When it comes to procuring fire apparatus, success starts long before the spec sheets are signed.

We recently spoke with Fire Chief M. Kyle Minick from Lexington County Fire Service in South Carolina on the Pierce™ Dispatch Podcast to discuss how their department approaches fire truck purchasing.

The key takeaway? A strong, inclusive fire apparatus procurement committee is at the heart of every successful build. From cross-functional collaboration to long-term fleet planning, Lexington County has built a model focused on prioritizing operational needs, community safety and firefighter ownership. Here’s a detailed overview of the discussion. 

Why the Apparatus Procurement Committee Matters

"I can go out and buy a truck," said Fire Chief Minick, "but without the committee’s buy-in, they don’t take care of it and they’re not invested in it."

Ownership drives accountability. It’s why Lexington County places such high importance on creating a collaborative fire truck procurement committee for each apparatus project.

The primary role of a fire truck procurement committee is to ensure the department acquires apparatus aligned with its specific operational demands.

Often composed of key stakeholders from across the organization, the procurement committee brings together a range of perspectives to inform sound, mission-driven purchasing decisions.

The procurement committee’s responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the entire procurement process
• Determining the budget
• Defining the goal and anticipated outcomes
• Establishing a reasonable timeline

Forming a collaborative committee including a diverse group of stakeholders is critical, but what makes the committee successful? We explore more below.

Learn more about forming a fire apparatus procurement committee with our fire truck purchasing guide. 

What Makes an Apparatus Procurement Committee Successful?

"We want a firefighter on [the committee], an engineer, a company officer—we want a cross representation of each rank and shift," Chief Minick explained. “These committee members take pride in these trucks. They take it seriously.”

With more than 300 full-time employees and 25 fire stations, Lexington County Fire Service is intentional about who they bring to the table. Every year, the department puts out a call for interest and assembles a team spanning all ranks, shifts and operational backgrounds. Why? Because each role sees the apparatus from a unique lens.

The team ensures frontline firefighters have a say in operational requirements, such as hose placement and tool access. Engineers weigh in on pump panel preferences and drivability. Officers share what’s needed from the right front seat for effective command. When firefighters help shape the design of the trucks they use, they see their input reflected in the final product and take pride in its upkeep.

Even generational differences are embraced: while newer members might not have mechanical experience, they often bring critical tech knowledge, such as user expectations for USB placement or familiarity with digital systems.

“We want the youth on the committee for the technology piece,” said Chief Minick. “And we look to the more tenured folks who’ve farmed, worked on tractors or driven trucks over the local road. It’s a Dukes mixture—and we educate each other in the process.”

Within the purchasing committee, mentorship is deliberate. Even a young firefighter who might not know the difference between engine torque specs can walk away with the knowledge to make informed decisions when they become a company officer later in their career.

Lexington also takes care to include those outside the fire line. The county's fleet team is kept informed so their mechanics can train on new systems and components. 

By bringing the right people into the room and giving them room to lead, Lexington County is designing not just better trucks, but better-informed firefighters and a stronger department for the future.

Leadership Development Through Preconstruction Planning

"We're grooming the next generation to understand why preconstruction matters."

For Lexington County Fire Service, the apparatus committee does more than spec trucks; it shapes future leaders.

Currently chaired by a battalion chief with decades of experience, the committee is structured as a hands-on learning environment for those next in line. Two captains are actively being mentored to step into leadership roles, not just within the committee but within the broader fire service organization.

This intentional approach to leadership development ensures critical institutional knowledge doesn’t leave with a single retirement. Instead, it’s passed on through an immersive experience: attending every preconstruction meeting, questioning engineers about component layouts, flagging missing details during final inspections and seeing firsthand how a small change on paper can ripple into a major design improvement or delay.

"We’re getting them to understand the backside of it—this isn’t just a pretty fire truck that rolls in one day," Chief Minick explained. "There’s a lot of work that goes into getting it right and they need to be part of that process now so they’re ready later."

Chief Minick notes: it’s also about learning how to balance innovation with accountability. The captains in training are not only walking through truck specs, they're also learning how to manage budget constraints, prioritize operational needs and serve as liaisons between firefighters and county administrators.

This leadership development strategy is part of a broader philosophy within the department: knowledge must be shared, not siloed. This mindset creates continuity in decision-making, resilience in operations and consistency in quality, ensuring every apparatus delivered today sets the next generation up for success tomorrow.

