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Posted: Mar 11, 2022

Roswell (GA) Fire Department Launches Automatic Vehicle Location Dispatch

Roswell, GA (March 8th, 2022) – The Roswell Fire Department (RFD) is now utilizing Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) dispatching which uses the vehicle’s GPS location, so dispatchers in the Roswell 911 Emergency Communications Center can identify and dispatch the closest, most appropriate emergency response vehicle to a call for service for our residents. This was achieved through the joint efforts of staff from the City’s Fire Department, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Division, Information Technology Division, and the 911 Emergency Communications Center.

One of the main benefits of this system is the added confidence that the closest emergency response vehicle is being dispatched to the call for service, which reduces response time. This allows fire department personnel to be on the scene of the emergency in the quickest amount of time possible. Another benefit is the added peace of mind that comes from being able to reliably locate Roswell Fire Department crews based on the vehicle’s current GPS location, even if dispatchers or the department’s command staff cannot reach them by radio or cell phone.

Prior to this upgrade, the Roswell 911 Emergency Communications Center would send a fire engine, ladder truck, or rescue ambulance from the station with the closest proximity to the call for service. However, the nearest fire station does not necessarily mean the nearest fire truck or emergency response vehicle. In some cases, the fire apparatus assigned to that station may be out of the station training, conducting area familiarization, or returning from another call for service when a fire or medical emergency is dispatched.

The AVL system is only possible with reliable connectivity between the GPS-based vehicle location data and the City’s Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. To achieve this, the department installed Cradlepoint in-vehicle routers to improve reliable connectivity. The routers continuously and securely communicate the GPS coordinates of the vehicle to the CAD system in the Roswell 911 Emergency Communications Center.

Additionally, at the February 28th meeting, the City of Roswell Mayor and Council approved an Automatic Aid Agreement between the City of Roswell and the Cities of Alpharetta, Milton, Sandy Springs, and Johns Creek. Automatic aid is assistance that is dispatched automatically by contractual agreement between two or more communities to calls for service. Once all of the Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems are compatible, automatic aid will help reduce response times in North Fulton by using AVL dispatch to send the closest emergency response vehicle to a call for service, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. Doing so will increase Roswell Fire Department’s capacity to respond to large-scale incidents and also ensure that there are no interruptions in existing service while doing so. Another benefit could include a better Public Protection Classification (PPC®) from the Insurance Services Office (ISO). Most U.S. insurers of home and business properties use PPC in calculating premiums. According to ISO, “In general, the price of insurance in a community with a good PPC is lower than in a community with a poor PPC.”

The Fire Departments in North Fulton County have been working together closely to improve partnerships and implement a regional approach to fire and emergency services. The North Fulton Fire Chiefs meet monthly as do the City’s Fire Marshals, Operations Chiefs, Emergency Medical Service Divisions, and Training Divisions. This helps to ensure interoperability, and that the different departments are training together and sharing best practices.

The implementation of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) dispatch and the execution of a North Fulton Automatic

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Posted: Mar 11, 2022

Pictures: West Memphis (AR) Breaks Ground on Training Center

“The West Memphis #winningstreak continues,” the fire department writes on Facebook. “Today the West Memphis Fire Department along with Mayor McClendon and the West Memphis City Council broke ground on the Eason-Lang Training Center that will help prepare the next generation of firefighters to continue providing the best fire and emergency services to the citizens of West Memphis.

“Mayor Marco McClendon and Fire Chief Barry Ealy spoke about WMFD’s commitment to providing our first responders with the best training and the most advanced level of training possible, for all the many emergency challenges that they confront.

“The new Eason-Lang Training Center will be constructed at the all-new Fire Station No. 2 located on College Blvd. The 5,500 square foot center will feature a burn building with live fire training, two flashover areas, including simulators for kitchen and attic fires, multilevel rappelling, fire hydrants, and a hazmat training area for operations involving hazardous materials.”

Posted: Mar 11, 2022

PA Fire Chief Accused of Driving Ambulance While Drunk

The chief of the Renovo Fire Department is facing charges after being accused of driving an ambulance under the influence of alcohol while a patient was in the back, according to WTAJ.

Jimmy Ray Risley was charged with driving while intoxicated and other reckless driving offenses. He had his preliminary hearing on March 10 and waived his charges. Risley is due back in court later this month.

Police said that Risley was driving the ambulance to St. Mary’s hospital on January 26. Police say they saw the ambulance repeatedly cross the center line in the pavement.

Once pulled over, the officer saw Risley had bloodshot eyes and he could smell alcohol coming from inside the ambulance. Risley told the officer the patient was not stable, despite the officer seeing the patient was stable and communicating, police said.

Risley underwent a field sobriety test and was arrested. Police said Risley refused to have his blood drawn for a blood alcohol test, police said.

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Posted: Mar 11, 2022

See Raritan Township (NJ) Fire Company’s Extra-Special 2021 Pierce Arrow XT

The Raritan Township (NJ) Fire Company recently took delivery of a 2021 Pierce Arrow XT.

The apparatus, which the company hopes to have in service by mid-April, is extra special as it is dedicated to the company’s first fire chief, Art Lentini Sr.

His family was on hand for the unveiling of the apparatus.

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Posted: Mar 11, 2022

MSA Safety Donates $400,000 in Safety Equipment to Ukraine Firefighters

Company Partners with UK-Based FIRE AID to Deliver Products in Eastern Europe

PITTSBURGH, March 10, 2022 – MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE: MSA), the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of sophisticated safety solutions that protect people and facility infrastructures, today announced the donation of more than $400,000 of safety equipment to Ukrainian firefighters. This donation is made in partnership with FIRE AID, a UK[1]based non-profit organization that facilitates the donation of fire and rescue equipment around the world.

The donation comprises a wide range of fire safety equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, fire helmets, firefighter protective apparel, fire boots, fire gloves, and safety goggles.

“For more than a century, MSA has been dedicated to one singular mission: helping to ensure that men and women may work in safety, and that they, their families and their communities may live in health throughout the world. For our 4,800 global associates, the devastation being faced by people in Ukraine reminds all of us of the importance of that mission,” said Bob Leenen, President for MSA International. “Through our existing partnership with FIRE AID, we have the opportunity to help support the safety needs of firefighters doing everything they can to help others in their own cities and towns,” he said.”

Founded in 2014, FIRE AID is an association of charities and services with a mutual interest in providing ethical and sustainable donations of fire and rescue equipment, as well as training services, in more than 50 countries around the world. The non-profit organization has long-standing experience in coordinating humanitarian aid projects, facilitating product donations, and supporting the volunteer efforts of firefighters around the world to help train more than 5,000 firefighters residing in countries in need.

FIRE AID has a history of helping support firefighters in Ukraine, commented Claire Hoyland, FIRE AID Coordinator. “Because of our relationship with Ukranian first responders, we very much appreciate the donation of this equipment by MSA Safety. It will go a long way in helping protect emergency workers as they help to protect civilian lives,” Ms. Hoyland said.

Stephanie Sciullo, Chief Legal Officer and Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility & Public Affairs for MSA, noted that in addition to the product donation, the company is also providing support through other humanitarian efforts, like the International Red Cross. “In the spirit of our mission, we are extending our support to those in need through multiple humanitarian efforts to help ease the burden so many are facing.”

About MSA Safety

Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company’s comprehensive product line is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, the fire service, the construction industry, mining and the military. MSA’s core products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, firefighter helmets and protective apparel, and fall protection devices. With 2021 revenues of $1.4 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,800 people worldwide. The company is headquar

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