Maximizing value through preventative maintenance was the focus of several training sessions at the 17th Annual Fire Truck Training Conference hosted by Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR).
The event was attended by 166 fire truck service personnel from across North America, for comprehensive service training on the company's products and services.
Attendance at the event, which was held in Lansing, Michigan, July 31-August 4, increased over the previous year. As more communities face increasingly stringent budget limitations, Spartan Chassis anticipates growth in the number of departments that will begin performing their own vehicle inspections, preventative maintenance and repairs.
"Holding down the cost of repairs, increasing safety and minimizing equipment downtime have always been a focus, but are now major priorities for fire departments already facing intense financial pressures," said Bill Foster, co-founder and Vice President of Spartan Motors. "Technology, emissions, safety standards and customization add complexity to the chassis we manufacture. Communities depend on these vehicles to keep them safe and it is vital that we offer the formal training needed by technicians to maintain and service our products to help keep them operational."
The conference featured over 40 seminars with a focus on three professional tracks including Basic Operation and Maintenance, Service Repair, and Heavy Repair. Each seminar offered fire truck service personnel a comprehensive understanding, hands-on demonstrations of vehicle components and systems, and preparation for Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification exams that were held during the week. Courses were led by training specialists from Spartan Chassis and major suppliers of fire vocational equipment.
The 18th Annual Spartan Chassis Fire Truck Training Conference will be held October 14-18, 2012 at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Michigan. Additional conference information and registration will be available at spartanchassis.com in mid-2012.