The Emergency Vehicle Management Section (EVMS) recognizes the emergency vehicle procurement challenges facing fire chiefs. The unusual supply and demand conditions for new emergency vehicles have become pervasive. As a result, the EVMS formed a collaborative work group with the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association, and the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association (FAMA).
The unprecedented nature of the current set of emergency vehicle conditions are:
- Straining fire department budgets
- Creating uncertainty
- In some cases, adversely impacting the provision of emergency services
The work group is examining the range of challenges fire departments are facing with emergency vehicle procurement so we can get to the root causes of increased costs and extended delivery times.
The work group is expediently and comprehensively studying the problem to provide definitive findings, offer education, and provide recommendations on mitigating or minimizing the circumstances. A white paper will be developed that presents strategies that fire departments can consider to best manage their unique challenges created by the current situation. Policy recommendations will also be included.
Everywhere fire chiefs are being questioned by their leadership as well as their members to explain why emergency vehicle purchases cannot:
- Be assured of the cost
- Provide firm delivery dates
- Identify when the current apparatus acquisition challenges will stabilize
Yet, there is no single authoritative source to provide vetted and reliable answers to these questions. The EVMS work group intends to fill this information void on behalf of the fire service, provide insight into these questions, and present an update on progress by August 2025.