TargetSolutions, the leading provider of computer-based training management applications for public safety agencies, and the International Association of Fire Chief’s (IAFC) Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) presented Deputy Chief Steve Malone of the Manhattan (IL) Fire Protection District with the 2016 Training Officer Recognition Award winner on Thursday at Fire-Rescue International 2016.

Malone, 32, accepted the honor during a special ceremony for VCOS members.

“This is a huge honor,” said Malone, who was instrumental in the implementation and standardization of training programs for the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 19 (MABAS 19) in Illinois. “To see what determination and hard work can lead to is amazing. Without the support of my department, Chief, and MABAS Division this would have been 10 times harder.”

David Piper of Orland Fire Protection District in Illinois is part of the MABAS Division 19 and he recognized the exceptional contribution put forth by his colleague Malone.

“Deputy Chief Steve Malone exemplifies the position of training officer,” Piper wrote when nominating Malone. “Steve’s drive to ensure that all members of his organization as well as the members of surrounding communities are trained to the highest level are unprecedented. Steve has been a driving force to develop a training program that meets local, state and national requirements for his department.”

MABAS Division 19, which is made of 12 departments, is benefitting from Malone’s efforts. But Malone credits Piper for his help in assisting with the creation of the program that is scheduled, delivered and tracked with TargetSolutions’ online training management system.

“We had a vision of developing a training program vs. just going out and doing training,” said Malone. “Training officers need to look at the direction they want to go and develop a true training program that is achievable. What we’re doing in our division is great because we’re standardizing things. To see the end result is rewarding and seeing how well everyone is doing is a testament to how the training program is going.”

This is the third year in a row TargetSolutions and the VCOS have teamed up to present the award, which is designated each year for an individual who goes above and beyond to demonstrate innovation in firefighter training.

Capt. Chip Everett of Oshtemo Township (MI) Fire Department and Asst. Chief Brad Pinsky of Manlius (NY) Fire Department won the prestigious award in 2014 and ’15, respectively.

More: www.targetsolutions.com

Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), a leading manufacturer of diesel engines and generators for the emergency vehicle market, has unveiled the 2017 X15 Performance Series engine at Fire-Rescue International (FRI) 2016. The new platform carries forward the best-in-class big-bore attributes of the ISX15 with even better performance and reliability. The engine will be on display at FRI 2016 now through Aug. 20, in Booth 23089.

With unmatched ratings up to 600 hp, the X15 Performance Series was designed to meet the maximum performance needs of fire and emergency apparatus. Emergency vehicle calibrations maintain maximum performance even when an emissions-related fault is triggered or the aftertreatment system is regenerating. Also, when the X15 is specified with a Cummins Onan^(R) generator, the Cummins service network is the single source for maintenance, parts and service for both engine and generator.

With ratings from 505 hp to 600 hp, the X15 Performance Series provides an ideal power match for emergency vehicles. An upgraded high-flow air-handling system provides faster response, for unmatched acceleration. Peak torque of up to 1850 lb-ft is delivered across a very wide engine rpm range, as low as 1150 rpm. Equally powerful is the engine braking, with up to 600 bph, for added control in traffic or on downhill grades. Ten percent additional braking power below 1700 rpm further reduces service brake wear, downtime and replacement costs.

"The X15 signals the arrival in 2017 of a new heavy-duty power capability to enable our customer's success by unleashing unprecedented levels of dependable performance and fuel efficiency," said Brett Merritt, Cummins Executive Director - On-Highway Business. "Every component that was updated on the X15 was scrutinized from top to bottom, so that we weren't just enhancing fuel economy or power - we were doing that while meeting or exceeding the highest standards of quality."

The X15 Performance Series features an optimized cam profile, to minimize inherent parasitic loss during combustion, in essence breathing easier, and thus increasing thermal efficiency. With the X15, departments will experience improved engine response and reduced fuel consumption.

Additional engine efficiencies have been realized by minimizing friction losses throughout the X15, specifically in the water pump, gear train, lube system, piston and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. The big-bore advantage of the 15-liter platform allows the highest level of performance without compromising durability.

