CMC and Harken Industrial recently announced the launch of the new CLUTCH for 12.5 – 13 mm (1/2 in) rope. Developed for intuitive operation and optimal control, this multi-purpose device was designed and engineered in collaboration by two companies with a collective 90-year history in rope management under heavy loads: CMC, a company with roots in rescue and rope access, and Harken Industrial, a manufacturing company with roots in high-performance sailing.

The CLUTCH is the latest evolution in rope hardware. Now available in 13 mm and 11 mm models, the CLUTCH delivers efficiency and ease of use in a multitude of rigging operations including hauling, lowering, descending, ascending, belaying, and TTRS. The CLUTCH offers unmatched versatility for the rope technician through its patented design and components:

• Stainless steel ratcheting and rotating sheave for efficient progress capture.
• Double-latched side plate independent from the attachment point.
• Anti-Panic brake and force limiting features for operational safety.
• Machined aluminum chassis clad with stainless steel wear guards.
• Integrated becket for direct connection of mechanical advantage components.
• Does the work of multiple devices: reducing cost, weight, volume, and training time.
• Both models are certified to NFPA (G) and ANSI. The 11 mm is also CE marked.

Jason Lusk, Director of Product Strategy for CMC says, “We are committed to helping our professional rope rescue and rope access customers do more with less while improving safety in the vertical environment. The CLUTCH is our testament to that objective and is now available in a version that is applicable to 12.5 mm (1/2 in) rope. Together with the 11 mm (7/16 in) version, the CLUTCH is available to the global rope professional. It is robust, efficient, intuitive and its development was inspired by our customers.”

Sean Cogan, Industrial Sales Manager for Harken Industrial adds, “The CLUTCH is a result of a successful collaborative effort between each company’s engineering/design team and end customers. The CLUTCH allows existing techniques to be possible with less equipment, while allowing development of new techniques because of its versatility and performance. Whatever technique or diameter rope your team calls for, the CLUTCH is adept at progressing rescue and access operational efficiency.” 

Both the 13 mm Red CLUTCH and 11 mm Gray CLUTCH are available from CMC (cmcpro.com) and Harken Industrial (harkenindustrial.com). To learn more about the CLUTCH, and to stay up-to-date on the latest product news, visit https://www.cmcpro.com/clutch.

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PIERCE—Oak Hill Fire Department, Morgantown, NC, pumper-tanker. Kenworth T800 cab and chassis; Paccar X15 505-hp engine; 3,800-gallon polished aluminum water tank; two Zico electric swing down portable tank brackets with a 4,000-gallon portable tank with quick dump in each; Insta-Chain automatic tire chains. Dealer: Larry Reber, Firovac Power Systems, Apple Creek, OH.

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According to a report from The Morning Journal, the Vermillion Township (OH) Fire Department (VTFD) is still working hard to consider itself completely moved in to Fire Station No. 1. Located on the corner of Douglas Street and Devon Drive, the new station opened on February 22, and it’s been “smooth sailing” ever since, said , it’s been smooth sailing, said VTFD Chief Chris Stempowski.

During a March 8 City Council Health and Safety Committee meeting, Stempowski said that firefighters and personnel have begun operating out of the new station the day that the IT department completed communication services in the building.

As of this week, the original Fire Station No. 1, located at 5467 Ohio Street, is 80 percent vacant. The VTFD is working to move equipment from Station No. 2 at the city’s service center.

Stempowski said the VTFD is working on getting an outbuilding for the new station for storage.

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According to a report from Johnson City Press, Johnson City (TN) Fire Department (JCFD) Interim Chief David Bell says the department will move forward with plans to construct a new training facility with the hopes that Washington County will help with funding needed to build the facility.

Bell says that he’s requested a capital budget from the city for $450,000. The county agencies would have access to the training ground to conduct classroom and live action hands-on experience at the range of training stations that will be on the site.

For Washington County residents, if volunteer departments can access the facility, it could lower their departments’ ISO ratings, which will offer residents a lower homeowners insurance cost.

The four-acre plot of land behind Station 7 on West Walnut Street is owned by Johnson City and has acted as a training facility in the past. Access to the property is on Carter Sells Road.

Bell said the project will forge ahead regardless of county monies, but he hopes the county will help.

Bell didn’t state how much money he wanted from the county, but Johnson City lost $100,000 per year in funding from the county starting in 2012 because the money was going to the city’s general fund rather than directly to the JCFD’s budget.

The Washington County/Johnson City Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is also on board with the facility, but not the monetary support. The EMA would be directly involved because of state law, which says that the agency provides training for emergency responders.

Bell stressed to the committee that, with the county’s support, the facility could be a premier location for fire training.

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According to a report from The Falmouth Enterprise, Falmouth (MA) Fire/Rescue (FFR) has taken delivery of a new combined ladder and rescue fire truck from Pierce.

The truck, which will be kept in the Main Street station, was funded in 2019 for $1.5 million and will replace FFR’s current ladder truck, which was used for technical rescues. The ladder truck it is replacing was built in 1991. The final price tag was for $1.2 million; the remainder of the funding will be spent on outfitting the truck with equipment.

FFR Deputy Chief Scott Thrasher said the truck is safer and more efficient than its predecessors.

The 107-foot aerial comes with a built-in water hose with an electronically controlled telescopic nozzle.

Before, a hose was run up the ladder when the crew arrived on scene.

FFR Chief Timothy R. Smith said the new addition will save time, help staffing, and deliver a more focused water stream.

The aerial is also safer for the occupants as well, featuring roll protection, shoulder belts, air bags, and anti-lock brakes were added. In addition, it is 4,000 pounds lighter than other ladder trucks, making it easier to handle and will consume less fuel.

To function as rescue truck, Jaws of Life, cribbing, jacks, air bags, and other equipment will be added.

Thrasher said the department wanted a compact truck for easier maneuverability, but it also had to hold all the tools for the job.

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