Jake Hutchison
Chico Enterprise-Record, Calif.
(TNS)

CHICO — PJ Helicopters’ UH-60 Blackhawk was the shining centerpiece at the Chico Airport on Thursday and Cal Fire-Butte County and PG&E joined together to formally announce that the helicopter would once again be aiding in firefighting efforts this summer.

Earlier this year, the Butte County Board of Supervisors approved the re-up of a contract between the two entities that would secure the helicopter, which is contracted by PG&E for use by Cal Fire-Butte County. Fire Chief Garrett Sjolund said the helicopter provided substantial support during wildfires in 2024.

“It flew over 65 flight hours here, mostly in Butte County, delivered over 352,000 gallons of water on 11 incidents in Butte County including the first aircraft to fly on the Thompson FIre in Oroville, which was about this time last year, as well as 23 days assigned to the Park Fire in Butte and Tehama counties,” Sjolund said.

Cal Fire-Butte County Chief Garrett Sjolund, left, speaks about the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and the partnership between Butte County and Pacific Gas and Electric Co. as Joe Wilson, regional vice president for PG&E’s North Valley and Sierra Region stands in front of the helicopter during a press conference Thursday, June 26, 2025 on the tarmac at the Chico Air Museum in Chico, California. (Dan Reidel/Enterprise-Record)

Nik Klenovits, PJ Helicopters utility pilot, opens the door to a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter Thursday, June 26, 2025 on the tarmac at the Chico Air Museum in Chico, California. The Blackhawk is being used during the summer months to fight wildfires. (Dan Reidel/Enterprise-Record)

Sjolund said the Blackhawk will take flight again this summer during what is expected to be a high-risk season.

“This summer we’re not seeing anything different than we have in the past seasons,” Sjolund said. “A very dry and hot summer is anticipated with heavy fuel crops. We anticipate seeing some fires here in Butte County and this aircraft will play a very important role.”

PG&E contracts with various companies around California for helicopter services and provides them to jurisdictions that face a heavier fire threat during the summer months.

Joe Wilson, PG&E vice president of the North Valley and Sierra Region, said the helicopter is meant to both aid firefighters by dropping water as well as potentially shorten response times by having another air attack vehicle on the roster.

A PJ Helicopters UH-60 Blackhawk contracted with Pacific Gas and Electric Co. helicopter sits on the tarmac at the Chico Air Museum as the utility and Cal Fire-Butte County hold a press conference to exhibit the Blackhawk helicopter Thursday, June 26, 2025 in Chico, California. (Dan Reidel/Enterprise-Record)

“We have these utility aircraft that we use in the off season for heavy lift operations, but during the fire season, we’re deploying them i

BY JOSEPH MURRAY

Each year, fire chiefs throughout the United States compete with leaders of other municipal departments and various administrative programs and projects for limited financial resources.

Fire chiefs today must function not only as the top firefighter within a community but, at times, as the department’s top salesperson for obtaining funding for equipment and vehicles. One method fire chiefs use to support their requests for competitive funding is through the development of written proposals. While written proposals can vary widely based on scope and format, they have some key components that should be included to ensure the best chance of success.

What is a Written Proposal?

A written proposal is a formal document produced by the fire chief that outlines a plan, idea, or project to persuade an elected official or budget manager to approve and fund purchases such as equipment and apparatus. A written proposal is a preliminary document that is nonbinding but seeks to identify the feasibility and value of a proposed project. It is also often the first attempt to secure support for funding and buy-in from elected officials. Although it is preliminary in nature, the written proposal is a useful document and provides the fire chief with an opportunity to share extensive information about the department with elected officials. This can be extremely valuable in communities in which facetime with elected officials can be more difficult to come by.

What It Isn’t

A project proposal is not a one-size-fits-all document. While this article provides tips and considerations for the formulation of a written proposal, it is important to note that each proposal will vary depending on the scope of the request. Written proposal design may also be altered to accommodate specific expectations or requirements of the audience. The format for written proposals may also vary based on requirements dictated by the governing body.

Importance of Proposals

The primary goal of a written proposal is to convince elected officials or those in charge of the budget to support a particular course of action. Essentially, a written proposal provides the fire chief with an opportunity to make a “sales pitch” for funding not only new equipment or vehicles but also new initiatives, new programs, additional staffing, and more. Written proposals are an important first step in any project. They help the fire chief outline a plan of action, clearly defining and communicating project needs, deliverables, objectives, and the resources required. A well-written proposal should articulate the fire chief’s vision, sell the elected officials on the course of action, and clearly define project processes.

