Private Equity's Impact on Firefighting
Policy Committee March 31, 2026
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. 
- Hosts: Rep. Jennifer O'Mara (D-Delaware)
- Testifiers:
- Ken Felker- Chief, Springfield Fire Company
- Jim Capuzzi- President, Broomall Fire Company
- Kevin Ressler- Board Secretary, Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association
- J.C. Tedorski- Deputy State Fire Commissioner, Office of the State Fire Commissioner
Agenda + Testimony
Media Release + News Coverage
- Private equity fans flame of apparatus crisis facing firefighters, March 31, 2026
- Penn Capital-Star, Pa. fire companies feel the pinch as private equity buys up truck manufacturers, March 31, 2026
- The Center Square, Used fire engine prices jump 62% in 1 year in private equity-fueled 'crisis', March 31, 2026
- MyChesCo, Fire Truck Costs Surge, Delays Raise Safety Concerns, April 1, 2026
Video + Photos