Program Overview

The Apparatus and Fleet Maintenance program’s purpose is to ensure all emergency and non-emergency response vehicles are in the safest and most efficient working condition possible. This is accomplished through an aggressive preventative maintenance program and adherence to all applicable District policies and procedures, and local, state, and federal laws.

Management Oversight

The Apparatus and Fleet Maintenance program is directed by the Division Chief of Training with oversight authority delegated to the Battalion Chief and program coordinator. This program has a total of three full-time equivalent personnel. This program contains the payroll expenditures for the fleet supervisor and mechanic staff carrying out the goals and objectives of the program. In addition, expenses incurred in this program included purchases of fleet vehicles, apparatus outfitting equipment, maintenance and repair services, sanitation services, general contract services, fuel, and miscellaneous supplies as needed.

Goals and Objectives

• Develop a strategic plan to identify and forecast the District’s future fire apparatus and vehicle requirements based on operational needs and budget considerations.

• Conduct thorough research to identify and purchase the most suitable fire apparatus and vehicles for the District’s operations, ensuring they meet current and future needs.

• Ensure all fire apparatus and vehicles are regularly maintained and repaired to remain in a constant state of readiness for emergency response.

• Provide training for new personnel on vehicle and apparatus maintenance procedures and implement a new system to track and monitor repair work.

• Reduce external repair expenses by performing more maintenance and repairs internally, leveraging available resources and expertise.

• Accurately document and track all maintenance and repair activities for each apparatus and vehicle to ensure proper record-keeping and accountability.

FY 2023-24 Accomplishments

• Successfully put 6 new fire engines and 1 new tiller into service, completed fire engine orientation, and coordinated specifications for a new airboat.

• New hire completed his probationary period, earned Driver Operator 1A certification, and obtained his Class B license.
  

• Completed repairs on various vehicles, including sending small vehicles for body repairs, repairing the forklift and backhoe at the rescue site, and addressing water leaks on 6 new engines. Also, facilitated radio installation on new apparatus and coordinated repairs for the USAR vehicle and Quint's outriggers.

• Surplussed 5 fire engines, one ladder truck, and donated an engine to Maui, while also clearing outdated equipment like light bars and spare parts. Consolidated tools from 2 railcars into one for better organization at Station 77.

• Ordered 2 new Chevy B/C Tahoe’s and 2 Chevy trucks to replace aging stock. Purchased a new Chevy Tahoe for the Training Chief, along with new heavy equipment lifts, a used forklift for the rescue site, and a water rescue tow vehicle.

• Installed new SCOTT mask battery chargers across all engines and trucks, completed wiring and docking stations for new mechanic vehicles, and designed and installed decals on fire prevention vehicles and Tahoe’s. Additionally, purchased a portable fuel station for fueling vehicles and generators at Menlo Fire.

FY 2024-25 Program Initiatives

• Begin the process of purchasing a new tiller to replace T2 in 3-4 years and complete the contract for building a new airboat.

• Continue to surplus outdated equipment, including old water rescue jet skis, and sell aging fleet vehicles on GOV DEALS.

• Ensure all front-line apparatus remain operationally ready through annual services, ongoing repairs, and timely completion of smog tests required by the state.

• Assess the age and mechanical condition of support vehicles, replacing them as necessary to maintain fleet reliability.

• Minimize PSTRAXS entries by completing repairs promptly, ensuring all apparatus are kept in top condition, and addressing repairs on CAT-3 vehicles as needed.

• Coordinate the installation of lights, radios, and Scott Mask and TIC camera chargers across apparatus, including the build-out of BC new vehicles and water rescue tow vehicles.