Rosenbauer—Wolf Creek Fire Protection District, Farmington, MO, pumper. Commander 6511 cab and chassis; Cummins L9 450-hp engine; Hale DSD 1,500-gpm pump; UPF Poly 1,250-gpm pump; Duo-Safety ground ladders; hot dipped galvanized frame rails; Akron electric valves; Rosenbauer FX 3/16-inch aluminum body. Dealer: Brian Franz, Sentinel Emergency Solutions, St. Louis, MO.

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December 3, 2024 | 1 ET

We will explore the critical role of local funding sources in supporting fire departments. This session is designed to empower fire service leaders with the skills necessary to work effectively with their communities to tackle long-term funding needs.

Discover innovative strategies for building strong relationships with local stakeholders, advocating for essential resources, and fostering a shared commitment to fire safety. Learn how to turn funding challenges into opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that your department is well-equipped to serve and protect.

PRESS RELEASE

Jackson Rancheria has generously donated $989,393.57 to the Amador Fire Protection District for the replacement of Engine 5368 with a state-of-the-art Rosenbauer Viper Aerial Apparatus that will ensure enhanced fire protection for both the Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort and the larger Amador County community.

Engine 5368, a 2007 Type I Fire Engine, has served Jackson Rancheria and the surrounding area effectively for close to 20 years. However, due to its age, the engine requires significant maintenance, and replacement parts have become increasingly difficult to find. To address these challenges, the Amador Fire Protection District recognized the need for a new apparatus capable of maintaining the safety standards of the community.

Jackson Rancheria’s donation will allow the purchase of a new Rosenbauer Viper Aerial Apparatus, which includes a 65-foot aerial ladder, a full complement of ground ladders and other advanced firefighting equipment. The aerial ladder truck is crucial for protecting multi-story structures, such as hotels, apartments, and commercial buildings, both on and off the reservation. This new apparatus will serve the Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort and be available for emergency response throughout Amador County.

“Jackson Rancheria recognizes the importance of ensuring that our emergency response teams have the best equipment available to protect both our community and the greater Amador County,” said Crystal Jack, CEO of Jackson Rancheria. “The new fire truck will allow the fire department to continue its excellent service, whether responding to incidents on the reservation or beyond.”

The new aerial apparatus, known as a quint, will significantly enhance firefighting capabilities with a fire flow of 1,500 gallons per minute. It’s combination of hose, pump, and aerial ladder will ensure the Amador Fire Protection District is prepared for complex fire emergencies. Additionally, it will be the only full-time career staffed aerial apparatus in the county available for immediate response.

“This new addition to our fleet will greatly enhance our capacity to respond to emergencies across the district,” said Fire Chief Robert Withrow. “With this advanced apparatus, we are not just upgrading our equipment; we are investing in the safety and well-being of our community for years to come. It demonstrates our commitment to protecting lives and property, ensuring that we can effectively respond to fire and rescue incidents. We are deeply grateful to Jackson Rancheria for their continued support and generosity, which makes advancements like this possible.”

In addition to this donation, the Jackson Band of Miwuk Indians fully funds the operation of Fire Station 116, run by the Amador Fire Protection District. While the station is physically located on the Tribe’s reservation, firefighters and first responders provide support to incidents both on the Tribe’s property and within the larger community.

“We are deeply appreciative of the dedication of our amazing fire crews who ensure the safety of our community,” said Adam Dalton, Chairman of the Jackson Band of Miwuk Indians. “We are honored to continue supporting the efforts of the Amador Fire Protection District in their very important role in our community.”

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By Bill Bird and Scott Masching

When it comes to constructing fire apparatus, firefighters and municipalities are presented with myriad options.

Aluminum, stainless steel, plastics, and composite materials each offer their own set of advantages. However, regardless of the material or style chosen, the primary objectives remain the same— durability, efficiency, and the protection of those who operate this essential equipment. One construction style that has often been overlooked is the bolted body.

High Durability

Fire apparatus endure harsh conditions and rigorous use. Therefore, durability is paramount. Bolted apparatus bodies have a level of endurance that is hard to match. Over time, bolted bodies maintain their structural integrity.

Many bolted bodies built by Toyne, for example, still look new after 25 to 30 years of service. This longevity not only ensures the safety of firefighters but also provides a reliable return on investment for municipalities. The premise of a bolted body is to defy the wear and tear of decades of use.

Customization

Every fire department has unique needs and preferences when it comes to its apparatus. Bolted bodies provide opportunities for customization. The modular nature of a bolted body allows departments to tailor the design to their exact specifications, ensuring that every tool, compartment, and feature is perfectly positioned for optimal efficiency.

This flexibility is particularly beneficial for departments that need to adapt to evolving operational requirements. Whether it’s adding new equipment or reconfiguring the layout, bolted bodies can be easily modified to meet changing needs. This level of customization ensures that firefighters have exactly what they need, right where they need it.

Warranty and Service

One of the standout benefits of bolted bodies is the ease of maintenance and repair. If a part of the body is damaged, a bolted panel can be replaced without the need to overhaul the entire structure. This approach allows for the quick manufacture and dispatch of replacement parts, significantly reducing downtime as well as overall cost.

For instance, instead of waiting months for a welded body to be repaired, a bolted body can be serviced in a matter of days or weeks. This rapid turnaround is critical for fire departments that cannot afford to have apparatus out of service for extended periods. The ability to quickly swap out damaged components not only saves time but also ensures continuous operational readiness for communities in need.

In fire apparatus construction, the bolted body stands out as a leading choice. Its high durability, extensive customization options, and ease of maintenance make it a suitable solution for fire departments looking to enhance their operational capabilities and ensure the safety of their personnel.

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BILL BIRD, product support coordinator for Toyne, has been with the company for 20 years.

SCOTT MASCHING, sales/marketing coordinator for Toyne, has been with the company for nine years.

Cassandra Day
The Middletown Press, Conn.
(TNS)

Oct. 21—MIDDLEFIELD — Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department members recently joined U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., to announce $79,142 in federal funding to support the purchase of PFAS substances-free turnout gear.

The fire company, located on Jackson Road, was established 90 years ago. It lacks a budget for this much-needed equipment, Chief Peter Tyc said, according to a recording of the presentation.

“We want to give our volunteer firefighters the best, because they give us the best,” First Selectman Robert Yamartino said.

Recent studies by the National Institute of Standards and Technology have shown that all three layers of firefighter turnout gear contain PFAS, a class of fluorinated chemicals known as “forever chemicals,” according to a press release.

PFAS are linked to cancer and other serious health effects.

“The new equipment reflects the unique challenges you face,” Blumenthal said. “It’s not your grandfather’s fire service anymore. … What’s in those homes when you go to put out fires: new chemicals and new threats to your physical safety.”

The funding is provided by the Assistance to Firefighter Grants program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which aims to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters by providing direct financial assistance to eligible local fire departments, the statement said.

The grant program was reauthorized in July through the Fire Grants and Safety Act, and will provide $1.6 billion annually through fiscal year 2028 for AFG and other fire safety programs.

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