The key to extended vehicle life and performance for any emergency vehicle can only be assured through an aggressive preventative maintenance program. To meet this challenge, the Sun City Fire Department has developed one of the best, most cost effective preventative maintenance programs in the state.
The Fleet Officer, Battalion Chief Ron Gilbert, is a member of the Arizona and California Fire Mechanics Association and is charged with all maintenance aspects of the fire department's fleet, which consists of four engines, one ladder truck, three staff and two fire prevention vehicles.
Due to the high operational demand and age of the fleet, a strong maintenance program is paramount for constant operation of emergency response vehicles, which are utilized at a moment's notice. An example of our commitment to vehicle maintenance includes daily, weekly and monthly maintenance checks of all fire department units in accordance to manufacturer's recommendations. Oil and filters are changed every 2,500 miles and all front line apparatus is sent on a quarterly basis to an outside contractor for major maintenance and inspection.
Additions to the fleet in 2002 were the purchases of two Chevrolet Blazers to replace aging staff vehicles which had in excess of 135,000 miles, and a 2001 Pierce Quantum Pumper to replace Engine 131, which has been in service in excess of 10 years, has in excess of 125,00 miles and is not reliable for front line service.