Fleet Management & Apparatus Planning

The 2026 AFCA Conference will conclude with our highly anticipated Interactive Bear Pit Session, bringing together leading voices from across Alberta’s fire service sector. This year’s discussion will focus on the rapidly evolving landscape of fire apparatus procurement, fleet management, and lifecycle planning.

Panelists will explore key topics including:

• Rising costs of fire apparatus and how departments can plan strategically
• Fleet management best practices and long-range replacement forecasting
• Building and ordering apparatus – understanding community needs, setting priorities, defining must-haves vs. nice-to-haves, and avoiding common pitfalls
• Fire Underwriters Survey considerations, including applications for apparatus extensions, inspections, and training requirements
• Maintenance and mechanical readiness, ensuring departments maximize safety and service life
• Vendor and supplier perspectives, with insights into the parts supply chain, manufacturing timelines, and market trends impacting departments across Alberta

This session features a distinguished panel:
Randy Schroeder, County Fire Chief & Director of Emergency Management, Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Services; President, AFCA
Jon Evans, MBA, Deputy Fire Chief, Rocky View County
Michael Currie, Vice President, Fire Underwriters Survey (TBC)
Dave Dexter, RMA, Canoe Procurement
Laura King, Regional Director (Canada), NFPA
Carey Feduniw, General Manager, Commercial Emergency | AFCA Trade Representative