Posts by Michael Phelan

Fire departments and municipalities, both here in Richmond and throughout the country, have noticed a significant increase in the price of new trucks. These increases strain already limited budgets and potentially put firefighters and communities at risk. But critics say they are not by accident. Alleged intentional market manipulation by a handful of key corporate…

Every city government and fire department has wrestled with questions about the costs of fire apparatus, but more so in recent years. Some observers have noted that costs are at record highs and have contributed to a serious crisis. Departments and local governments must consider whether they are being gouged and whether laws are being…

The massive price hikes of fire apparatus have left city governments scrambling for solutions. Already tight budgets are being reworked to try to find the funds necessary to purchase new trucks and equipment. Meanwhile, some cities are pouring their limited resources into repairs and maintenance as a way of handling their aging fleets. There is…

Anyone who has ever served as a firefighter knows that time is of the essence when it comes to emergencies. Delays can mean the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, the fire apparatus industry itself is experiencing significant and dangerous delays in receiving new equipment. These delays are frustrating to the men and women who…

In 2024, 2.488 million recordable workplace incidents were reported. These injuries ranged from mild to fatal. In the US, employers have a duty to create a safe working environment for employees. Sometimes accidents happen due to negligence, third parties, or safety violations. When an industrial accident happens, most claims are covered under workers’ compensation. However,…