From Preconstruction to Final Inspection: Collaboration with Manufacturers is Key

"We love walking the factory floor and seeing ideas in other builds. Our engineers are always receptive to our questions."

When it comes time to finalize specs, Lexington County makes the most of their time in Appleton, Wisconsin at Pierce Manufacturing. From long hours reviewing every line item to walking the production floor for inspiration, the department’s committee stays deeply engaged with Pierce engineers. The hands-on collaboration leads to thoughtful, real-time decisions which improve functionality and avoid costly changes later.

When it comes time to turn specifications into reality, Lexington County Fire Service doesn’t treat preconstruction and final inspections as routine. Instead, they are treated as critical opportunities to collaborate, learn and improve. Pierce Manufacturing meets this mindset with a deeply collaborative approach extending far beyond a traditional vendor relationship.

Every visit to Appleton, Wisconsin is highly structured, but also highly interactive. The committee dives into hours of line-by-line spec reviews, double-checking to ensure every detail reflects what was agreed upon during design. Nothing is assumed and nothing is off-limits.

“You walk in and people think it’s just dinners and factory tours, but it’s work,” said Chief Minick. “We’re here at 7:30 in the morning and sometimes don’t stop until well after 5. And if we’re not in a conference room, we’re walking the plant, asking questions, seeing how things are being built and borrowing ideas from other trucks.”

This kind of deep engagement is made possible because Pierce engineers not only allow access to the production floor—they welcome it. Engineers stop what they’re doing to answer questions, explain tradeoffs and provide real-time feedback which directly shapes the final outcome.

For Lexington County’s first-ever heavy rescue unit, collaboration proved invaluable. From selecting anchor point locations to adjusting compartment layouts for specialized tools and struts, the committee worked side-by-side with Pierce to ensure the truck was designed to optimize performance and functionality.

“There was one spec we wanted to change and Pierce said, ‘We can do that but it’ll delay your truck by six months.’ That transparency helped us pivot quickly and make the best call for our timeline.”

The relationship isn’t just about logistics; it’s about mutual respect and a shared commitment to building better tools for the fire service. This commitment shows in everything from how Pierce incorporates feedback into future designs to how committee members walk away feeling heard, valued and empowered.

“It’s still amazing to me,” Chief Minick added. “You’ve got 35-year employees at Pierce who beam with pride about each truck they touch. Their fingerprints are on it just like ours are.”

In the end, the collaboration between Lexington County and Pierce isn’t just about building a truck; it’s about building a partnership rooted in craftsmanship, communication and a shared mission to serve the community.

Interested in learning more about final inspections? Read our blog Fire Truck Final Inspections: Pierce’s 3-Step Process or listen to our podcast: Pierce™ Dispatch Episode 6: Preparation for Pierce Visits with Jason Blank

Building Community Trust Through Transparency

"These are your fire trucks. We want the public to be engaged."

To strengthen community support, the department hosts public events where residents can see new trucks up close and ask questions. This transparency builds trust with taxpayers and helps justify future apparatus investments.

Lexington County creates opportunities for families, business owners and local officials to explore the trucks, ask questions and connect with the firefighters who use them every day.

“When I go ask for something more, I want the public to understand why,” Chief Minick explained. “Why is there a computer in that truck? Why does an air pack cost what it does? The more they know, the more they trust what we’re doing.”

This approach helps demystify the cost and complexity of fire service equipment. Rather than viewing new trucks as large, unexplained budget items, taxpayers begin to see them as vital, purpose-built tools designed to directly support public safety.

By proactively educating the community and keeping residents informed, Lexington County builds long-term credibility which makes future apparatus investments easier to secure. It’s a model rooted in respect—for the taxpayer, the firefighter and the equipment alike.

A Truck Procurement Model for Long-Term Success

From committee selection to final delivery, Lexington County Fire Service has created a smart, sustainable model for apparatus procurement. By valuing firefighter input, planning for long-term fleet needs and fostering manufacturer collaboration, they ensure every truck meets operational demands and earns community confidence. 

It’s a model worth emulating and one which continues to evolve with every build.

Curious to hear more? Listen to the full podcast here: Episode 33: Fire Apparatus Procurement Committee: Lexington County Fire Rescue Service, South Carolina

Reach out to your Pierce dealer with any questions and review our Fire Truck Purchasing Guide to see how to start the apparatus procurement process in your community.