Editor’s Opinion Chris Mc Loone
Since 2020, it has been practically impossible to accurately predict what is coming in the next year. I’d love to be able to say that everything will return to normal. That would be a stretch, but things actually do look like they’ll be improving just a bit.
In our annual outlook article, Paul Darley, Bob Schulz, and Mike Virnig offered their appraisals on where the market is right now, whether or not things will improve, and if there are any indications we’ll be getting back to lead times of less than 36 months. And, while there were no definitive “Yep, we’ll be back down to 12 to 24 next year” comments, there is optimism.
For example, all three stated that the supply chain issues that have impacted delivery times are beginning to subside. There was agreement that the fire apparatus market remains strong. I’ll leave it to you to read the rest, but I definitely did not walk away thinking, “Oh great, here we go,” after writing it.
Speaking of fire apparatus, there will be a new apparatus standard going into effect on January 1. A prediction? You won’t find this one as easy to carry around. The 300+ page standard combines several National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards covering automotive fire apparatus, wildland fire apparatus, aircraft firefighting apparatus, and ambulances. It’s called NFPA 1900, Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles, Automotive Fire Apparatus, Wildland Fire Apparatus, and Automotive Ambulances. This month’s FAMA Forum covers many of the content changes in the standard, and we’ve recorded two Podcasts covering changes to the document (fireapparatusmagazine.com/podcasts).
Be sure to hold onto your ladder testing documentation because in 2024 you won’t have to purchase new ground ladders with your new rigs if your current ladders have been tested and passed. Although there are changes in the standard, the one thing to remember as you design your rigs in 2024 is that it is set up now that you can design a rig that is equipped with the equipment you need to fight fires according to your department’s operations—not equipped with required equipment to be compliant with the standard. The equipment the standard lists is now suggested and is in the annex.
Sadly, beginning in 2024, we won’t see our monthly “Chief Concerns” column. I’ll let Chief Rich Marinucci fill you in on the specifics in this month’s column, but the long and the short of it is he has decided to turn in his pen when it comes to authoring a monthly column, so December 2023 will be his last regular column. Rich has been a mainstay with Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment, Fire Engineering, and FDIC International for more than 30 years, as a writer and instructor. He did ask me if he could send something in once in a while when the mood strikes him, so I don’t think we’ve seen the end of the column altogether. Rich has been an asset to this brand and recently paid it forward when he introduced me to Chief Joe Murray. You may remember his article covering driving simulators back in October. Rich has always been on the lookout for writers for us, and I can’t thank him enough for what he’s done for this brand through the years. Chief, you’ll be missed!
Although we try to predict what’s coming, we never actually know. We’re heading into an election year. The AFG and SAFER Grant programs are entering their sunset year. It is imperative that at every level of government we communicate clearly the value of these programs to our local, state, and federal representatives. Work with them, and work with industry suppliers to encourage Congress to reauthorize both programs. These programs are critically important. Together, we have a very powerful voice. Use it to get these programs reauthorized.
I’d be remiss if I did not wish all of you a happy holiday season and a happy and healthy new year. Things have been crazy since 2020, and we will continue to be challenged. How the fire service overcomes the challenges is one way the fire service is great. As the ball drops in Times Square, celebrate all that is great in the fire service.
