For the first time in decades, the Branford (FL) Volunteer Fire Department on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, unveiled a brand-new fire apparatus, wcjb.com reported.

Fire rescue personnel, local football players, and residents participated in the official push-in ceremony to welcome the new engine, the report said.

This marks the first new fire apparatus purchased by the department since 1981, according to the report.

The pumper cost $475,000 and was funded through state grants, the report said.

The post Grants Allow FL Volunteer Fire Department to Purchase First New Rig in Decades appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

The International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations defines standard operating procedures/ guidelines (SOPs/SOGs) as: rules for how personnel should perform routine functions or emergency operations. Procedures are typically written in a handbook so that all firefighters can become familiar with them.

It is sad to say that not many fire departments I am aware of have written SOPs/SOGs regarding the use and applications of their thermal imagers (TIs). Yet there are SOPs/SOGs for every other operation or task that is performed on a regular basis.

Here is a basic outline to help establish an SOP/SOG for thermal imaging operations.

PURPOSE

To establish guidelines to facilitate the most effective method for deploying TIs in a way that provides the most protection for members. In addition, it is to provide a reference document to be used for training of members in the uses, deployment, limitations, operation, care, and maintenance of TIs.

SCOPE

XYZ Fire Rescue Service.

POLICY

TIs shall be used at every structural fire and any other situations as identified where they will enhance the safety of fire rescue service members.

This policy outlines the various uses of TIs, guidelines for their use and operation in firefighting situations, methods of deployment, daily inspection, and care and maintenance instructions.

PROCEDURES

TI Uses

• Provides safer navigation in a space where there is zero visibility due to smoke.
• Allows firefighters to “see” in a zero-visibility environment, which is a very useful addition to traditional search techniques.
• Enables suppression crews to execute a faster, more efficient interior attack. The shortest route to the fire, holes in the floor, and obstacles in the structure can be determined and located efficiently.
• Reduces fatigue of interior crews because efficiency in performing searches and suppression is increased.
• Allows rapid intervention teams (RITs) to quickly and efficiently locate down firefighters.
• May be used to determine fluid level within a container, which may be useful during an incident involving a hazardous material.
• May be used as a search tool to locate lost persons in open wilderness areas.

OPERATIONS

When an engine company arrives at the scene of a fire or any other incident where smoke will or could hamper visibility, the officer shall ensure that the attack team or other designated team has the TI available and ready to use.

Firefighters shall use available TIs to aid in the search for victims.

If conditions warrant the use of the TI, the second-in backup firefighter shall be the operator of the TI for the nozzle person unless an officer accompanies the crew. Then they will operate the TI in conjunction with the attack crew. The TI operator should make periodic sweeps of the room and structure they are operating in.

Fire command should be notified that the TI is in use, and search and rescue and suppression activities should occur in compliance with the respective operational guidelines. Standard firefighting practices should continue to be observed.

TI operators must be aware that they tend to move faster than the rest of the team who are operating in zero visibility. The TI op

Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones, officials from the Clark County Fire Department, and Clark County’s Real Property Management Department invite the public to join them in celebrating the grand opening of Fire Station 39 at 6855 Raven Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, the city said in a press release.

Festivities will kick-off with a hose-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. followed by a free pancake breakfast, kids’ activities like craft projects, and a dunk tank featuring the commissioner and fire chief! Attendees at this family-friendly event will have the opportunity to tour the station, explore a fire engine and all the tools on board, and even experience first-hand spraying water from a firehose.

“As Clark County continues to grow, Fire Station 39 will play a vital role in maintaining our response times for our fire and medical responses,” said Billy Samuels, Clark County Fire Chief. “It’s essential that Clark County Fire keeps pace with the Valley’s expansion, and Station 39 will help us meet the needs of the community.”

Clark County Fire Sation 39 will serve the growing southwest Las Vegas Valley with one engine and one rescue unit and is expected to respond to 2,000-3,000 calls for service per year. Located near the intersection of Blue Diamond Rd. and South Rainbow Blvd, the station’s service area generally ranges north to Robindale Rd. and south to Cactus Ave. covering calls east of Fort Apache Rd. and west of Decatur Blvd.

“Fire Station 39 represents a $12 million investment in protecting southwest Valley families. With thousands of emergency calls expected annually, this station means critical minutes saved when lives are on the line for those near Blue Diamond Road and Rainbow Boulevard,” said Commissioner Jones, whose Commission District F includes the new station. “That’s not just infrastructure—it’s peace of mind built into our community.”

The Clark County Fire Department is the largest in the state, receiving 146,626 calls for service in 2023. With the opening of Station 39, the department has 33 full-time fire stations and 10 volunteer fire stations in rural areas, responsible for protecting a majority of the Las Vegas Valley, including the famed Las Vegas Strip, as well as the resort townships of Laughlin, Primm and Jean. The Department also maintains one of only 28 urban search and rescue teams in the country and provides fire and rescue services to the nation’s 5th-busiest airport.

The post Clark County (NV) to Hold Grand Opening for $12M Fire Station 39 appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

In partnership with Pierce Manufacturing Inc., the International Association of Fire Chiefs announced the “IAFC Fire Chief of the Year 2025” honorees at Fire‑Rescue International (FRI) in Orlando, FL.

APPLETON, Wisconsin (Aug. 13, 2025) – Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) business, in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), is proud to announce the 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year honorees. Volunteer Fire Chief Daniel Krushinskiof the East Franklin Fire Department in Somerset, New Jersey, and Career Fire Chief Jeremy Craft of the Lehi Fire Department in Lehi, Utah, have been named this year’s recipients.

