicle only after it’s out of service for repeated maintenance problems. By that time it may be too late and you might have to settle for an emergency replacement, which can prevent you from designing what you really want and need.
E-One Specs
Pumper
- 2005 E-One Cyclone chassis
- 12″ raised roof with vista cab
- 190″ wheelbase
- 1,250-gpm Hale Q-Flo pump
- 500 gallons water
- 3000P Allison EVS transmission
- 350-hp Cummins ISL CM850 engine
Ladder
- 2005 E-One Cyclone II chassis
- 95′ platform
- 1,250-gpm Hale Q-Flo pump
- 300 gallons water
Heavy Rescue
- 2007 E-One Cyclone chassis
- Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine
- Walk-around body
Kansas City 411
Kansas City is a city of 500,000 at the center of an 11-county metropolitan region with a population of 2 million. The region is a manufacturing and industrial hub; companies such as GM, Ford, Bayer, Sprint, ChemAgro, Honeywell and others have major plants or offices in the area. The rail system in the city has more than 300 freight train departures and arrivals every day, serving as a central hub for much critical freight crossing the country.
The KCFD provides fire suppression, emergency medical first response and related services over the city’s 317 square miles. Units respond to more than 58,000 calls for service each year. There are 1,000 fire service and 50 civilian employees operating from 34 stations. Specialized divisions include hazmat, ARFF, rescue and a fire prevention bureau with 20 inspectors, four investigators and two educational specialists. The communications division is staffed with five communicators at all times.
