New Hamburg, ON—ARGO unveiled three new vehicle models for firefighters and search and rescue personnel as part of its 2017 Responder Series.

Designed for reliable off-road fire and rescue, the new 2017 ARGO Responder vehicles feature interchangeable modules allowing the unit to serve as a firefighting pump, off-road ambulance, or crew transport for a team of up to six first responders.

With go-anywhere amphibious capabilities, the Frontier 8x8 Responder S, Avenger 8x8 Responder X and Avenger 8x8 Responder feature a number of unique options as standard equipment including:

• 25” Steel off-set rims
• Skid plate
• Heavy duty bearing extensions
• Bilge pump
• Entry step
• 3,500 lbs WARN power winch 
• Robust brush guard 
• HD drive belt
• 1st Responder Package:
  • Rear receiver winch kit
  • Brake/tail lights
  • Folding seat
  • Stretcher frame

Both Avenger Series Responder models also include the revolutionary new Lite-Steer (LS transmission) which makes steering smoother and easier than ever and upgraded heavy duty axles and sprockets providing the units with increased strength and durability. The Avenger Series models also feature new reversible, offset steel rims which allow the wheels to sit closer or further out from the vehicle, simplifying track installation for dealers and first responders alike.

In addition to the Lite-Steer steering feature, the Responder series models also come with a choice of standard, high-torque, or high-speed transmissions, depending on customer preference.

All ARGO Responder models also have the option of being outfitted with a 75 gallon water tank and 5 gallon drop-in foam cell which firefighters can use to suppress fires on the spot or prevent fires before they start. The stretcher frame meanwhile, allows departments to add on a Ferno #9 stretcher for extricating patients or performing rescues. 

The Ferno #9 stretcher is also interchangeable with the standard stretchers used in ambulances, so there’s no need to transfer a patient from one stretcher to the other for transport to the hospital.

All Responder units can also be outfitted with a number of industry specific accessories, allowing fire departments and search and rescue organizations to customize their vehicles with add-ons such as Baskets (Ferno Traverse), Whelen lighting packages, warning sirens, O2 bottle holders, head immobilizers and more. 

First-response features and designs for ARGO fire & rescue vehicles have been in development, and in service for nearly ten years and these new and improved models come in direct response to feedback from industry professionals around the world. 

Assembly line production of the new 2017 models has already begun, and vehicles will be available in dealerships across North America and around the world soon. 

For more information, visit www.ARGOxtv.com.

Pierce Manufacturing is hosting its fourth annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at historic Lambeau Field on Saturday, September 10, 2016. All funds raised will benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the families of fallen firefighters. Pictured is Pierce employee, Sam Boucher, as he rings a symbolic bell and raises a badge representing the fallen firefighter for whom he climbed at last year’s event.

APPLETON, WI—Pierce Manufacturing Inc. hosts the fourth annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at historic Lambeau Field on Saturday, September 10, 2016. All funds raised will benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to assist the families of fallen firefighters. The 2016 Memorial Stair Climb is cosponsored by the Green Bay (WI) Metro Fire Department. Organizers are hoping that 1,000 participants will come together this year to honor the firefighters who perished in the World Trade Center attacks fifteen years ago.

“We expect the emotions will be perceptible inside Lambeau Field,” says Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president of the Fire & Emergency segment and Pierce Manufacturing. “We invite all of northeast Wisconsin to join Pierce, the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, and the NFFF in paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice displayed by 343 firefighters on a dark day that forever changed our lives.”

Since forming a partnership with the NFFF, Pierce has raised more than $325,000 to assist the NFFF’s mission to help the families of fallen firefighters rebuild their lives through support networks, conferences, workshops and scholarships. 

Stair climb participants are invited to climb the equivalent of 110 stories—the height of the fallen World Trade Center towers—on the steps of Lambeau Field. This year the climb will span the entire bowl inside the stadium to accommodate an anticipated increased number of climbers who come to pay tribute to the firefighters who gave their lives at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. 

Each climber will be given a badge with the name and photograph of one of the fallen firefighters, to symbolically complete the climb with one of the fallen. “As participants in previous 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs—as well as those who have come out to support them—can attest, they leave Lambeau Field with lasting memories,” adds Johnson.

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is not a timed race and participants can climb to any desired level. (Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult/guardian.) The cost is $35, and all funds raised will benefit the NFFF. Pre-registered participants will receive an official event T-shirt. Event times on September 10 include on-site registration beginning at 8:00 a.m., an Opening Ceremony at 9:00 a.m., and the stair climb at 9:30 a.m. 

Visit www.piercemfg.com/climb for more information and to preregister for the 2016 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

A mother and kids lighting sparklers on a third-floor balcony started a fast-spreading apartment fire Saturday morning that cost 12 people their homes. Bremerton Fire Marshall Mike Six found four sparklers on the balcony of the complex at 321 Wycoff Ave., which caught fire around 8 a.m. He spoke to the 24-year-old resident who said she lit two sparklers with her children, ages 3 and 4.
- PUB DATE: 7/18/2016 3:38:50 PM - SOURCE: Kitsap Sun

An 11-year-old girl was airlifted to a hospital after she fell from a zip line tower in Olympia Sunday afternoon. Olympia firefighters said they were called to a report that the girl had fallen at the Westwood Baptist Church, on the corner of Kaiser Road NW and Mud Bay Road NW in west Olympia, at about 3:30 p.
- PUB DATE: 7/18/2016 3:30:23 PM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7