Fire and EMS departments in Ohio and across the country face apparatus issues driven by rapidly rising costs and extended delivery delays. These pressures make it harder to maintain frontline response capacity and place additional strain on emergency response systems.
While these concerns have received significant national attention, experiences vary across departments, manufacturers, and vendors. Many apparatus manufacturers and suppliers continue to collaborate with fire departments to address purchasing needs, manage delivery expectations, and provide quality equipment and service. In fact, many local vendors are as frustrated with these issues as are their customers.
Fire departments nationwide are waiting years for new fire and EMS apparatus while paying two or three times what comparable vehicles cost five years ago. Over the past two decades, private-equity-driven consolidation has left three manufacturers controlling more than 70% of the market, contributing to today’s fire truck crisis.
Congressional hearings have raised concerns about consolidation in the fire apparatus manufacturing industry, private equity involvement, and the potential consequences for public safety agencies.
National fire service organizations are responding to concerns that reduced competition and alleged market manipulation are adding to the pressure on departments already facing rising service demands. The IAFF testified before a U.S. Senate subcommittee, and the IAFC submitted a written statement.
When fire and EMS departments cannot obtain essential apparatus and equipment promptly and affordably, response readiness and reliability suffer, putting public safety at risk.
Several municipalities have taken legal action, and many more state and local entities nationwide are considering doing the same to hold those responsible for inflated apparatus costs and delivery delays liable. These claims may allow departments and municipalities to recover financial losses from apparatus purchases and the operational impacts those purchases have had on their operations.
The OFCA urges our members to review the information at the links below and share it with their respective local administrations. If your jurisdiction wishes to participate in an individual or class action, please contact your legal counsel to discuss the steps to participate in the litigation. At a minimum, it is critical to stay abreast of these issues.
This issue is about more than equipment costs. Fire and EMS departments need resources to protect their communities safely and effectively. Delayed apparatus deliveries and rising costs place additional pressure on departments and their firefighters by forcing aging equipment to remain in service longer than intended.
The OFCA does not suggest that all manufacturers or vendors contribute to the national challenges discussed. Rather, we believe members benefit from understanding current industry conditions, recognizing the range of experiences across the fire service, and accessing information that supports their local decisions. We will continue to monitor this situation and keep everyone updated.
Keeping our members informed is critical as this issue continues to evolve. By staying connected and supporting the resources their departments need, members can help secure a safer future for their departments and the communities they serve.
For additional information, visit the links below:
The Crisis Facing America's Fire Departments (IAFF)
What to Know About the Fire Truck Crisis (IAFF)
Sounding the Alarm: America’s Fire Apparatus Crisis (US Senate)
Emergency Vehicle Supply and Demand: A Practical Guide to Fire Apparatus Planning & Procurement (IAFC)