South Metro Fire Rescue enhanced its dive rescue operations with the deployment of Dive 19, a Helie Freightliner rescue apparatus paired with a 21-foot Boston Whaler dive boat, the department said on social media recently.

This new unit replaces Dive 16, which will now serve in a logistics role to support department-wide operations. Dive 19 is now stationed at Station 19 off Wadsworth Boulevard, placing it directly across from Chatfield State Park and enabling faster response times during critical water emergencies.

Key highlights:

• Dual dive teams (Dive 31 and Dive 19) with shared personnel and coverage of both Chatfield and Cherry Creek Reservoirs
• Enhanced sonar and dive capabilities for quicker victim location
• Years of research, procurement, and training culminated in today’s readiness.
• Community-driven investment in safety, based on strong citizen feedback.
• Our dive teams undergo rigorous training and use best-in-class tools to respond quickly and effectively when seconds matter.

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U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks at a dedication and open house Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the new Rumford (ME) fire station, according to a press release.

The new station is dedicated to Peter Chase, a former deputy fire chief and Town of Rumford selectman, who passed away in 2022. Members of the Chase family, including his wife Rhonda and his son, Auburn Fire Department Chief Bob Chase, were in attendance for the ceremony, which was held on the same day as Deputy Chief Chase’s birthday.

“This is a celebration of more than a modern facility for firefighters. As we dedicate this building to Peter Chase, we honor an inspiring life of service,” said Senator Collins during her remarks. “From deputy fire chief, to selectman, to his work on several town and county commissions, Peter devoted himself to his community. This is a wonderfully touching way to mark what would have been Peter’s 72nd birthday.”

“Rhonda, Bob, and all members of his wonderful family, please know that this new fire station is a fitting memorial to a remarkable example of the spirit of Maine,” she continued. “Bob, let me congratulate you for carrying on your father’s legacy in Auburn and for your recognition as Maine’s Fire Chief of the Year for 2024. That spirit lives on in the firefighters who selflessly put their lives on the line to protect our families, our homes, and our businesses.”

After touring the old station—which was constructed in 1923—in May of 2022, Senator Collins secured $1 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to support the construction of the new station in the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus appropriations package. The new station includes two additional bays and additional clearance for trucks, as well as a decontamination area, and sleeping space for the firefighters.

Senator Collins has long been an advocate for Maine’s firefighters and first responders. Through her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, she secured more than $31 million in Congressionally Directed Spending through the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process for projects across the state that will support local law enforcement, fire and rescue stations, and emergency response services.

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ACE is born from over a decade of development. Initially introduced in a nascent form at FDIC about ten years ago, the technology was ahead of its time. However, with changing dynamics and an increase in interest from various sectors, FRC decided to reintroduce ACE, believing the market is now more receptive to such advancements.

ACE is designed to augment the capabilities of firefighters. Acknowledging that many firefighters may feel uneasy about automation, the title “Advanced Control Environment” emphasizes better interaction rather than outright automation.

At its core, ACE is designed for accessibility. By transforming complex pump operations into manageable tasks, ACE equips new firefighters with a tool they can navigate easily, allowing them to focus on their critical roles during emergencies.

The ACE system automates several tasks that traditionally required constant manual adjustment. For instance, upon switching water sources during operations, ACE can intuitively manage the tank refilling process or regulate pump pressure, minimizing the risk of oversight that could occur in high-stress situations.

The post Inside FRC’s ACE Pump Control appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A Cleveland Division of Fire Academy cadet has died after experiencing a medical emergency during a physical fitness session on Friday afternoon, according to city officials.

The cadet, whose name is being withheld out of respect for the family, was rushed to a local hospital where he later died. His sudden death prompted an outpouring of grief and support from the city’s public safety community.

City leaders, including Mayor Justin Bibb, Public Safety Director Wayne Drummond, Fire Chief Anthony Luke and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 93 Union President Jake Konys went to the hospital after the cadet’s death to offer condolences and stand with the family and classmates.

Bibb reflected on the personal nature of the loss.

“I am absolutely devastated to learn about the tragic death of one of our cadets – who is also a friend I’ve known for many years,” he said in a statement. “He was excited to further his commitment to helping others by joining the fire academy, and that has tragically been cut short. I will do everything I can as mayor to ensure that his legacy is not forgotten.”

The cadet had only recently begun his journey in the fire service, but his presence had already left a mark. Luke called it a difficult day for the department.

“Our entire Cleveland Fire Family is saddened by this loss,” he said in a statement. “We offer our condolences to his family and will stand with them through the difficult days ahead.”

Konys also spoke to the emotional toll of the loss on the firefighting community.

“Words cannot describe this great loss,” Konys said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and classmates of our brother. While his time amongst our ranks was cut short, he will forever hold a place within our fire family.”

Officials have not released further details about the cadet’s medical emergency, and the incident remains under investigation. More information will be shared in the coming days, the city said.

Kaylee Remington is a trending news and metro reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Read her work online.

©2025 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit cleveland.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The post Cleveland (OH) Fire Cadet Dies Following Medical Emergency During Training appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Getting your specifications right at the outset is more important today than ever before. You communicate to the builder you choose through the specification you generate. You want to ensure that you are getting the apparatus you want and need for the price you are paying. This month, we ask Bill Adams and Ricky Riley: What is the biggest mistake fire departments today are making with their specs?

 Not Having Situational Awareness

I am seldom at a loss for words discussing fire apparatus purchasing specifications (specs). Its been a favorite topic for years (e.g., https://www.fireapparatusmagazine.com/fire-apparatus/apparatus-purchasing-decep- tive-and-confusing-boilerplates/ and www.fireapparatusmagazine.com/fire-apparatus/apparatus-purchasing-deceptive-specification-writing/). Having written specifications as both buyer and seller, I’ll attempt to answer the question from each perspective while treading lightly. The way the question is framed, a response taken out of context could be construed as saying fire departments make willful mistakes during the process. There is no allegation of that. At the same time, there’s no way to describe what the biggest mistake might be without possibly and unfairly accusing the spec writers. I’m not going there.

An observation relevant to both career and volunteer entities is that a fire department might not be aware of the complexities and legalities when writing purchasing specifications. According to the Oxford Dictionary, unfamiliarity is the “fact of not knowing something.”

That is not claiming the spec writer is uneducated or uncaring. Fire department members tasked with the duty of writing specifications may not have been taught how to accomplish the task-through no fault of their own.

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

A politically correct response to this month’s question is: “Not having situational awareness of the spec writing process is detrimental to achieving the apparatus desired.” That statement sounds good. It shouldn’t aggravate people. But unfortunately, it really doesn’t say anything definitive that you can hang your hat on. It sounds like a politician talking.

Two pragmatic statements are: “People not well-versed or educated in the competitive bidding process can be placed in a position where they are responsible for writing the purchasing specifications for a million-dollar fire truck. It is possible there may be no oversight or accountability for their actions.” It is human nature for some spec writers to become defensive if challenged. If it’s too hot, decline getting into the kitchen.

The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) signing the check is ultimately responsible and accountable regardless of who physically writes the purchasing specification document-a task usually delegated to the fire department. Large departments purchasing scores of apparatus per year have more experience and expertise in writing specifications than small fire companies that might only purchase a new rig every two decades. My comments can be applicable to both.

FACT OF LIFE

Fire departments don’t really write specs on their own. They need outside help regardless of whether they are provided by vendors, manufacturers (OEMs), professional spec writers, or outside consultants. Apparatus OE