Since 1996, the IAFC has annually recognized one volunteer and one career fire chief for their outstanding service. Nominations are evaluated by a select committee, focusing on leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service, and contributions to the fire service. The 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year awards were presented during the Fire‑Rescue International (FRI) event in Orlando, Florida.

“We are honored to recognize two extraordinary leaders whose passion for the fire service and dedication to their communities set the standard for us all,” said Bob Schulz, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “Chief Krushinski and Chief Craft embody integrity, innovation, and a commitment to serving others. Pierce Manufacturing is privileged to join the IAFC in celebrating their remarkable achievements.”

Volunteer Fire Chief Honoree – Daniel Krushinski, East Franklin Fire Department (New Jersey)

Chief Daniel Krushinski has devoted more than two decades to leading by example. As the top‑responding volunteer firefighter year after year in a department answering approximately 750 calls annually, he demonstrates tireless commitment and inspires those around him. Chief Krushinski’s leadership has driven meaningful innovation within the East Franklin Fire Department, including establishing a Water Rescue Team and securing specialized rescue boats in response to lessons learned from Hurricane Ida.

Beyond operational excellence, Chief Krushinski is deeply invested in developing his members. Under his guidance, firefighters pursue advanced certifications and in‑house training programs to ensure readiness for any emergency. His integrity and dedication are mirrored in his family’s involvement—his wife and daughters actively support the department through auxiliary roles and administrative efforts. Chief Krushinski also champions community service, from fire prevention education and summer camp outreach to annual holiday events that bring joy and safety awareness to residents. His visionary Duty Crew Program has become a model for volunteer recruitment and retention, earning national recognition.

Career Fire Chief Honoree – Jeremy Craft, Lehi Fire Department (Utah)

Chief Jeremy Craft’s career reflects a profound commitment to firefighter health and safety. He has been instrumental in driving landmark cancer prevention legislation in Utah, advocating for presumptive cancer coverage, early screening protocols, and accountability measures that protect firefighters statewide. His leadership extends beyond policy; he built coalitions, educated lawmakers, and united fire service leaders to achieve these historic reforms.

Chief Craft mentors colleagues, testifies at hearings, and shares best practices with departments across the country. His unwavering integrity and selfless approach have sparked a national movement, inspiring countless fire service professionals to prioritize health and wellness initiatives.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1900, Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles, Automotive Fire Apparatus, Wildland Fire Apparatus, and Automotive Ambulances, references labels and gauges (labels/gauges) for pump operator panels in several places. Chapter 13 Fire Apparatus–Fire Pumps and Associated Equipment (NFPA 1901) is unequivocal in its description of labels/gauges to the point of being overly explicit. In other places, it is ambiguous in describing them. The inconsistency in portraying them can be confusing to manufacturers, vendors, and purchasers.

NFPA 1900

When NFPA 1900 says a requirement “shall be” provided, my interpretation is it is cast in concrete and not subject to negotiation. If an NFPA requirement is not readily understandable, it is fair game for inquiry and analysis by readers. There are valid caveats to some “shall be” requirements. An example is when requirements are elucidated by stating they “shall be approximately” or “shall be no less than” whatever is defined. Defining or measuring “approximately” and “no less than” is solely in the eyes of the beholder.

NFPA 1900 defines minimum standards for new fire apparatus. It does not prohibit a purchaser from exceeding a requirement. As long as the minimum requirement is maintained, you should be able to add whatever you want.

When NFPA 1900 requires controls and labels/gauges inside commercial and custom fire apparatus cabs, it is unknown if they have to meet any Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or the myriad state Department of Transportation requirements in regard to size and readability. It is a valid question to ask vendors.

Except for the “shall be” detailed requirements for specific labels/gauges, it appears the NFPA has recognized that the importance and criterion for other labels/ gauges are the purchaser’s choice. That is an optimistic and welcomed presumption. Phraseology is a fancy term describing the actual words on a label. NFPA 1900 is explicit in defining words that shall be used on some controls. Again, it is the purchaser’s choice for all others.

A pessimistic viewpoint is that manufacturers and their dealers might claim that their own versions or interpretations of NFPA-compliant labels and gauges are regulatory requirements to which purchasers should comply. Doing so is alarming and borderline misleading. Another scenario is when writers and commentators in the fire service and industry take a simple subject and blow it out of the water (bloviate). Beware of information overload.

Caution: Every mandatory requirement is not necessarily in print in NFPA 1900. Chapter 2–Referenced Publications states: “The documents or portions thereof listed in this chapter are referenced within this standard and shall be considered part of the requirements of this document.” Chapter 2 references almost 140 documents from 22 entities.

Noteworthy ones concerning labels include TC008 Graphic Symbols for Automotive Fire Apparatus and TC010 Standard Product Safety Sign Catalog for Automotive Fire Apparatus from the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA). Underwriters Laboratories UL 969, Standard for Marking and Labeling Systems is also listed.

SIZES AND SNELLEN

Pump panels should be ergonomically designed to enable quick and efficient operation for operators with various levels of expertise and experience. Simply put, it should be easy to find stuff—especially in times of stress. NFPA 1900 requires a minimum size (height only) for lettering and numerals in specific areas. It is reasonable to inquire how those sizes were established. Online research and manufacturers’ brochures, literature, and specifications were unhelpful. Asking questions some people do not want to or cannot answer produced similar results.