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Posted: Mar 1, 2019

South King Fire selects new chief

After nearly eight hours of interviews and deliberation, South King Fire and Rescue’s Board of Fire Commissioners offered the position of fire chief to current Assistant Chief Vic Pennington on Tuesday evening. Pennington, who is currently the deputy mayor of the city of Des Moines, brings more than 44 years of experience in the fire service, with the last 12 served with SKFR.
- PUB DATE: 3/1/2019 4:01:50 AM - SOURCE: Federal Way Mirror
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Posted: Mar 1, 2019

Apparatus Purchasing: Front Directional Lights

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Apparatus Purchasing: Front Directional Lights

BY BILL ADAMS


Are forward-facing directional lights on custom cabs effective when responding at night? It’s doubtful it has been given serious thought. Lacking testing and substantiation, any answer to the question merely reflects individual observation and personal perception of what is, or is not, effective.

Personal opinions and viewpoints can’t be proven right or wrong. However, some are worth discussing. I believe the effectiveness of directional lights at night can be negated by headlight glare. And when flashing headlights are used as an optical warning light, directionals can be rendered useless. I have no scientific proof. Using a search engine for “fire trucks responding at night” generated more than six million hits. Searching for “fire trucks at night” generated more than 93 million hits. Reviewing many of the images and videos supports but doesn’t factually prove my viewpoint. I also believe the various types of directional lights (aka turn signals, directionals, and blinkers) and their physical locations can affect their effectiveness.

Custom cab and chassis manufacturers (OEMs) have standard types and sizes of turn signals, headlights, and lower-level warning lights. Most offer optional types and sizes as well as locations for them. It is unknown if vendors voluntarily inform prospective purchasers of them. They should. Some apparatus purchasing committees (APCs) give little thought to directional lights when writing purchasing specifications. Perhaps they should too. Many rely on the verbiage preferred OEMs suggest. The easy way out, possibly less expensive, isn’t necessarily the best way. I wonder what reasons end users have for purchasing the various light configurations shown in the accompanying photos.

A common arrangement on traditionally styled cabs is a quad-light configuration consisting of dual headlights, a directional, and a warning light on each side. Generic purchasing specifications can be as vague as, “A turn signal and warning light shall be installed above dual headlights on each side.” That’s a lousy specification. It could be more detailed—if it matters. Types, sizes, and manufacturers of lights and lamps and their locations could be specified—again, if it matters. Not all OEMs provide a single fixture to house the lights (photos 1-4). Multiple bezels allow flexibility in mounting locations.

If OEMs offer multiple locations for directional lights because one works “better” than another, perhaps they should inform the fire service. If fire departments specify directional light locations because of proven performance, they also could share their knowledge.

A common configuration of a warning light and directional above dual headlights.

Various configurations on Spartan cabs featuring single bezels housing four lights. 1 A common configuration of a warning light and directional above dual headlights. (Photos 1-3 courtesy of Allan Smith.)

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Posted: Mar 1, 2019

Apparatus Purchasing: Front Directional Lights

1903FA_018-025

 

Apparatus Purchasing: Front Directional Lights

BY BILL ADAMS


Are forward-facing directional lights on custom cabs effective when responding at night? It’s doubtful it has been given serious thought. Lacking testing and substantiation, any answer to the question merely reflects individual observation and personal perception of what is, or is not, effective.

Personal opinions and viewpoints can’t be proven right or wrong. However, some are worth discussing. I believe the effectiveness of directional lights at night can be negated by headlight glare. And when flashing headlights are used as an optical warning light, directionals can be rendered useless. I have no scientific proof. Using a search engine for “fire trucks responding at night” generated more than six million hits. Searching for “fire trucks at night” generated more than 93 million hits. Reviewing many of the images and videos supports but doesn’t factually prove my viewpoint. I also believe the various types of directional lights (aka turn signals, directionals, and blinkers) and their physical locations can affect their effectiveness.

Custom cab and chassis manufacturers (OEMs) have standard types and sizes of turn signals, headlights, and lower-level warning lights. Most offer optional types and sizes as well as locations for them. It is unknown if vendors voluntarily inform prospective purchasers of them. They should. Some apparatus purchasing committees (APCs) give little thought to directional lights when writing purchasing specifications. Perhaps they should too. Many rely on the verbiage preferred OEMs suggest. The easy way out, possibly less expensive, isn’t necessarily the best way. I wonder what reasons end users have for purchasing the various light configurations shown in the accompanying photos.

A common arrangement on traditionally styled cabs is a quad-light configuration consisting of dual headlights, a directional, and a warning light on each side. Generic purchasing specifications can be as vague as, “A turn signal and warning light shall be installed above dual headlights on each side.” That’s a lousy specification. It could be more detailed—if it matters. Types, sizes, and manufacturers of lights and lamps and their locations could be specified—again, if it matters. Not all OEMs provide a single fixture to house the lights (photos 1-4). Multiple bezels allow flexibility in mounting locations.

If OEMs offer multiple locations for directional lights because one works “better” than another, perhaps they should inform the fire service. If fire departments specify directional light locations because of proven performance, they also could share their knowledge.

A common configuration of a warning light and directional above dual headlights.

Various configurations on Spartan cabs featuring single bezels housing four lights. 1 A common configuration of a warning light and directional above dual headlights. (Photos 1-3 courtesy of Allan Smith.)

