A $1.4 million rear-mount platform aerial was recently put in service by the Sault Ste. Marie (MI) Fire Department.

The 100-foot aerial will replace a 30-year-old 75-foot apparatus, according to a report broadcast by News 9&10.

The new apparatus has controls checked by computer to limit human error, the television station reported.

It’s expected that all firefighters on the department will be trained on its operations and everyone will be able to drive and operate it after lessons have been completed, the station reported.

The new truck is expected to be in the community’s July Fourth parade and in service by the end of next week, according to 9&10 News.  

The fire truck will be in the Fourth of July parade in Sault Ste. Marie Sunday. LaBonte said it should officially be put into service by the end of next week.

Hillsborough (FL) Fire Rescue recently broke ground on its new state-of-the-art Station 45, which aims to provide faster service in Eastern Hillsborough County.

Station 45 will be the headquarters for at least six first responders who will serve the Central Brandon area. The facility will house a fire engine, rescue ambulance, and a battalion chief.

The station will also include cleaning innovations to rid first responders and their gear of cancer-causing contamination.

With a grant and loan, totaling more than $1 million, the Potters Hill (NC) Volunteer Fire Department will replace three aging fire apparatus, according to a newspaper article published by the Duplin Times.

The newspaper reported the fire department received a United States Department of Agricultural (USDA) grant of $375,000 and will be securing a $795,000 loan to replace the three high-mileage fire trucks.

County officials told the newspaper that the USDA Rural Development and the Volunteer Fire Department Fund are vital programs that help rural communities provide emergency response services.

With the help of funding from a grant, the Hickory Flat (MS) Fire Department has taken delivery of a new pumper, according to an article published by the Southern Sentinel newspaper.

The paper said that Mississippi Representative Steve Massengill helped secure a grant for $250,000 for the new truck that was purchased from Sunbelt Apparatus, a fire truck dealer based in Alabama.

The truck was purchase by a joint effort from Hickory Flat and Benton County which made up the difference not covered by the grant, the paper reported.

Background

The National Fire Heritage Center Board of Directors has opened nominations for the Fire and Emergency Services Hall of Legends, Legacies and Leaders (HLLL). Nominations will be accepted from June 15 through August 15, 2021. The HLLL provides individual recognition of significant contributions and distinguished service to the Fire and Emergency Services mission. Vice President Billy Shelton states that the HLLL is one of the most important initiatives of the National Fire Heritage Center (NFHC). Located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, the National Fire Heritage Center maintains its archive and a virtual “Hall” that is part of the website (www.fireheritageusa.org).

Nominating Criteria and Format

-Any person or organization may submit a nomination(s) to the Hall of Legends, Legacies and Leaders in accordance with the following criteria:

-Nominees should have completed at least 25 years of service in the fire service and or fire protection disciplines and be known/recognized in the national/international fire service arena (local/regional recognition does not qualify).

-Nominations packages shall be single page printed on both sides of the paper, typed, Arial Font 10 point, and a maximum of two pages permitted. Electronic submissions may be sent to (HLLL@fireheritageusa.org).

-Nomination packages shall be postmarked no later than August 15, 2021, and delivered to the National Fire Heritage Center, P. O. Drawer 76, Emmitsburg, MD. 21727

Nomination Packages Include:

-A Cover Page (does not count towards the nomination page maximum).

-Picture (digital photos acceptable) and complete name of the nominee to include a middle initial, date of birth, current address, phone number and email address, if available. NOTE: If the nominee is deceased, provide date of death and place of interment.

-Current and/or previous Fire and Emergency services affiliations with dates.

-Summary of fire service experience/positions held, including significant elected positions held. Professional accomplishments and distinguished service, including publications, texts, and articles published.

-Education, training and/or certification achievements Honors and awards received.

President Rodney Slaughter encourages your submittal of individuals who you believe have made significant contributions to this profession. The Board of Directors will vote on the candidates for this year’s induction at the annual meeting, conducted simultaneously with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in Emmitsburg in October.