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Private equity fans flame of apparatus crisis facing firefighters

Policy Committee hears testimony on access, rising costs

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    March 31, 2026 | 12:13 PM

SPRINGFIELD, March 31 – Firefighters across Pennsylvania are facing a crisis after private equity consolidation of fire truck manufacturing companies has caused prices to soar, saddling local fire companies with outrageous costs and lengthy delivery times for new fire trucks. The PA House Majority Policy Committee convened a hearing Tuesday, hosted by state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, to hear how these first responders have been impacted and what can be done to alleviate the issue.

A recording of the hearing’s livestream can be found here.

“Private equity consolidation in the fire truck industry is driving up costs beyond what local fire companies can afford, forcing departments to stretch thin budgets just to maintain essential equipment,” said O’Mara. “This isn’t just economic—it’s a safety issue. When outdated equipment fails, lives are at risk. Fire companies shouldn’t face soaring costs and limited options to protect their communities.”

In the 2010s, the fire truck industry was diverse and had a wide range of independent sellers. Fire trucks at that time cost between $300,000 and $400,000. Since then, private equity firms have consolidated fire truck manufacturers to the point where just three companies control most of the market. Today, those same trucks cost upwards of $1 million, a price tag also affected by tariffs.

“Private equity-owned manufacturers continue to fail to expand production capacity, and in some cases even reduce it, despite growing demand from fire stations nationwide. This prioritizes financial gains over the reliability and readiness that the public expects of us,” said Kevin Ressler, board secretary of the Professional Fire Fighters Association of Pennsylvania. “These are unacceptable practices and are a direct obstacle to the urgent needs of the fire service for safe and reliable equipment.”

In addition to rising costs, testifiers said the delivery time of new fire apparatus has doubled or tripled since private equity consolidation of fire truck companies. Springfield Fire Co., where Tuesday’s hearing was held, ordered a new fire truck in March 2023 but is still waiting for delivery. The reduced competition among existing manufacturers means fire companies are waiting several years for the delivery of their new trucks, leaving fire stations in desperate need of upgraded equipment.

“We cannot allow a broken marketplace to decide whether our first responders have what they need to protect our communities. When fire trucks cost twice as much and take years to arrive, that’s not supply and demand—it’s market failure and a threat to public safety,” said House Majority Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie. “Capitalism without competition is nothing short of exploitation, and that’s exactly what is happening here. We need real competition, more manufacturing, and fair pricing—now. First responders shouldn’t be waiting years for equipment. Lives depend on it.”

Information about this hearing and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos available for publication can be found at https://www.facebook.com/PADemPolicy.