Menu

WFC News

Posted: Oct 16, 2025

Department Celebrates $10.7M Investment in New Fire Apparatus

The Detroit Fire Department (DFD) celebrated the delivery of new fire and EMS vehicles totaling a $10.7 million investment in public safety — another milestone in the city’s long-term effort to modernize its fleet, improve reliability, and maintain response times well below national averages, the city said in an Oct. 14, 2025, press release.

The showcase at DFD’s Apparatus Division highlighted the department receiving 10 new pumpers, 13 new ambulances, three battalion chief vehicles, and three EMS supervisor vehicles, all equipped with industry-leading technology to help protect residents and first responders.

Deputy Mayor Melia Howard, Group Executive of Construction & Building Operations LaJuan Counts, and Deputy Budget Director Donnie Johnson joined DFD leadership for the event, which also drew strong media attendance.

“Today is about showing our community the results of a major investment in public safety – $10.7 million dedicated to keeping Detroiters safe,” said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. “Thanks to the unwavering support of Mayor Mike Duggan and City Council, we’re ensuring our firefighters and medics have the reliable equipment they need to respond quickly when Detroiters call for help.”

The new apparatus marks significant progress in the city’s commitment to maintaining a young, modern fleet. Once these new engines are placed in service, all but five of the Detroit Fire Department’s front-line engines will be five years old or newer — a dramatic improvement from just a decade ago, when many vehicles were decades old and prone to breakdowns.

“When our firefighters see brand-new front-line equipment rolling into their engine houses, it reinforces that their safety is a top priority,” said Chief David Nelson. “These new units mean faster responses and better safety for the residents we serve every day.”

Fleet investment breakdown:

  • 10 pumpers: $8,620,140.00
  • 13 ambulance remounts: $1,755,989.86
  • 3 battalion chief and 3 EMS supervisor vehicles (Ford Explorers with upfits): $276,226.80

Placement of the new vehicles was data-driven, based on each unit’s age, mileage, and utilization rate — meaning DFD analyzed which neighborhoods had the hardest-working or most in-need apparatus to ensure resources were distributed where they would have the greatest impact on service and reliability.

Every vehicle is equipped with HAAS Alert Safety Cloud, a connected safety platform that sends real-time digital alerts to nearby drivers when emergency vehicles are approaching or stopped at an incident. This helps prevent collisions and improves safety for first responders and the public alike.

Over the past decade, the City of Detroit has made remarkable strides in fleet modernization, moving from aging and unreliable apparatus to a fully modern, technology-enabled fleet. These investments have helped DFD maintain Code 1 medical response times under 7 minutes and 30 seconds, well below the national average.

“These investments ensure that when Detroiters call for help, we can respond quickly, safely, and effectively,” said Commissioner Simms. “For our first responders, this means reliable equipment so they can focus on saving lives — not worrying about whether the engine will make it to the scene, like we did 15 years ago.”

With these new additions, the Detroit Fire Department continues to strengthen its role as a national leader in emergency response, fleet modernization, and employee safety.

The post Department Celebrates $10.7M Investment in New Fire Apparatus appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency

Read more
Posted: Oct 16, 2025

Newest FF Turnout Jacket Now Available to Order from Globe

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (Oct. 15, 2025) – In responding to the needs of the fire service and building on a century’s-long legacy in turnout gear innovation, the newest firefighter jacket from Globe Manufacturing Company, the Globe® G-XTREME® PRO Jacket, is now available for order.

Featuring a unique, three-panel design that includes a mesh feature in the liner to reduce bulk and help maximize comfort and mobility, the Globe® G-XTREME® PRO Jacket includes a redesigned collar and a wider range of fit options to accommodate an increased range of body types. It is certified to meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971, 2018 Edition and NFPA 1970(1971), 2025 Edition standards.

The all-new jacket incorporates the popular AXTION® Back and AXTION® Sleeve features from the Globe G-XTREME turnout jacket style, which provide additional length across the back and when reaching. The back and sleeves are combined with Kevlar mesh channels and align with the AXTION® Liner to create the unique AXTION® System. These features help to provide enhanced mobility and reduce bulk while working on a fire scene.

Additional features of the new jacket include:

  • Mic pass-through option: Allows a radio to be worn under the jacket without sacrificing comfort or the protection of a zipper closure. The radio lapel mic attaches to a mic strap without the need to be fed out of the top of the jacket.
  • Redesigned T-collar: Fits comfortably with the helmet and self-contained breathing apparatus, plus easily folds out of the way when not closed.
  • Broader range of fit options: Available for a wide range of body sizes, including men’s straight, men’s tapered, and women’s fits; plus, expanded size options available across all fits, including 2-inch chest increments from size 28 inches to 60 inches; and 1-inch hem length increments from 26 inches to 40 inches.

To learn more about the new Globe® G-XTREME® PRO Jacket, including how to order, visit the Globe website. The Globe® G-XTREME® PRO Jacket is manufactured at Globe’s facility in Pittsfield, New Hampshire.

About Globe Manufacturing Company

Globe Manufacturing Company is a subsidiary of MSA Safety, and is headquartered in Pittsfield, New Hampshire. For over 130 years, Globe Manufacturing Company has been committed to meeting the evolving needs of firefighters by delivering high-quality, high-performance, well-fitting turnout gear. MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE: MSA) is the global leader in advanced safety products, technologies and solutions. Driven by its singular mission of safety, MSA Safety has been at the forefront of safety innovation since 1914, protecting workers and facility infrastructure around the world across a broad range of diverse end markets while creating sustainable value for shareholders. With 2024 revenues of $1.8 billion, MSA Safety is headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania and employs a team of more than 5,000 associates across its more than 40 international locations. For more information, please visit www.MSASafety.com.

