Arizona Fire Service Mechanics Association History

Our Association was formed around 1975 by a group of fire mechanics who were concerned about the growing complexity of fire apparatus, and thought by sharing resources they could improve fire apparatus specifications and design, develop better repair techniques, improve ease of operation and maintenance and assist in operator training. Some of the early milestones our founders were involved in were incorporation of diesel powerplants into fire apparatus, the adaptation of the Allison automatic transmission into fire trucks, improved air-brake systems and many other innovations, all of which make for simpler, safer and easier to operate fire apparatus.
 
The dedication of our members to the fire service continued through the years as demonstrated by their on-going commitment to participation in the State Fire School training classes as instructors. Our members fabricated a cutaway pump mounted on a trailer, which can be used as a training aid by any member agency to conduct classes about pump operation and maintenance. Our association has encouraged development of our own "homegrown" instructors to help develop and teach pump operation, apparatus maintenance and defensive driving classes. In addition, our association co-hosts with the Phoenix Fire Department, the biannual Brake and Drive Symposium in which agencies are invited to learn about various drivetrain combinations and primary and secondary braking options available to the fire service. As a culmination to the symposium, attendees are allowed to actually road test the various combinations in real-life driving scenarios.
 
Our main focus remains the on-going task of training our member mechanics in all aspects of fire apparatus maintenance and repair. To this end, we schedule quarterly two or three-day intensive training classes on various systems and components. Some of the classes we have had in the recent past include: light-duty fuel injection troubleshooting, Cummins engine diagnostics, Detroit diesel diagnostics, Allison transmission diagnostics and teardown, Waterous fire pump systems, E-One electrical systems, E-One aerial apparatus maintenance and other relevant training. We have scheduled in the near future a Hale pump overhaul class, an Allison transmission EVT certification seminar, a chassis, suspension, and steering seminar and an advanced electrical class. We try to schedule all classes as soon as possible, to allow our members ample time to arrange to attend.
 
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