Volunteer vs. Career Fire Department Equipment Needs: What’s Different? Every fire department shares the same mission: protect lives and property. But when it comes to equipment needs, volunteer fire departments and large career (municipal) departments often face very different realities. Budg …

Why Old Gear Is More Expensive Than You Think It can be tempting for departments—especially those with tight budgets—to push another year or two out of turnout gear, hoses, or radios. But the reality is that outdated fire equipment carries hidden costs: safety risks, legal liability, ins …