When emergencies occur, fire companies must respond, and readiness of apparatus is critical. The wear and tear on fire engines, ambulances and other vehicles is significant — vehicles run emergencies immediately from cold start, over rough country roads and highways, and in all kinds of weather from summer heat to winter snow. And, when maintenance is needed — planned or unexpected — getting emergency vehicles back on the street is highly time sensitive.

Fire companies in southern Chester County have always had trusted local mechanics and shops that have provided excellent service on vehicles. And, the manufacturers and their sales organizations who offer fire trucks and ambulances are a continued source of warranty and more extensive repair. That said, the cost of regular service, preventative maintenance, and unexpected breakdowns has always been a huge budget item for fire companies, and grows every year — especially as emergency call volume has increased.

Recognizing these challenges, leaders of the West Grove Fire Company and the Union Fire Company of Oxford began to discuss a novel partnership, one in which the neighboring departments would hire a fleet mechanic and share the personnel and costs. Between the two fire companies, 33 emergency vehicles are in the combined fleet and the costs for annual maintenance suggested there was the opportunity for cost savings if much of maintenance could come “in house.”

After careful investigation, and in consultation with outside experts, the two departments joined together to launch a fleet mechanic program. The WGFC was fortunate to have space at the London Britain Station that would accommodate room for a service shop, a bay large enough for the largest vehicles — the ladder trucks run by both 22 and 21. WGFC agreed to host the shop, and hire the mechanic, with both departments sharing the personnel costs and startup investments, and each department covering the costs for repair and maintenance on their own vehicles.

Of course, central to the plan was finding a mechanic who not only could operate independently, but also had experience with emergency vehicles. Fire engines and ladder trucks, among other vehicles, are complex machines, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars (some more than $1 million), with pumps, hydraulic equipment, generators, and other specialized systems.

Fortunately, a determined recruitment effort located Frank Dowlin, who joined the WGFC/Union team in July of 2022. Frank has 20 years of experience as a mechanic, and the benefit of 33 years as a volunteer firefighter/EMT and currently is in his 20th year as Fire Chief of the Modena Fire Company in Chester County. Over his years of mechanic experience, Frank was a road technician for Fire Line Equipment of New Holland, and spent the last six years traveling up and down the East Coast from New Hampshire to Tennessee working on fire trucks of all makes and models. Frank has an associates degree in Diesel Truck Service Management, and holds multiple emergency vehicle technician certifications in chassis, fire pumps and aerials.

Frank’s initial work was to set up a shop in London Britain. That included the work to research and then purchase the necessary equipment to do heavy maintenance on large trucks. For example, a lift system was purchased that is powerful enough to raise an 85,000 pound ladder truck with six lifts for each wheel location - connected wirelessly. In addition, oil, grease, antifreeze, waste oil systems, spare parts, supplies and space for truck manuals were all needed. A high pressure air system for tools and tires was purchased and installed into the station.

In addition, a major hurdle was crossed in November when the WGFC was established as a certified PA State Vehicle Inspection Station. This allows the fire company to do its own inspections across the fleet —a major time and cost savings.

The operation is now well underway. All maintenance on the 33-vehicle fleet is being done in house including preventative maintenance of chassis, pumps, generators, aerials, as well as State inspections. General day to day maintenance is handled, along with scheduling with outside vendors, and certification scheduling for all aerial ladders and pumps. Also, of note, Frank’s availability when equipment suddenly fails is invaluable, making it possible for fire trucks and ambulances to be evaluated, repaired and put back in service quickly is critical to both fire company’s operations.

Looking ahead, Frank will soon have a road-service truck for repairs, when an older truck in the WGFC fleet will retire from serving as Brush 22 and be transitioned to a truck that will support the mechanic program.

The landmark partnership between the West Grove and Union Fire Companies for fleet maintenance is something to be proud of. Both organizations are taking a progressive approach to fleet operations, and will be evaluating the financial impact of this fleet maintenance program over the next years.