HAMPTON, Va. (WTKR) -  It's cutting-edge technology giving us a new view of the world and it's doing the same for first responders across the country, including in Hampton. In June, News 3 first reported how firefighters and police in Hampton began using a drone at crime scenes and fires.

Nearly a year later, they say it's been a successful launch. “It really helps us out because if you look at what you see from the ground, once you get up in the air, plus-100 feet, it’s another world and you can really make your way around things a lot quicker and easier," said Jesse Gomes, an Assistant Fire Marshal with Hampton Fire-Rescue.

During a recent training session, Gomes told News 3 firefighters have used drones to help with fire investigations and they're hoping to use them even more, particularly during active situations. MORE

FDIC International, the world’s largest annual firefighter conference and exhibition that hosts 34,000+ fire and rescue professionals, is happening April 8^th through 13^th, and X2 All-Natural Energy announced that it will serve as the Official Energy Drink of FDIC International.

X2’s unique formula makes it the perfect better-for-you energy drink to fuel firefighters, who need a healthy boost of energy without any of the crash or jitters often caused by other products. An all-natural energy drink that’s low in sugar, non-carbonated and includes coconut water for hydration, X2 is designed for every-day, healthy living.

Backed by over 10 years of research and development, X2 features a unique formulation of critical ingredients that supports the development of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the body’s essential source of real energy. X2 uses caffeine from green tea and a combination of proprietary fast and slow burning sugars to deliver healthy, sustained energy.

FDIC participants will be treated to cans of X2 Energy at events happening throughout the conference, such as the Combat Challenge, the Courage and Valor 5K, and the South Street Exhibition, where other main events take place, including hands-on training, where firefighters will be able to experience fire simulations.

“Firefighters expend a tremendous amount of energy in the line of duty,” said Jon London, X2 CMO. “X2 provides a great way for them to get energized naturally and stay hydrated. We are proud to be a small part of their daily routine, fueling the incredibly important life-saving work that firefighters do in communities across the United States.”

Visit www.x2energy.com for more information.

VIDEO: Firefighters worked to extinguish a shed fire Sunday evening that threatened two Kennewick homes. Kennewick firefighters responded just before 6 p.m. to a fire in a shed behind a home at 3721 W. Metaline Ave. Fire officials said two homes were threatened, as gusty winds controlled the spread and direction of the flames.
- PUB DATE: 4/8/2019 3:28:20 AM - SOURCE: YakTriNews

Rosenbauer America will unveil an apparatus built on the Rosenbauer Commander chassis featuring IDEX Fire & Safety’s new SAM™ Control System, at the FDIC International conference and exhibition April 8-13 in Indianapolis.

The SAM system makes complex pump operations simple by managing the water flow so the operator can focus on the fireground and the safety of his crew, not the side of the truck. SAM is an integrated total water flow control system that manages the truck’s pump, tank, intakes and discharges.

The truck is destined for the New Melle (MO) Fire Protection District. The district, 37 miles west of St. Louis, has three engine houses: two staffed by volunteers and one by paid firefighters.

The stations cover 121 square miles, meaning trucks are generally 10-15 minutes away from most calls. “The time it takes us to get to calls, combined with limited staffing, is why we need this truck to do a lot more for us,” Chief Rick Massey said. “Any help the truck can give us is what we are looking for in a truck; we need the truck to help our firefighters do their jobs.”

With SAM, pump operators can use saved presets to set discharge pressures with just one swipe on a 10-inch display. Even before charging lines, the system automatically opens the tank-to-pump valve so water is in the pump and ready to go.

The New Melle Fire Protection District has long trusted Rosenbauer. The district purchased its first Rosenbauer truck in 1993; the latest truck will be its sixth. In fact, the truck will be nearly identical to one of New Melle’s current models.

Massey chooses Rosenbauer, in part, because they are “so easy to work with” and offer the opportunity to custom-build trucks according to the district’s needs. “Plus,” he said “we need a truck that is large enough to carry all of our equipment.”

The truck was produced at Rosenbauer’s facility in Wyoming, Minnesota, and is being upfitted at Sentinel Emergency Solutions in Arnold, Missouri. Sentinel is the authorized sales and service dealer for Rosenbauer America for parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. New Melle will take delivery in early May.

Brian Franz, vice president at Sentinel, says, “New Melle’s truck is truly unique to the fire service and fits the needs of New Melle perfectly.”

Specs for the rig include:

• Rosenbauer Commander chassis
• Hale Products rear-mount 1,500-gpm RSD pump
• IDEX Fire & Safety’s SAM water control system
• Hale SmartFOAM direct-injection foam-proportioning system

Rosenbauer’s booth at FDIC International 2019 is 5200.

PHOENIX (AP) — Authorities say three people are dead and three firefighters seriously injured after a pickup truck and a fire engine collided at a west Phoenix intersection.

Phoenix police say one of the victims of Sunday morning's crash was a baby that was about 6 months old.

They say a man in the truck was pronounced dead at the scene and a woman and the child both were both pronounced dead at a hospital.

It wasn't immediately clear if the man, woman and child were all related and police didn't release their names.

They say the fire engine was responding to an emergency call at the time of the crash, but no other details were immediately released.

Police say three firefighters are hospitalized in stable condition.

All contents © copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.