In his Thursday speech, FDIC International Education Director Bobby Halton discussed the qualities and virtues of the American firefighter.

Watch below.

Dayton, Ohio- The Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) announced today that LION, manufacturer of structural fire, personal protective clothing for first responders and provider of turnout care and maintenance services, has become a Sustaining Partner.

This announcement, made at the 2017 Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, IN shows LION’s commitment and concern toward the reduction of cancer in the fire service and support of the important work being done by FCSN to help first responders and their families following a cancer diagnosis. LION is hosting multiple events at the show to raise money to support FCSN, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

“LION’s partnership with FCSN will help us continue to support firefighters and their families when they need us the most,” said FCSN President Bryan Frieders, a deputy chief with the Pasadena (Calif.) Fire Department. “We want to reduce firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens as much as possible.”

“LION is very pleased to support FCSN,” said Mark T. Smith, Senior Vice President at LION. “We share a concern for the health and safety of first responders and are showing our commitment through this partnership.”

About LION

LION is a family owned, global business headquartered in Dayton, Ohio that has been operating continuously since 1898. Municipal, state, federal and military agencies are its primary customers throughout the world. Its mission is to fulfill its customers’ personal safety, readiness and identity needs with innovative, game-changing solutions. LION is the world’s largest supplier of structural fire personal protective clothing for first responders, as well as a leading provider of cutting-edge training products and facilities through its BullEx and HAAGEN companies. Through traditional contracting and public-private partnership arrangements, customers rely on LION TotalCare® and LION LVI to manage the lifecycle of their uniforms, protective equipment and training products. For more information, please visit our website at www.lionprotects.com.

About Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN)

FCSN is a 501(c)(3) organization established by Los Angeles County Firefighter Paramedic Michael Dubron, a survivor of stage IV colon cancer. FCSN’s objective is to provide timely assistance to all fire and EMS personnel and their family members who have been diagnosed with cancer. FCSN also delivers extensive firefighter cancer awareness and prevention training nationwide. FCSN relies on donations from individuals, families, charitable organizations, and corporate sponsors to fund its unique firefighter cancer support, awareness, and prevention programs. FCSN does not endorse any product or service. For more information, visit firefightercancersupport.org.

Indianapolis, IN. April 27, 2017 –Whelen Engineering introduced today several new products at the FDIC in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Whelen’s newest innovations are designed for optimal intensity and dependability, keeping emergency response professionals and the public safe at every scene. New optics and features have made some of the most popular products even more efficient and reliable.

Helios™ Optic: Helios Optics are Whelen’s innovative and efficient solution to distorted optical shape and fringe lighting. Whelen’s unique Helios Optics use the same amount of power as traditional polycarbonate optics, but with a greater intensity and better results. Silicone provides a higher transmission of light energy and optical power, providing you with the best outcome: less distortion and a 3x brighter light output, all while better directing light where it is needed most.

Pioneer Summit™ Series: Designed to deliver maximum light intensity, the low-profile Pioneer Summit Series is available in multiple spot, flood, and scene optic combinations. Whelen’s all-new patent-pending Helios™ Optics increase clarity with 100% silicone internal optics. The Pioneer Summit Series features optional integrated warning and ICC marker lights for optimal illumination and visibility.

Inner Edge® FST™ and RST™ Series: The newly designed, low-profile Inner Edge FST and RST Series better utilizes vehicle contours, providing higher visibility and a custom fit. Whelen’s all-new patent-pending Helios™ Optic silicone technology increases clarity and has the power to punch through tints. The Inner Edge FST and RST Series is available with SOLO™, DUO™, or TRIO™ technology.

Pioneer™ Series: With its structural design and innovative optic technology, the Pioneer Series has been re-engineered with a more efficient light engine to put more light wherever it’s needed. Whelen’s all-new patent-pending Helios™ Optic increases clarity with 100% silicone internal optics. Available in single and dual models with flood or spot/flood combination optics, the newly designed Pioneer Series builds on the Pioneer family’s reputation for versatility and functionality.

SurfaceMax™ Series: Whelen’s SurfaceMax Series features the versatility and performance of the Hundred Series, with a full-fill optic and all-new patented mounting technology, providing easy installation and a clean look. The SurfaceMax Series mounts to a variety of applications and is available in Warning, Brake, Brake/Tail, and Turn Arrow models.

Pioneer LiFe™ LF35: Introducing the Pioneer LiFe LF35, a revolutionary battery-powered light combining an all-new Pioneer SlimLine™ flood optic with the portability and flexibility of a grab and go light. The first of its kind; the LiFe LF35 is just 7.5 pounds. It’s Intelligent Inductive Charger™ provides easy, wireless charging, and the built-in battery is lightweight and thermally protected.

Avenger® II Series: With their compact and inconspicuous design, Whelen’s Avenger II dash lights are barely visible until powered on and are simple to transfer from vehicle to vehicle. Combination Linear/TIR optics provide high-intensity warning and illumination, and a smaller profile maximizes space for optimal versatility. The Avenger II is available with SOLO, DUO, and TRIO technology.

Hi-Way™ Riser Lightbar

A firefighter is spending his last few hours on the job before heading into retirement. The Yakima Fire Department is losing a big piece today with the retirement of Lieutenant Don Dexter. The Selah native has been a firefighter for more than 35 years, and he's only been with two departments during his entire career.
- PUB DATE: 4/28/2017 6:28:02 AM - SOURCE: NBCRightNow.com

This year's General Session included a formal transfer of command in the Indianapolis Public Safety Pipes and Drums. Watch the ceremony above.

General Session | General Session Part 2