For new fire chiefs or established fire chiefs interacting with newly elected officials, written proposals can be especially helpful, as their composition can also help establish a professional relationship with elected officials. The written proposal process can have the secondary effect of demonstrating the fire chief’s abilities as it relates to responsible fiscal governance. A comprehensive and well-written proposal can help the fire chief build credibility with elected officials. Conversely, a poorly written proposal with little supporting evidence can quickly erode a fire chief’s credibility.

Know Your Audience

To write a successful proposal, it is essential that the fire chief understands the audience. In most cases, written proposals are addressed to elected officials or their designees with authority over the budget. For the best chances of success, it is important that fire chiefs determine who will read and make the decision on their proposal and then customize the writing to address their specific areas of interest or concerns. For exam

E-ONE—Exeter (NH) Fire Department pumper, Typhoon long cab and chassis; Cummins L9 450-hp engine; Hale Qmax 1,500- gpm pump; 750-gallon polypropylene water tank; RollTek front and side air bags; E-ONE Smart Wheel; Zico Quick-Lift ladder/suction hose storage; ROM roll-up hosebed door, Dealer: Chris Champagne, Greenwood Emergency Vehicles, Brunswick, ME.

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SoundOff Signal was founded in 1992 in Hudsonville, Michigan and has grown from a modest operation to a firm employing nearly 500 people, with expansive manufacturing facilities in the U.S. Initially focused on law enforcement and amber warning markets, the company’s portfolio has broadened significantly. Over the past few years, SoundOff Signal has made a strategic push into the fire and EMS sectors, as well as performance and off-road vehicle markets.

Silicone Lighting

Among the innovations highlighted in the podcast, SoundOff Signal’s silicone lighting technology stands out as a groundbreaking development Unlike traditional polycarbonate lenses, which often suffer from fading and damage within months of deployment, SoundOff’s silicone lenses are engineered to withstand extreme heat, cold, humidity, and physical abuse—conditions routinely encountered by fire trucks. A key feature is the UV-protected, sealed lens design that drastically reduces moisture intrusion and damage common in conventional lighting. This durability translates into fewer replacements and maintenance demands, a critical factor for departments operating within stringent budgets. The optics integrated into the silicone material also improve light dispersion, providing better visibility to surrounding motorists and enhancing scene safety.

For more information, visit www.soundoffsignal.com.

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APPLETON, WI—Oshkosh Airport Products, an Oshkosh Corporation business, has delivered three advanced Striker® Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), serving both Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). These new vehicles will enhance the Authority’s emergency preparedness and firefighting capabilities across its network of high-traffic airfields.

The delivery includes three Striker 6×6 vehicles, one of which is outfitted with a Snozzle® high-reach extendable turret (HRET). All three units are configured with advanced fire suppression and safety systems to meet the demands of a fast-paced, safety-critical aviation environment.

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“We are honored to support the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority with the delivery of these advanced Striker vehicles,” said Jack Bermingham, business unit director at Oshkosh Airport Products. “Our team is proud to provide proven, high-performance ARFF solutions that meet the demands of some of the busiest airports in the country. This delivery reflects our continued commitment to delivering innovative, mission-ready vehicles that enhance safety and preparedness for every emergency scenario.”

The Striker 6×6 vehicles feature:

• 3,000-gallon water capacity
• 440-gallon foam capacity
• 550 pounds of dry chemical capacity
• Scania DC16/V8, 670 HP Tier 4 Final engine
• TAK-4® independent suspension
• Exterior water/foam level lights
• Rear- and top-mounted ladders
• Top-mounted light tower
• 360-degree camera system
• In-cab EMS storage cabinet
• Low attack bumper turret
• Snozzle HRET turret (one unit)

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority operates two of the busiest airports in the Mid-Atlantic region: Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Combined, the airports served over 53 million passengers in 2024. The delivery of the new Striker ARFF vehicles reflects the Authority’s continued investment in safety, operational readiness, and long-term infrastructure planning. The production and delivery process was managed in close coordination with the engineering and technical teams at Oshkosh Airport Products and the Airports Authority’s public safety and procurement departments.

For more information, visit www.oshkoshairport.com.

About Oshkosh Airport Products

Oshkosh Airport Products, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corpor