A public memorial service for retired Kennewick Fire Chief Gene Graves is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday. The memorial, organized by the city and the Kennewick Fire Department, will be at the Word of Faith Center, 1350 S. Rainier St., Kennewick, and officiated by Pastor Orville Swanson. Graves, 89, died April 10.
- PUB DATE: 4/25/2017 12:42:31 PM - SOURCE: Mid-Columbia Tri-City Herald

Regardless of the number of fire scene investigations you do annually─as many as 100 or less than 10─a fire investigaton must ensure his investigation process is thorough, systematic, comprehensive, and complete every time, Buddy Cales told students at his “Essentials of Fire Investigation” workshop Tuesday morning.

To ensure a fire investigation covers all the bases, Cales strongly recommended that investigators adhere to latest edition of National Fire Protection Association 921, Guideline on Fire and Explosion Investigations (NFPA 921). Although not yet a standard, it is the measure against which which fire investigation actions will be compared in a legal action. He noted that past arson convictions have sometimes been overturned based on investigations at the time that were later found to be based on outdated fire science. 

It is important to preplan fire investigations and discover and cultivate relationships with experts who specialize in specific areas such as fiber and DNA evidence. 

Investigation conclusions must be based on the scientific analysis of the scene, Cales continued. Although information obtained from witnesses on the scene may be useful, it may not match what the on-scene evidence reveals regarding the fire’s origin. The investigator must also beware of prejudging the case based on other  information. For example, he said, knowing that a store that burned down had not been doing well financially before the fire should not be allowed to prejudice one’s investigation from the start. The conclusions of the fire investigation must be based on valid fire science, Cales said.

Wyoming, MI—HME Ahrens-Fox has announced the introduction its exclusive line of Ahrens-Fox® stainless steel centrifugal pumps for installation in all HME Ahrens-Fox Fire Apparatus. The pump will be introduced to the fire industry at FDIC International 2017.

“The introduction of our own pump is another step toward total vertical integration of our manufacturing process and positions us, today, as a complete, single-source producer of fire apparatus,” says HME Ahrens-Fox vice president, director of engineering, Ken Lenz. “The new pump also reflects our dedication to building tougher, stronger, corrosion-resistant fire apparatus. The use of stainless steel in volute construction, helical gearing, double-taper bearings, and more robust construction throughout offer significant improvement in service life, operation, and pump performance for the long run.”

The Ahrens- Fox stainless steel centrifugal pump features a corrosion-resistant stainless steel volute case to extend service life and performance, while reducing the need for anode maintenance typically found in iron case volutes. The stainless steel volute case is nearly three times more resistant to damage from cavitation and six times more resistant to wear or damage from pumping abrasive materials. 

The robust construction of the Ahrens-Fox stainless steel centrifugal pump incorporates helical drive train gearing, for quieter operation and double taper roller bearings supporting the shafts. These design elements allow the pump to achieve a best-in-class transfer-case rating of 19,500 ft-lbs, in the AF-2000SS, 2,000-gpm model.

Durability and ease of maintenance are enhanced by design features that include piloted, eight-bolt bearing support covers; a vertically spilt case for easy access and service; and maintenance-free, self-adjusting mechanical seals and easy-to-replace wear rings. 

The third-party-certified 2,000-gpm, AF-2000SS Ahrens-Fox stainless steel centrifugal pump can produce up to 3,000 gpm from a hydrant with sufficient engine horsepower. The big bore configuration of the pump develops high intake performance in drafting operations. An automatic air venturi primer system keeps the pump operating smoothly while offering quiet and effective operation. A computer-controlled optimized water cut supports high-efficiency water flow.

Front and rear transfer mounting brackets allow the Ahrens-Fox stainless steel centrifugal pump to be mounted in a variety positions to adapt to a wide range of fire apparatus designs and applications. The integral transfer case, with SAE mount, supports hydraulic pump drive for Compressed Air Foam Systems.

The Ahrens-Fox stainless steel centrifugal pump line includes 1000-, ,1250-, 1500-, 1,750-, and 2,000-gpm models, designated as the AF-1000SS, AF-1250SS, AF-1500SS  AF-1750SS, and AF-2000SS, respectively, to meet any fire apparatus need.

The pumps also feature a 6 ½ year warranty

For more information about Ahrens-Fox® Stainless Steel Centrifugal Pumps, contact HME vice president of sales, Bill Doebler at 616-534-1463, HME Incororated, 1950 Byron Center Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49519.

Above, Ferrara Intruder Heavy Rescue

REV Group (REVG), a $2+ billion manufacturer of industry-leading specialty vehicle brands and leading provider of parts and services, today announced the acquisition of Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc. (“Ferrara”), a leading custom fire apparatus and rescue vehicle manufacturer that engineers and manufactures vehicles for municipal and industrial customers. The Ferrara product portfolio includes multiple fire apparatus configurations tailored to the specific requirements and demands of the fire service industry – including custom-builds on their own chassis as well as solutions on commercially available chassis such as Freightliner and International. This acquisition enhances REV’s product offering in its Fire Group within its Fire & Emergency segment, particularly with custom chassis pumpers, aerials, and industrial apparatus.

“We are pleased to welcome Ferrara to the line-up of our premier portfolio of fire brands which includes E-ONE and KME,” said Dan Peters, President of REV Fire Group. “The Ferrara brand has a long history of product innovation built around a commitment to heavy duty vehicle construction.” Peters added, “The addition of Ferrara to the REV Fire Group enables a number of new growth opportunities including expansion of our reach nationwide and adding new geographical regions and key accounts. We look forward to building upon the success of the Ferrara brand with an emphasis on driving new product innovation and exceeding customers’ expectations.”

Tim Sullivan, CEO, REV Group, Inc. commented, “We are extremely pleased to have Ferrara Fire Apparatus join our team at REV. Ferrara further strengthens our brand offering of fire apparatus vehicles and market presence, adding a diverse product portfolio that is complementary to our line of great American-made specialty vehicles. Ferrara will immediately contribute strategic value by expanding the REV Fire Group national footprint, dealer sales network, service and after-market parts revenue as well as enhancing our robust line of custom chassis and aerial products for multiple market segments.”

Headquartered in Holden, LA, Ferrara employs more than 450 employees with annual revenue of approximately $140 million. The acquisition of Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc. closed on April 25, 2017. Contemporaneous with the acquisition, REV has refinanced its debt facilities to include a new $350 million Asset Based Lending (ABL) revolving credit facility and a $75 million 5-year Term Loan. Details are available in the 8-K filed today with the SEC.

About REV Group

REV (REVG) is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services. REV serves a diversified customer base primarily in the United States through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial and Recreation. REV provides customized vehicle solutions for applications including: essential needs (ambulances, fire apparatus, school buses, mobility vans and municipal transit buses), industrial and commercial (terminal trucks, cut-away buses and street sweepers) and consumer leisure (recreational vehicles (“RVs”) and luxury buses). REV’s brand portfolio consists of 29 well-established principal vehicle brands including many of the most recognizable names within our served markets. Several of REV’s brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years. Investors-REVG

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including: statements regarding the acquisition of Ferrara, its integration into REV’s business and the future performance of REV. Forwa

We’re broadcasting LIVE every day from the Indiana Convention Center during the week of FDIC International 2017. Tuesday's hangout features the following groups:  

1:00 - 2:30pm EDT    Sons of the Flag

2:30 - 4:00pm EDT    Chaplain’s Corner

Live from FDIC, Day 1: Command Post, Larry Conley, and Tap the Box