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Revamping the Fire Fleet with Leasing

January 15, 2025

In this episode of Fire Headlines, Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna to discuss the challenges many fire departments face with fleet management, particularly the rising costs of purchasing and maintaining fire apparatus. With financial pressures mounting, some departments, like Amarillo Fire Department, are considering leasing fire trucks as an alternative to traditional purchasing. Chief Kehmna shares insights into how leasing can offer financial flexibility, improve fleet reliability, and help departments manage the increasing costs of fire equipment.

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Hear how fire departments facing fleet challenges are revamping the script with fire fleet leasing on Western Fire Chiefs Association’s Fire Headlines Podcast.

In this episode of Fire Headlines, Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Ken Kehmna to discuss the challenges many fire departments face with fleet management, particularly the rising costs of purchasing and maintaining fire apparatus. With financial pressures mounting, some departments, like Amarillo Fire Department, are considering leasing fire trucks as an alternative to traditional purchasing. Chief Kehmna shares insights into how leasing can offer financial flexibility, improve fleet reliability, and help departments manage the increasing costs of fire equipment.

The Impact of the Pandemic and Creative Financing

Chief Kehmna reflects on his own department’s experience with fleet leasing, highlighting the difficulties caused by the pandemic. Supply chain disruptions led to delays in acquiring parts and equipment, further complicating the already challenging task of maintaining a reliable fleet. In response, Chief Kehmna emphasizes the importance of creative financial strategies like leasing, cooperative purchasing, and resource sharing with neighboring agencies to help departments make the most of their budgets and continue delivering vital services to their communities.

Operational Challenges of Fleet Maintenance

Maintaining a fire fleet is no simple task. Chief Kehmna discusses the operational challenges of keeping fire apparatus ready for service, especially when vehicles are out of service for repairs or maintenance. Fire apparatus are highly complex, requiring specialized knowledge and equipment for repairs, which can lead to extended downtimes. This underscores the need for departments to keep a reserve fleet and ensure they have the resources necessary to maintain readiness, especially during critical periods like wildfire season.

The Role of Mutual Aid and Resource Sharing

One of the key takeaways from the conversation is the value of mutual aid agreements and partnerships between fire departments. Chief Kehmna shares how neighboring agencies can collaborate by sharing equipment, personnel, and costs to ensure both departments have the necessary resources to respond to emergencies. By working together, fire departments can improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and better serve their communities, especially in times of crisis.

Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

The episode concludes with Chief Kehmna urging fire service leaders to think creatively when addressing fleet management challenges. Whether through leasing, cooperative purchasing, or shared resources, being adaptable and innovative is key to maintaining operational readiness. Chief Kehmna encourages departments to remain open to new solutions and continue collaborating with others to ensure they have the resources to meet the needs of their communities, no matter the financial or logistical challenges they face.

You can email Fire Headlines at [email protected].

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