The post Newest FF Turnout Jacket Now Available to Order from Globe appeared first on Fire Ap

Read more
Posted: Oct 15, 2025

Deadline Extended! Submit Your Presentation Proposal for the 2026 NVFC Training Summit by November 2

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has extended the deadline for submitting presentation proposals for the 2026 NVFC Training Summit. Qualified instructors and speakers now have until November 2 to submit their proposals for presentations that educate first responders about critical issues in the fire and emergency services. The extension will provide extra time for those who need it due to the government shutdown.

The NVFC Training Summit will take place June 26-27, 2026, in Arlington, VA. This annual conference provides an opportunity to share ideas and best practices, network, and participate in training regarding key topics in the fire and emergency services.

Breakout sessions will be offered in three tracks: responder health, safety, and training; volunteer recruitment and retention; and emergency service leadership. Sessions will be 90 minutes in length. Examples of relevant presentation topics include but are not limited to: effective training; fireground/response; physical health; behavioral health; fire and life safety education; working intergenerationally; department culture; mentorship; family engagement; work/life/volunteer balance; recruitment; communication; management; long-term planning; data for the fire service; technology/AI for fire departments; and finding funding and resources.

The NVFC values the different experience and perspectives of first responders nationwide. Find out more about the call for presentations, including more topic examples and how to write a successful proposal, in the Call for Presentations Guide.

Proposals must be submitted by November 2, 2025. A peer review team will evaluate all presentation proposals. Selections will be made based on quality, relevance, focus, practical application, and the presenter’s experience and credentials. Selected presenters will be notified by early December. Find out more and submit your proposal here.  

The NVFC will cover travel expenses and provide a stipend for selected presenters. Teaching teams are welcome to apply, but only one instructor per course can receive travel reimbursement/stipend. Please note, while organizations and companies are welcome to apply to share their subject matter expertise, all courses must be educational in nature.

Learn more about the NVFC Training Summit at www.nvfc.org/summit. Read about the 2025 Training Summit here. Questions? Contact Amanda Tegtmeyer, Training Coordinator, at 202-887-5700 or amanda@nvfc.org.

About the NVFC

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.

The post Deadline Extended! Submit Your Presentation Proposal for the 2026 NVFC Training Summit by November 2 appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Read more
Posted: Oct 15, 2025

The Role of Modern Cleaning Technology to Reduce Toxin Exposure

In this episode of the Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment Podcast, Chris Mc Loone sat down with Jamie Little, director of market development at RESCUE Intellitech. Their discussion covered the company’s approach to firefighter gear cleaning and decontamination, the health risks firefighters face, and the role of modern cleaning technology in reducing exposure to toxins.

While technology is critical, Little emphasized that firefighter behavior remains the biggest challenge to exposure reduction. He admitted firefighters often delay cleaning their gear due to turnaround time or underestimating contamination extent—especially after seemingly minor calls. But he warned that even kitchen fires can produce the dirtiest chemical residues.

Learn about Rescue Intellitech and the cleaning technology available to reduce your firefighters’ exposure to contaminants in this episode of our Podcast.

The post The Role of Modern Cleaning Technology to Reduce Toxin Exposure appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Read more
Posted: Oct 15, 2025

Texas A&M Forest Service Awards $164M to VFDs

Thanks to a historic investment by the 89th Texas Legislature, Texas A&M Forest Service approved $164 million in funding to award 558 fire trucks and 321 slip-on units to Texas volunteer fire departments through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, the service said in a press release issued Oct. 14, 2025.

The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program was established by Texas House Bill 2604 in 2001 to provide grants to rural volunteer fire departments for essential firefighting equipment and training. Since its onset, the program has awarded over $500 million in grants to Texas fire departments, including today’s funding meeting.

Today’s meeting marked the largest allocation of awards and the first phase in distributing more than $192 million to Texas volunteer fire departments, following an appropriation approved by the 89th Texas Legislature for departments that submitted funding requests on or before Nov. 7, 2024.

Texas uses a tiered approach to wildfire response, establishing local fire departments and counties as the first on the scene. State response is activated as wildfires become more complex and grow beyond the capacity of local first responders.

“Texas fire departments are the front line of local response, and their equipment capacity is vital to response time and effectiveness,” said Al Davis, Texas A&M Forest Service Director. “This historic funding reflects the strong support of the Texas Legislature and governor. Their investment allows us to continue supporting and equipping firefighters who protect Texas’ lives and property.”

By using the funding through this program to purchase critical equipment, local fire departments increase their equipment capacity to respond to wildfires and a wide array of emergency incidents, including house fires and motor vehicle accidents.

During the legislative session, this program was also appropriated approximately $88 million in base funding for the biennium (fiscal years 2026-27)—the most ever allocated—to address ongoing needs for critical equipment at the local level.

Additional funding for fire and rescue equipment, personal protective equipment, training aids and dry hydrants will be awarded to Texas fire departments over the coming months.

Texas fire departments are eligible to apply for grants and assistance through FireConnect, a Texas A&M Forest Service database that provides a streamlined grant portal for the agency and fire departments. FireConnect also provides a comprehensive directory of Texas fire departments that is viewable for the public and all Texas fire agencies, as well as a portal for fire departments to submit incident reports to increase statewide situational awareness and track suppression costs.

View the list of grant recipients from the first FY26 funding meeting.

The post Texas A&M Forest Service Awards $164M to VFDs appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Read more
RSS
First4243444547495051Last

Theme picker

Search News Articles