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Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire Launches Partnership with NVFC
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire Launches Partnership with NVFC
Posted: Mar 1, 2019

Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire Launches Partnership with NVFC

Jack Daniels fire truck

To celebrate and support the nearly 70 percent of firefighters who volunteer their service, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire has announced a partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). A donation of $75,000 will be made by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire to the NVFC to help support volunteer firefighters nationwide.

The NVFC is a nonprofit membership association representing the interests of volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services. The organization serves as an advocate for the volunteer on the national level and provides needed programs and resources to first responders addressing critical needs such as safety, health, recruitment, retention, training, funding and more.

“There are over 800,000 firefighters across the country who volunteer to serve and protect their communities, and we work to make sure these heroes have the tools and resources they need to thrive,” said NVFC Chair Kevin D. Quinn. “Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire shares our passion for and dedication to the fire service, and we are excited to partner with them to give back to our boots-on-the ground.”

The Jack Daniel Distillery is one of the only distilleries which has its own fire brigade, staffed by 34 distillery workers who volunteer their time to protect the distillery and the Tennessee Whiskey they work so hard to create.

“I know first-hand the amount of courage and skill required to serve as a firefighter. I also know that those who volunteer to protect their communities need a great deal of support to do so safely and effectively,” said Fred Elliott, Fire and Security Specialist at the Jack Daniel Distillery. “As a member of the Jack Daniel’s Fire Brigade for more than 14 years, I’m proud to be a part of this important community while also working for a company that champions it. Firefighters are an integral part of the Jack Daniel’s story, from those who help us make our whiskey to those who work to protect it, and we are honored to be able to give back through this partnership with the NVFC.”

In addition to the fundraising efforts, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire will also launch a contest for 50 firefighters to win a trip to the Jack Daniel Distillery to attend a concert featuring country artist Chase Rice. The intimate weekend will include a Jack Daniel Distillery Tour, a behind-the-scenes look at the Jack Daniel’s Fire Brigade, and the private concert. Additionally, one lucky consumer and a guest will have the chance to meet these heroes and join them in their celebratory weekend through a separate sweepstakes which opens March 18.

“I have the utmost respect for our first responders and all they sacrifice for our safety,” shared Chase Rice. “There’s a camaraderie and a sense of pride in the fire brigade that reminds me of our road family, and as a long-time fan of both Jack Daniel’s and Tennessee Fire, it’s an honor to perform for them and raise a glass to their immense contributions.”

To enter the sweepstakes or support the cause, visit jackfire.com.

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Posted: Mar 1, 2019

Quick-Attack Trucks, Mini Pumpers Continue to Be Mainstays in Many Departments

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Quick-Attack Trucks, Mini Pumpers Continue to Be Mainstays in Many Departments

BY ALAN M. PETRILLO


Shorter wheelbases for quick maneuvering, speedy response times, and the ability to easily get water on a fire fast all are advantages that proponents tout when talking about quick-attack trucks and mini pumpers.

From east to west and north to south, fire departments are having manufacturers build smaller units that are carrying larger pumps and performing many functions that typically are done with Type 1 pumpers.

SUTPHEN

Darryl Rhyne, general manager of Sutphen East Corp., says that Sutphen has built a variety of smaller fire vehicles in the past year that fall into two distinct categories. "One group of customers wants the best quality and a big option base to choose from to provide flexibility in the design elements," Rhyne points out. "The other group treats a smaller pumper more like a commodity vehicle where they use it for a certain period of time and then turn it over like they would with an ambulance."

Rhyne says Sutphen recently built a mini pumper for the St. Hedwig (TX) Fire Department on a Ford F-550 chassis with a split-shaft Hale 1,250-gallon-per-minute (gpm) pump, a 300-gallon water tank, recessed LED lighting, a brush guard at the front, and a Line-X-style blackout package instead of tread plate. Likewise, the Port Ewen (NY) Fire Department had Sutphen build a similar mini pumper on a Ford F-550 with a Hale 1,250-gpm pump and 300 gallons of water, while the Madisonville (PA) Fire Department got a Sutphen-built mini supply truck on a Ford F-550 chassis and flatbed body with a Hale 1,250-gpm pump but no water tank. "The mini carries hard suction lengths and supply line hose," Rhyne notes, "and is designed to go to a water source, draft, and pump."

UNRUH FIRE

Todd Nix, apparatus consultant for Unruh Fire, says Unruh is building a mini pumper for the Mid County (MO) Fire Protection District with a split-shaft Waterous 500-gpm pump, a 300-gallon water tank, a 12-foot rescue body covered in Line-X inside and out, and Super Single wheels and tires. The rig will have two preconnects and a booster line off the rear.

W.S. DARLEY & CO.

Troy Carothers, AutoCAFS manager for W.S. Darley & Co., says Darley has built a lot of quick-attack pumpers on Ford F-550 chassis and more recently on the Ram 5500 chassis because of its 300-horsepower (hp) diesel engine option and transmission that can lock up to take a midship pump. "The fire departments that think of them as quick attacks use them as first-out vehicles to get to the scene and put water on the seat of the fire quickly," Carothers says. "These lower and narrower vehicles are able to get into tough driveways that might have steep inclines or declines because they are more maneuverable than full-size pumpers."

Sutphen built this mini pumper for the Port Ewen (NY) Fire Department on a Ford F-550 chassis with a Hale 1,250-gpm pump and a 300-gallon water </div> <a class=Read more
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