During the past several years, shrinking budgets have forced many fire departments to reconsider how they do business. Every expenditure is viewed under a microscope to make every dollar count and spend limited funds wisely.

Too many departments have had to delay purchasing much-need apparatus during this time. This can only be put off for so long as aging apparatus may pile up huge repair bills, not be as safe as they should be, or not be the proper tools for the changing mission of your department. If this sounds like your department, then apparatus replacement should be one of the top line items in your budget. But, will you replace an old, worn out pumper with something that has nearly the same layout? Read More.

This article originally appeared in Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment, May, 2014.