In the short term quality will not suffer if the volume isn’t affected. If austerity measure are sustained, and our order book forms cobwebs then of course we will have no alternative other than to sustain our business.
I appreciate the effect of auserity measures in business but when it comes to products and services in the fire industry, I firmly believe that quality should not suffer in saving money.The safety of life and property has to be maintained at all times. My take on the subject is, take austerity elsewhere. Leave fire and security alone.
I most certainly do expect that with our country in a recession, that eventually it could have a negative effect on the quality of the materials and workmanship of equipment used by today’s modern firefighter.
Good, sound, strong and reputable companies should be able to weather this storm by looking for new manufacturing techniques, better quality materials, and changes that will not affect the quality of their products. Firefighters are dependent upon Equipment suppliers and Apparatus Manufacturers to provide them with nothing but the best and safest equipment possible for the money available.
As a Fire Chief when I looked to purchase a new piece of equipment I first went to companies that I had dealt with before and had a good experience with and had a history of purchasing good quality and reliable products from. I used this as a guide and then compared it to other companies that were trying to break into the business so to speak. If I could compare the quality of materials and workmanship and felt that they were as good or better then I would shop price and purchase from a new vendor.
Most companies in the Emergency Services are working hard to provide good products knowing that we literally are willing to bet our life on the quality of their product. I have seen many new innovations in my career and been willing to try some new things. Sadly I have also witnessed some equipment failures that have resulted in loss of lives of firefighters.
Providers of firefighting equipment need to work hard to make sure that we have the best equipment available and the Fire Chief or purchasing officer has the responsibility of making sure that piece of equipment lives up to its claim.
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Quality will not suffer if the volume isn’t affected
In the short term quality will not suffer if the volume isn’t affected. If austerity measure are sustained, and our order book forms cobwebs then of course we will have no alternative other than to sustain our business.
Installer
Quality comes first
I appreciate the effect of auserity measures in business but when it comes to products and services in the fire industry, I firmly believe that quality should not suffer in saving money.The safety of life and property has to be maintained at all times. My take on the subject is, take austerity elsewhere. Leave fire and security alone.
Edwin Northl,
Retired Fire Captain.
It could have a negative effect on the quality of the materials
Patrick O. Antry
Fire Chief