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Posted: Apr 22, 2016

Proposed levy would pay for Quilcene firefighters, chief says

An emergency medical services levy on Tuesday's ballot would allow the Quilcene Fire Department to provide continuous fire protection, advocates say. Chief Larry Karp said the six-year levy would help stabilize the force, which is moving from an all-volunteer service to one with some paid firefighters, as well as accommodate the needs of an aging population.
- PUB DATE: 4/22/2016 6:24:08 AM - SOURCE: Port Angeles Peninsula Daily News
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Posted: Apr 22, 2016

Globe Brings ATHLETIX™ Turnout Gear to FDIC International 2016

Fire Apparatus Chris Mc Loone tries on the new Globe gear.

At FDIC International 2016, Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Editor Chris Mc Loone had a chance to demo Glob’s new ATHLETIX™ turnout gear. The turnout coat and bunker pants are contructed of TenCate KOMBAT™ STRETCH PBI®/KEVLAR® fabric, NOMEX® NANO thermal barrier material, 3M SCOTCHLITE™ COMFORT TRIM reflective material and CROSSTECH™ BLACK moisture barrier.

According to Rob Freese, senior vice president, marketing, the company started work on the ATHLETIX project three years ago and went to customers at all levels: chiefs, station house officers, line firefighters, distributors, purchasing folks and asked them three questions:

1.       What do you like?

2.       What do you not like?

3.       What would you change if you could?

“Those questions lead to all sorts of insights into how fire departments and firefighters are thinking about their job and the evolution of how they fight fire.” says Freese. After asking those three questions, Freese says that the company received 20,000 inputs that Globe distilled into eight distinct categories “Out of those categories, we learned things that fire departments are looking to incorporate in the next generation of gear.”

Globe is preparing to ramp up production on ATHLETIX once it receives its final certifications, at which point, the new turnout gear will become commercially available. Globe’s booth (#2522) is located in Hall D at the Indiana Convention Center.

More: www.globeturnoutgear.com.

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Posted: Apr 22, 2016

The Best Training Tip I Took Back Home from FDIC Wasn't from a Class

By Joe Pronesti

If you were lucky enough to be there in person or even had the opportunity to watch on the Web site, Chief Derek Alkonis, while delivering his rousing keynote address, discussed a tidbit on video training that he picked up on while attending previous FDIC. His point was: attend FDIC with the intent of picking something up and taking back to make your department better. In following his lead, I too picked up a wonderful tip while at this year’s FDIC International, and the best thing was that it didn’t come from any of the awesome instructors there.

Wednesday morning at FDIC International was the Opening Ceremony, followed by the presentation of the annual Courage and Valor Award. This year’s winner was Firefighter Jason Rivera from the New Haven (CT) Fire Department. Firefighter Rivera performed an amazing act of bravery that recalled our service’s highest standards. While on a hoseline protecting a search during a residential house fire in March of 2015, he also sustained some serious injuries that kept him out of work for an extended period. You can search the specifics or watch the ceremony replay for more info, but it was after the ceremony that Firefighter Rivera's performance had the biggest impact on me==an act that I wish all firefighters could’ve seen and been a part of.

When you receive the Courage and Value Award from Pennwell Publishing, you receive a medal and a check for $35,000 dollars--for us firefighters that’s a pretty nice chunk of change and, when combined with the medal and notoriety given early on Wednesday morning, it's probably enought to make recipients feel like celebrating with family and friends after. No one could have blamed him if he left the stage and went somewhere for a few morning mimosas. But here is where Firefighter Rivera gave me the best takeaway from FDIC International 2016. Immediately afterward, he attended a CLASS!

After the ceremony ends, classes begin. Every 90 minutes, 25 instructors deliver every type of conceivable class on firefighting, from elevator emergencies to high-rise fire size-up. As I settled into the class I selected, a group of firefighters dressed in their Class A uniforms came into the room and sat next to me in the front row; one of them was Firefighter Jason Rivera. Jason stayed the entire class, listening intently to the instructor, and anyone not knowing what took place only a half hour before wouldn't have had the slightest clue to his award and accolades.

Humility and the thirst for continued knowledge is what makes a leader, and on Wednesday April 20, 2016, a brother firefighter taught me way more than courage--he reminded me of how to conduct myself. In turn, this provided one of the best learning experiences I could possibly share with my firefighters back home. It was one that will resonate with me long after the conference, and well into my life.

Thank you, Jason Rivera.

