Refurbish or Replace? That Is the Question? Fire Apparatus Magazine
- Mar 5
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Fire departments across the country are grappling with a pivotal decision: Should they refurbish aging vehicles or replace them altogether?
With extended lead times—often ranging from 24 to 48 months—and limited funding, many departments are opting for refurbishment as a more cost-effective solution to meet their operational needs. But, is it the right choice for your department? This article explores the challenges departments face in making this decision, examining lead times, costs, and how refurbishment can extend the life of a fire apparatus.
The Evolving Standards for Refurbishing Fire Apparatus
In 2024, a significant change in fire apparatus standards occurred with the “Emergency Response and Responder Safety Document Consolidation Plan.” National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1912, Standard for Fire Apparatus Refurbishing, is no longer a standalone document. Instead, it has been integrated into the newly consolidated NFPA 1910, Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Refurbishment, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Emergency Vehicles and Marine Firefighting Vessels.
This new standard incorporates NFPA 1911, Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Emergency Vehicles; 1925, Standard on Marine Fire-Fighting Vessels; and 1071, Standard for Emergency Vehicle Technician Professional Qualifications, to focus on the inspection, maintenance, and retirement of fire vehicles.
Although this article focuses primarily on fire apparatus refurbishment, understanding these updated regulations is essential when considering how to handle an aging apparatus.
Refurbishing a 2006 Seagrave Pumper
Imagine this scenario: The chief of the XYZ Fire Department has just been informed that funding for a new replacement engine has been cut from the town’s budget. Faced with this unexpected challenge, the chief must now explore a more budget-friendly solution—....
RAY SAJDAK is a lieutenant (ret.) with the Bristol (CT) Fire Department, where he served on its apparatus replacement committee. His career in the fire service also includes 20 years as the chairman of the apparatus committee for the Portland (CT) Volunteer Fire Department. He is a managing partner with Fire Apparatus Consultants, LLC.
SCOTT POULTON is a firefighter and apparatus operator for the Bristol (CT) Fire Department, where he serves on the department’s apparatus replacement committee. His career in the fire service also includes 37 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Terryville (CT) Volunteer Fire Department, where he cochairs the department’s apparatus replacement committee. He is a managing partner with Fire Apparatus Consultants, LLC.
