ITASCA, Illinois (July 9, 2025) – Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Johnson to its Fire Advisory Board. Jim Johnson brings a wealth of industry experience and expertise in serving the fire industry.

Jim Johnson served as President of Pierce Manufacturing from 2010 to 2023. He also served as an Executive Vice President of Oshkosh Corporation and President of Oshkosh’s Fire & Emergency business segment with responsibility for the Frontline, Maximetal, and Oshkosh Airport Products brands in addition to Pierce. Most recently, Jim served as the President of the company’s Vocational business segment with the added responsibility for Oshkosh’s refuse vehicles, airport ground support equipment, utility and concrete truck brands in addition to his Fire & Emergency responsibilities before retiring in 2024. Jim started his career in Indianapolis as an attorney practicing commercial litigation.

“We are truly honored and proud to have Jim Johnson join our Fire Advisory Board,” said Paul Darley, CEO of Darley. “We have been business associates and close friends for almost 20 years. He is a strategic visionary with an eye toward innovation and people. Under his leadership, Pierce grew to be the largest company in the fire industry. Jim’s combination of operational experience, legal mindset, executive presence, sound ethical corporate governance, and industry experience make him an invaluable board member.”

About Darley: You serve others. We serve you. Darley provides the highest quality pump, technology, and equipment solutions for first responders around the world. With origins in Midwest manufacturing, Darley offers a complete line of unmanned systems, immersive training technology, equipment and pumps. Learn more on our websites: www.darley.com and shop.darley.com.

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Four people were hospitalized early Wednesday after an Apopka Fire Department ambulance collided with a pickup truck in Orange County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred around 6 a.m. at the intersection of Orange Blossom Trail and SR-414, temporarily shutting down traffic, ClickOrlando reports.

FHP said the ambulance was heading southbound on Orange Blossom Trail with its lights and sirens activated when it struck the right side of a Ford pickup truck that was entering the intersection from the westbound SR-414 exit ramp on a green light. The impact caused the truck to overturn and collide with a third vehicle.

The conditions of those hospitalized have not been released.

Visit ClickOrlando for more.

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The search for Marble Falls Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Phillips is now in its fourth day, as crews continue to look for the last known missing person in Burnet County (TX) following severe flash flooding, cbsaustin.com reported.

Phillips was responding to an emergency call early Saturday morning, July 5, when floodwaters from Cow Creek swept him and his vehicle away, a sheriff’s official said.

The search area includes FM 1174 and Cow Creek, where Phillips was last seen. His vehicle was discovered two miles downstream from this location, the report said.

Phillips has been a member of the Marble Falls Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years.

Burnet County Sheriff’s investigators have assured that the search efforts remain ongoing, with all agencies committed to finding Chief Phillips.

“At this time, we simply do not have the words to express our deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and resources we’ve received during the ongoing search for Chief Phillips,” Marble Falls Volunteer Fire Department said in a Facebook post July 8.

“Engine 5522 has been placed in front of our station for those who wish to pay their respects. Your kindness and solidarity mean more than we can ever say. This is truly a nightmare, and we remain hopeful for closure in the near future.

“We will continue the search for Chief Phillips with unwavering determination. Please keep us in your thoughts, and we will share any updates as soon as we are able.”

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The Waukee (IA) Fire Department announced recently it has a crew and administrative staff operating out of new Station 92, its second station, which is located at 815 NW 20th Street.

The fire department will share the space with the police department in the $43.5 million, more than 90,000-square-foot new public safety building. The facility includes separate wings for fire and police, shared training areas, and a larger gym, addressing previous space constraints, desmoinesregister.com reported.

Waukee Fire Department continues to run a fire truck and an ambulance from Station 91 at 1300 SE LA Grant Parkway. With the growth of the city, the fire department has expanded to ensure that the citizens of Waukee continue to have prompt and high-quality emergency services.

“Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing everyone at Station 92 for our Public Safety Day on August 5th,” the department said in a Facebook post.

The department also has a new E-ONE engine in the works due for delivery in August.

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Joey Oliver
mlive.com
(TNS)

BAY CITY, MI – The city took steps toward repairing a closed fire station on the west side of the Saginaw River.

Commissioners approved a $43,060 professional services agreement Monday, July 7, with Redstone Architects, Inc. of Bingham Farms, Michigan, to determine the scope of work required to reopen the currently defunct Fire Station 5.

The agreement calls on the company to make recommendations and develop plans for the work, and provide estimated costs as needed within 120 days.

The measure passed as part of the consent agenda. There was no discussion.

Redstone has worked on fire stations across Michigan, from municipalities such as Cedar Springs, Monroe and Novi. It was also the group contracted to construct the Genesee County Juvenile Justice Center.

The commission previously passed a resolution to seek bids for potential repairs to Fire Station 5, located at 1209 E. Smith St. In April, a request for proposals was issued to determine the scope of needed work.

By the end of May, the city received four proposals—from Redstone Architects Inc., WTA Architects (Saginaw), Veridus Advisors (Byron Center), and Hobbs + Black (Lansing). Interviews with the firms were held on June 9 and 13. According to city officials, the evaluation focused on each firm’s understanding of project requirements, key personnel, relevant experience, and proposed compensation.

Redstone Architects Inc. received the highest score and has been recommended for the project by city staff.

Fire Station 5, originally built in 1965, was closed on July 15, 2024. Its closure left the city with two fire stations on the east side of the river and one on the west. City officials cited the building’s deteriorating condition and budget constraints as reasons for the closure.

According to Bay City Public Safety Director Caleb Rowell, necessary high- and medium-priority repairs would cost approximately $386,318. Reopening the station would also require an estimated $1.6 million in staffing for the first year, with costs rising to around $2 million by the third year.

Due to limited resources, the city must prioritize which maintenance projects to address. Other fire stations also face infrastructure issues, including one with PFAS contamination. Fire Station 5 has historically had the lowest call volume among the city’s fire facilities, a factor that influenced the decision-making.

High-priority repairs for Station 5 include roof replacement, asbestos abatement, mold and mildew removal, and plumbing upgrades. Medium-priority work includes concrete repairs and carpet removal.

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