Joe PronestiJOSEPH PRONESTI is a 26-year veteran of the Elyria (OH) Fire Department, where he is an assistant chief and shift commander. He is a graduate of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Executive Officer program and a lead instructor at the Cuyahoga (OH) County Community College Fire Academy. He is a contributor to fire service publications and sites, including Read more

Posted: Apr 22, 2016

Breakthrough Show for Scott Safety at FDIC International 2016

Among products being launched by Scott Safety at FDIC International 2016 is the first commercial in-mask thermal intelligence system. Jeff Emery, global director, marketing, life safety products, says, “FDIC International is really a breakthrough event for Scott Safety this year. We are extremely excited about launching a range of firefighter safety advancements here. It all starts with the launch of our newest breakthrough product, Scott Sight. The industry’s first commercial in-mask thermal intelligence system, the Scott Sight provides every firefighter with a new set of eyes on the fireground.” The Scott Sight in-mask display provides a real-time thermal image, enhancing visibility, efficiency, and safety of the firefighter. This in-mask display has been designed to be easily upgraded to provide additional situational intelligence data to the firefighter in the future. “At FDIC, we will be giving away over a dozen Scott Sights to users who register at the Scott Safety booth,” Emery adds.

 

The company is also introducing the Hush Air Connect, a full breathing air system that includes a 7,500-psi compressor and the world’s smartest set of controls for filling air cylinders. The Hush Air Connect will be capable of automatically recognizing cylinders, ensuring proper filling pressure, and automating the reporting process.

“Finally, we will be highlighting several innovative connectivity solutions at FDIC International 2016, which will help our customers better track their inspection and maintenance activities in the station, while providing incident command with immediate notifications of critical firefighter status updates, including air and PASS data,” Emery adds.

FDIC International is often a place where fire service suppliers get important feedback on their products, as many manufacturers provide equipment for FDIC International’s HOT evolutions. Scott is no different. According to Emery, “Beyond the sheer number of firefighters, what I always appreciate about exhibiting at FDIC International is the focus on instruction, which draws the world’s leading trainers and thought leaders to Indianapolis. This provides us with an unmatched opportunity to receive feedback on our newest products and solutions and better understand emerging trends and customer needs within the fire services.”

The benefits for attendees to FDIC International starts with the training, for Emery. “First and foremost is the opportunity to at

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Posted: Apr 22, 2016

18 Fire Trucks on Display by Pierce at FDIC International 2016

Pierce Manufacturing has three different places for FDIC International attendees to see its fire apparatus. Matt McLeish, vice president of sales and marketing says, “ Pierce will display a total of 18 fire apparatus at FDIC International 2016. Most notably, we’ll be showcasing the Ascendant 107-foot aerial ladder. The Ascendant is the most popular new aerial apparatus in our company’s history, and new configurations—including the PUC pump, a Texas Chute Out body with a side stack hosebed, and a no pump/no tank true truck company style configuration—are available for our FDIC International attendees. We’ll also have the quint configuration on site, which launched at FDIC International in 2015.”

Fire departments visiting the booth at Lucas Oil Stadium will also have the opportunity to see demonstrations of the latest Command Zone advanced electronics system.

“We’re also very excited to continue our longstanding support of the NFFF,” McLeish adds. “This year, the Pierce booth in Lucas Oil Stadium will host the NFFF 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb finish line and traditional bell ringing. Photos of all stair climb finishers will be posted to the Pierce Facebook page, and each “like” or “share” will trigger a $1 donation to NFFF from Pierce, up to $10,000.”

In addition to Pierce’s traditional location at the entrance of Lucas Oil Stadium, it is displaying five additional apparatus at a second booth located in the Indianapolis Convention Center stand #5521, and will also have apparatus in the outside demonstration area.

Between Pierce staff and our dealer network, the company has more than 400 people in attendance at FDIC International. According to McLeish, “The most important part of exhibiting at FDIC International is using the many opportunities available to us to listen to and learn from firefighters. At Pierce, we take each and every apparatus manufactured personally, so it’s difficult to overestimate the value of an annual opportunity to connect with 30,000 firefighters.”

For attendees, McLeish says that FDIC offers a wealth of opportunities for attendees to see and learn about anything and everything related to the fire service, from new apparatus to new mobile apps. “To have all of these products and services in one location gives fire departments the chance to see, touch, compare, make connections, and get answers to their questions so that they can best serve their communities.”

McLeish says that Pierce owes it to the attendees to have its best foot forward at FDIC International. “FDIC International is an excellent conference and exhibition for the more than 30,000 fire industry professionals attending. Attendees have the opportunity to take advantage of a wide range of learning opportunities—whether in a classroom setting, in hands-on training, or on the show floor. Firefighters have made a sizable investment in time and resources to be at FDIC International, and we owe it to them to not only have a wide range of apparatus on hand but also our best people present, who will listen to them and collect their ideas and feedback.

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