The Abbeville County Fire Department announced the passing of Mr. Hobart “Hobie” Erickson, the oldest active firefighter in the state of South Carolina. He was 95 years old. Erickson served as a first responder for over 65 years. His career started in 1965 in New Jersey. He later moved down south and joined the Donalds Fire Department more than 35 years ago where he once served as chief of the station.
- PUB DATE: 4/27/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WIS-TV NBC/CW 10 Columbia

After last summer set records for an excessive heatwave, there are concerns about what this wildfire season holds. King County firefighter Parker McKinnon said last summer was the unfortunate inspiration for a new nonprofit he launched with cofounder Alexis Robertson to help fill a gap in the state's wildfire response.
- PUB DATE: 4/27/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

A fire in Yakima destroyed a garage near a home in West Valley Tuesday evening. It started at around 6:30 p.m. near the 1800 block of Lyons Loop. The fire started as a brush fire but spread to a nearby garage. West Valley Fire and the Yakima Fire Department worked on the fire. Deputy fire chief Jim Johnston says it took about 40 minutes to put the fire out.
- PUB DATE: 4/27/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIMA-TV CBS News Yakima

Mt. Vernon, MO –Electric Vehicle Solutions – Reyco Granning is working on multiple electric vehicle solutions that will help fleets

79KB-EV – Steel leaf spring suspension

• • Flat-leaf or taper-leaf suspension for GAWR 15,000 lb. (6.8 t) – 35,000 lb. (15.9 t).
• • Packaged to fit with larger e-axle space-claim.
• • Ideally suited for delivery truck, work truck, and emergency response.
• • Available for 4X2 & 4X4 arrangements.

240AR-EV – Air ride suspension optimized for use in electric vehicles

• • Air suspension for GAWR 17,000 lb. (7.7 t) – 23,000 lb. (10.4 t).
• • Shock tuned and rebound control designed to accommodate high un-sprung mass

of e-axles.

• • Ideally suited for on-highway truck, tractor, large bus, and Class-A motorhome.
• • Available for 4X2, 4X4, 6X2, & 6X4 arrangements.

Reyco Granning is also developing an electrified slider suspension for trailer applications based on the DM400EV platform that will reclaim energy normally lost during braking. This is a solution to reduce fuel consumption in tractor-trailer applications and to meet the CARB (California Air Resources Board) for refrigerated trailer application regulations.

“The products being launched by our Electric Vehicle Solutions unit are establishing a leadership position for Reyco Granning in vehicle electrification and the reduction of greenhouse gasses.”

John Stuart, President.

About Reyco Granning

Reyco Granning, headquartered in Mt. Vernon, MO, designs and manufactures air ride, steel spring, and auxiliary suspension systems used by truck, trailer and specialty vehicle OEMs, including Fire & Rescue, RV and Bus markets. Reyco Granning is a suspension manufacturer with nearly 90 years of proven product quality, durability, and reliability. Visit us at www.reycogranning.com

April 26, 2022, West Sayville, NY – The Fire Department Instructor’s Conference (FDIC) is back in Indianapolis, Indiana, this year, and Kussmaul Electronics is, once again, exhibiting at the conference. The company will feature new technology that they have recently begun to advertise—the capability to offer alternative power solutions to the emergency vehicle market.

“We are engaging in more conversations involving green technology within the emergency vehicle market.” Says Danny Graham, Director of Sales for Kussmaul Electronics. “Utilizing the strength of our partners within Mission Critical Electronics (MCE) organization allows us access to products that offer solutions for generator replacement and emissions reduction.”

Danny explains the technology, which allows for continued use of onboard tools and essential components, uses a Lithium-Ion battery that provides power even with the engine turned off.

Additionally, the company will showcase its new “Chief Series” battery charger, an industry-leading single, dual, or triple bank charger. Available in 40 or 60 amp, Kussmaul will conduct demonstrations with the unit designed to simultaneously charge batteries of different chemistries including Lithium Ion and lead-acid.

When asked about exhibiting at FDIC again this year, Colin Chambless, VP of Sales for the Vehicle Power Division of MCE, offered this: “FDIC is the largest North American fire and emergency vehicle conference in the industry. It connects our first responders of the fire and EMS industry to learn about the newest technologies, see the latest products, enhance their knowledge and skills via hands-on training and classroom sessions, and develop long-lasting relationships with their fellow brothers and sisters. It is truly a unique event, and we are so excited to be a part of it.”

Keeping to the company’s tagline, “Energized and Ready When Seconds Count,” They remain committed to keeping our firefighters safe and efficient when performing their duties.
Be sure to stop by FDIC booth #4233 to say hello to the crew and learn more about the technology they can offer.

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Kussmaul Electronics, a Mission Critical Electronics company, was founded in 1967 in West Sayville, NY. They are a world-class manufacturer of battery charging and vehicle power components for the emergency vehicle market. Visit www.kussmaul.com and www.mission-critical-electronics.com for more information.