Single Module(TM) Aftertreatment
Designed by Cummins Emission Solutions, the Single Module aftertreatment is a true one-piece design that is up to 40 percent lighter and up to 60 percent smaller. Installation advantages are matched by easier serviceability and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), with 50 percent more ash- holding capacity. Integral to the system are the latest Cummins Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) doser and a new compact mixer design, resulting in a more precise spray pattern, to minimize DEF consumption.

Maintenance Improvements
Cummins engineers are continually searching for new ways to impr

Harold A. Schaitberger was re-elected General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) during the union’s 53^rdConvention. It marks the fifth time Schaitberger was elected into office by acclamation.

Schaitberger, who will lead the union for another four-year term, is the 9th General President in the IAFF’s 98-year history. He was first elected to that post in 2000.

Beginning his career as a professional firefighter in Fairfax County, Virginia, Schaitberger quickly rose to the rank of lieutenant, organized and served as the first president of Fairfax County Local 2068 and was elected president of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, all before he had seven years on the job.

As general president, Schaitberger has transformed the IAFF into a growing powerhouse in politics, legislation, and health and safety issues across the United States and Canada.

 “I know that we have made a difference. But no matter how strong we get, I have vowed to never put this union in neutral. We always need to be faster and stronger. The 302,000 members of this union deserve the very best,” Schaitberger said in keynote remarks to the IAFF convention in Las Vegas.

Edward Kelly was elected by acclamation as the IAFF’s new General Secretary-Treasurer.

The son, grandson, brother, nephew, and cousin of firefighters, Kelly joined the Boston (MA) Fire Department as a firefighter/EMT in 1997. He was elected president of Boston Local 718 in 2005 and in 2011 was elected president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts. During his tenure, Kelly worked hard for improvements in fire equipment and resources and aggressively defended the rights and benefits of Boston firefighters.

http://www.iaff.org/

Spartan Emergency Response (“Spartan”), a business unit of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAR), makes acquiring new fire apparatus more accessible than ever for volunteer and paid fire departments requiring multi-purpose fire trucks, with the introduction of Spartan’s new value-priced 75-foot rear mount quint apparatus, here at the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) Fire-Rescue International (FRI) Conference & Expo.

Volunteer and paid departments continue to face challenges with multipurpose requirements, limited personnel, and budgetary restrictions, which require them to do more with less. Spartan’s 75-foot quint offers a streamlined feature set that allows for the integration of an engine and aerial at a lower price point while retaining functionality and reliability.

The 75-foot rear mount quint apparatus combines safety, practicality and functionality with affordable maintenance and serviceability in mind, which all add up to a lower cost of ownership over the life of the truck. It features Spartan’s exclusive, greaseless ladder design and roller-assisted slide pads (RASP) for smoother operation and less downtime for service. Built on a single axle and weighing less than 49,000 lbs., this configuration gives departments the extra reserve capacity to maximize their capabilities without the risk of being overweight. The truck includes a 1,500 GPM fire pump combined with a 500-gallon water tank, 1,000 feet of hose storage, 115 feet of ground ladder storage, full depth rescue-style compartments and a high-strength steel ladder. 

“We are fortunate to have a strong dealer network that understands the needs of today’s fire departments. Front-line insights combined with Spartan’s aerial expertise has allowed us to add this 75’ configuration to our arsenal of aerials,” said Daryl Adams, President and CEO, Spartan Motors, Inc. “Many Spartan dealers encounter municipalities that are interested in the versatility of a quint as an option to replace a rescue truck, as it will transport significant equipment and include fire suppression as well as an aerial device.”

Customized Pumpers

Spartan will also showcase two customized pumpers built for the River Oaks Fire Department and Shiner Volunteer Fire Department, both of Texas. Both pumpers are built on high-strength aluminum bodies and feature Spartan’s Vibra-Torq mounting system that extends the life of the vehicle by reducing vibrations and stress on the body. The Shiner unit is a top-control pumper built on an International two-door chassis with a Waterous CSU 1,250 GPM pump and 1,000 gallons of water. The River Oaks truck is a side control pumper built on a Spartan Metro Star MFD chassis with a Hale DSD 1,500 GPM pump, 750 gallons of water and 30 gallons of foam. It boasts Spartan’s Advanced Protection System® (APS), the #1 firefighter safety system in the industry. The system employs satellite sensors that prompt airbag deployment when an imminent collision is recognized, eight airbags that protec