The city of Visalia Wednesday, Oct. 9 celebrated the grand opening of Visalia’s newest fire station, Station 56.

Located at 1315 South Lovers Lane, the Station is approximately 6,800 square feet and includes living quarters for crews and the two apparatus space, which houses the engines.

After a welcome by Battalion Chief Tom Van Grouw, Mayor Brian Poochigian congratulated Visalia Fire on the project and thanked them for their service.

Chief Dan Griswold lead the group of City Council members, Visalia Fire staff and local dignitaries in a fire house uncoupling, instead of a traditional ribbon cutting, to mark the official opening of the Station.

Station 56 is the new home of Engine 56, which was previously stationed on the CAL FIRE Tulare campus just south of the site. Now open and operational, Station 56 serves Visalia and the greater community.

“So if you’re curious what this station or any of our other stations look like, ring on the doorbell, knock on the door. If our crews are available and aren’t busy or aren’t out at a call, I’m sure they’d be happy to give you a tour and answer a few questions,” shared Chief Griswold.

Station 56 was made possible by Visalia voters and funding from Measure N, the Visalia Essential City Services Measure.

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Nolensville Fire & Rescue learned in August that it had been awarded a portion of the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) totaling $17,000. The boxes of new gear arrived in early October.

The department received eight Scott X3 Pro 5500 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), 16 air cylinders, eight regulators, and eight masks – all critical equipment to keep firefighters safe while serving the community and fighting fires.

Since 2001, the AFG program has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain essential equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and resources to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

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PRESS RELEASE

FREDERICK, Maryland – Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky joined Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater Wednesday, Oct. 9 to announce a total of $3.4 million in grants from the State agency to the County. Funds will be used for a range of projects, including the purchase of one of the first electric fire apparatus on the East Coast. Other initiatives include installing energy-efficient lights, saving residents money on their home electric bills, and building a resilience center at the County-owned Prospect Center. 

“My administration is proud to not only help our residents find avenues toward a more sustainable home and lifestyle, but also set an example by engaging in long-term clean energy projects at the County level,” County Executive Fitzwater said. “The Moore-Miller Administration and MEA are fantastic partners. I appreciate Director Pinsky’s steadfast support of Frederick County’s energy conservation efforts.”

The purchase of an electric fire apparatus is supported by a $262,432 Medium Duty & Heavy Duty ZEV MEA grant. Electric fire trucks reduce emissions, fuel use, and noise pollution. They can be fully recharged in 90 minutes. “This initiative affirms our commitment to environmental sustainability and, more crucially, the health and safety of our first responders,” said Frederick County Fire Chief Tom Coe, Director of the Division of Fire and Rescue Services.

MEA also awarded two grants totaling over $1.8 million to Frederick County for the Power Saver Retrofits Program, which helps residents make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. Other MEA grants funded the installation of LED lights at the Thurmont Regional Library and in Pinecliff, Fountain Rock, Libertytown, and Middletown Parks and electric vehicles and chargers ($234,835 combined); and $1 million to support the construction of a resiliency hub at the Prospect Center.

APPARATUS: THE SHOPS

Michael Huber

The cost of fire apparatus represents a substantial challenge for both career and volunteer fire departments. Effectively addressing these challenges necessitates strategic planning, the pursuit of diverse funding sources, and exploring cost-saving measures such as shared purchasing agreements (HGAC, NOVA, Sourcewell) or acquiring used equipment.

Given the increasing costs associated with fire apparatus, it is crucial to prioritize maintaining existing equipment to extend its operational lifespan and ensure continued readiness.

Selecting a fire apparatus dealer as a repair facility or a technician is a crucial decision, as it impacts the quality, reliability, and support of your emergency response equipment. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Research and recommendations: Start by asking for recommendations from friends or colleagues who have experience with apparatus technicians. Check with surrounding departments.
2. Customer service: Evaluate a facility’s responsiveness to your inquiries and its willingness to provide detailed information. Ascertain through references how it handles post repair support.
3. Check certifications: Look for technicians who are certified by reputable organizations, such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification Commission. This ensures they have the necessary skills and knowledge.
4. Experience with your apparatus: Ensure the technician has experience with the specific make and model of your apparatus. All apparatus have unique systems and parts, so experience with your make of vehicle is important.
5. Visit the shop: Visit the repair facility to assess its cleanliness, organization, and equipment. A well-maintained shop often reflects the quality of work.
6. Geographic location: Consider the dealer’s location relative to your department. A local facility may offer quicker service and support.
7. Ask questions: Inquire about the technicians’ experience, specialties, and the types of repairs they handle. Discuss any specific issues your apparatus has, to see how they approach diagnosis and repair.

8. Check warranties: Ask about warranties on parts and labor. A good dealer and mechanic should stand by their work and offer some form of warranty.
9. Communication: Choose a dealer or technician who communicates clearly and keeps you informed about the status of repairs. Good communication helps build trust and ensures you’re aware of what’s being done to your apparatus.
10. Trust your instincts: If you’re uncomfortable or feel pressured, it’s okay to seek out another dealership or technician.
11. Trial run: If possible, start with a smaller job or maintenance task to test the technicians’ service quality before entrusting them with more significant repairs.
12. Discuss emergency repairs: Since fire apparatus are critical in emergencies, ask about a shop’s/ technician’s ability to handle urgent repairs and turnaround times for critical issues. Check if the dealer/ technician offers 24/7 support or emergency assistance.
13. Long-term relationship: Think about t

New Hope firefighters from the West Metro Fire-Rescue District got a chance to see the electric fire apparatus Pierce Manufacturing and MacQueen are taking around the country to show those on the frontlines how it works, cbsnews.com reported.

The apparatus reduces carbon emissions, but its quiet nature also allows for better communication and operations, which makes it safer for first responders, the report said. 

The electric fire apparatus costs close to $2 million, which is about double the cost of a diesel-powered engine, according to the report. The cost hasn’t stopped cities like St. Paul and Roseville from moving towards electric.

The apparatus is made in Appleton, Wisconsin. Minnesota has also played a part in manufacturing parts for electric fire apparatus with a plant in Wyoming, Minnesota.