Join us for our
30th Annual Apparatus Specifications
& Maintenance Symposium
FDSOA Annual Safety Forum, January 15 – 18, Info Page
In cooperation with and
The Official Magazine of the FDSOA Apparatus Symposium!
January 15-17(ends at 10am), 2018
Pre-conference – Sunday, January 14
Scottsdale, AZ
FDSOA’s Annual Apparatus Symposium is the only conference dedicated to providing a better understanding of fire apparatus and ambulances to the emergency services industry. Presentations from leading industry figures, as well as apparatus and equipment manufacturers, provide the attendee with a wide range of factual data. Breakout sessions and networking events provide a forum for sharing personal experiences with your peers. Last year’s event had 350+ attendees. We expect even more this time!
Breakfast and Lunch will be provided on Monday and Tuesday. Breakfast only on Wednesday.
Pre-Conference Options
Sunday, January 14th, 2018

Mike Wilbur

Tom Shand
SPACE
Basics of Specifications Writing (4hrs)
SPACE
Buying a new fire apparatus can be overwhelming, expensive and compounded by evolving national standards. Tom Shand and Mike Wilbur are industry experts when it comes to helping you understand and write a fire apparatus specification for your department.
“Purchasing a piece of fire apparatus today can become a complex process of determining your department’s needs, meeting with manufacturers’ representatives, specification development and securing adequate financial support from your community’s purchasing authority,” said Shand.
The duo will also cover a host of purchasing options: using a nationally-recognized consortium, tagging on to a neighboring department’s contract or writing your own specification. Which is best, which is most cost effective and how do you make sure you actually get what you asked for? These and many other topics, issues and concepts will be covered in the fast paced, four-hour class.

Brian Brown
Fire Pump and Accessories with Proper Pump Testing (8hrs)
A sound vehicle and maintenance and testing program is important to government agencies of all sizes. Be it a volunteer, combination or career department, reliable vehicles and equipment in appropriate working order are essential to providing public services to the communities served in a professional and timely manner.
That’s why understanding proper fire pump maintenance and pump testing are so important.
The instructors will cover fire pump and accessories theory and operation along with a dynamic hands-on experience to understand the current 1901 and 1911 testing standards. This is a great opportunity to learn about different brands and types of fire pumps, how to properly perform multiple tests along with hands on training!
This Precon will be held off-site from the hotel at Mesa Fire Department.
Transportation, continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
SPACE
SPACE
Attendees must provide their own PPE.
Instructors:
Brian Brown – South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR), CO, Fleet Services Bureau
A Sample of what’s to come……….
Legal Issues regarding Apparatus Design
BRAD PINSKY – Attorney and Fire Chief
“Our Fire Department’s New Motto: Good Enough is Good Enough”
GARRY BRIESE – Executive Director of Colorado State Fire Chiefs
Apparatus Safety
BRUCE VARNER
Investigating Apparatus Crashes
GORDON ROUTLEY – Chief, Montreal Fire Department
Some of the Breakout Topics:
- Investigating Apparatus Crashes
- Design and Performance of Fire Apparatus
- Equipment Storage and Mounting
- Design and Operate the Perfect Quint…or do you really need one?
30th Annual Apparatus Symposium
General Attendee Registration Fees
Fire Pump and Accessories with Proper Pump Testing
Attendee MUST have all of their own PPE as outlined
Basics of Apparatus Specifications Writing
Half Day – Classroom Training
30th Annual Apparatus Symposium Conference
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday til 10am.
Conference Location and Hotel Information
Scottsdale Plaza Resort
7200 N. Scottsdale Rd., AZ 85253
Phone (480)948-5000
Guest rooms start at $179
Be sure to say you are with the FDSOA Conference!
Area Attraction Links:
Hall of Flame Fire Museum
Papago Park, 6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Trip Advisor – Top 10 things to do
The FDSOA appreciates our sponsors!
Sunday Evening Vendor Reception | Available |
Breakfast | Available |
Lunch | Available |
Afternoon Break (multiple available) | Power Products |
Morning General Session Speaker (multiple available) | Safe Fleet |
Breakout Session | Available |
General Support | Available |
2018 Apparatus Symposium
General Session Sponsor
2018 Apparatus Symposium Afternoon Break Sponsor
2019 Annual Apparatus Symposium
Planning ahead or working on your 2019 budget? 2019 Apparatus Symposium will be held in Orlando, Florida, January 13–15 (half day), 2019.
(PreCons Sunday, January 12, 2019). Same hotel as 2017
Wyndham Orlando Resort I-Drive
Orlando, Florida