Legislative Session Update

The 2015 Legislature convened on Monday, January 12 for the 105-day session.   A flurry of early action on fire-related bills has kept us all busy.  Nearly 60 bills are already on the tracking list as of this writing, with plenty more expected in the coming weeks. For a complete list of fire service bills, position papers and other information see:WFC Legislative Site. To view testimony live or recorded earlier go to TVW and search by bill number or committee that is hearing the bill...

The Washington Fire Mechanics held a meeting on January 13, 2015 hosted by the Lakewood Fire Maintenance shop. We approved minutes of the November meeting and distributed the WFC financial report for review. 2014’s conference was a success and will add to our ability to provide an even better training opportunity at the 2015 conference. Two representatives attended and reported on the WFC’s recent strategic planning event...

The LEADER Sar multiuse helmet has been designed to meet the highest levels of protection combined with the highest possible levels of comfort and usability. Lightweight and comfortable, the helmet offers a high level of impact protection, which gives the wearer excellent protection from impact and shock both from above and from the sides. The LEADER Sar all-risks helmet is suitable for many applications. It is tested to 11 different standards, giving it the versatility to be used in a wide range of applications including search and rescue, confined space, water rescue, forestry firefighting, technical rescue, and more. It is available in many colors, including Hi-Viz yellow, Hi-Viz orange, white, red, black, royal blue, olive green, and navy blue. www.LeaderNorthAmerica.com, 704-662-3377

Gerber Outerwear's SX Soft Shell Job Shirt provides ASTM 1671 Level BBP protection. The SX Soft Shell Job Shirt's outer shell is made of BioTex Barrier Fabric. The BioTex Barrier Fabric has been independently tested to and meets the requirements of the ASTM F 1671 Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Blood Borne Pathogens. BioTex Barrier Fabric is waterproof, windproof, breathable, and blood-borne pathogen resistant. This lightweight fabric provides an effective barrier against all types of inclement weather while still allowing hot, humid air to escape. Despite its soft feel, BioTex Barrier Fabric is tough enough to stand up to rugged use. It also features an elasticized draw cord waistband with adjustable barrel clips, adjustable cuffs, Scotchlite™ reflective piping, segmented mic strips on the shoulders, oversized set-in hand-warmer pockets, and zippered set-in chest pockets. www.TheFireStore.com, 800-852-6088

DEUS Rescue Fire Escape Anchor is for use by firefighters and other emergency personnel in at-height escape and rescue scenarios. The interior contour is lined with specially designed "teeth." The teeth are rounded to protect hands and ropes while providing a firm grip on window frames, wall studs, pipes, and other framework. Weighing 8.6 ounces, the new anchor is made from aluminum alloy, making it strong yet lightweight. Extra connection points make this anchor versatile in nearly any rigging situation, such as window frame anchoring, wall breaching, girth hitching, and more. The DEUS Fire Escape Anchor is compatible with the DEUS Firefighter Bailout & Rescue Kit and all NFPA-compliant firefighter escape systems. www.deusrescue.com/fire-escape-anchor, 866-405-3461

Holmatro Secunet III air bag protection cover is an all-in-one solution to neutralize the impact of an accidental air bag explosion after a road traffic collision. With the new Secunet III, rescuers don't need to waste time choosing the right size air bag protection cover at the scene of an accident. Whether it's a car, van, bus, or truck they are dealing with, the Secunet III fits on all steering wheels with a diameter of 35 to 51 cm. The air bag protection cover is quick and easy to install. Rescuers put it on the steering wheel and tighten it b

PIERCE MANUFACTURING recently placed a Pierce® Arrow XT™ custom firefighting apparatus (http://bit.ly/pierce-snozzle-elizabeth), equipped with a Snozzle® high-reach extendable turret (HRET) that features a piercing nozzle, in service at the Elizabeth (NJ) Fire Department. The vehicle, expected to respond to more than 1,000 calls per year, will also operate as a specialized foam pumper. Built on the Arrow XT chassis with dual rear axles, the Snozzle-equipped vehicle features a 500-hp engine, five-speed pushbutton transmission, and Command Zone™ advanced electronics system. The vehicle also features a 750-gallon water tank, dual deck guns, a 2,000-gpm pump, a Husky® 60 foam system, a Hydrochem nozzle, and a 300-gallon foam cell. There is seating for six firefighters.

US FIRE PUMP, a new company, has introduced its High Velocity Fire Pump. The USFP High Velocity Fire Pump is designed for industrial fire pump applications and high-volume water supply using 600-hp or larger engines that are now available. The pump is designed for fire apparatus, fire boats, fire trailers, skid packages, and high-flow water supply trailers. The design of this pump allows for high-flow water supply and NFPA 1901 industrial fire pump applications in one package. A key feature of this pump is the optimized flow-through layout, which maximizes the pump's performance from a high-flow hydrant system. The pump is also designed for 120-hp SAE C/D auxiliary drive output to drive large foam systems or air compressors.

SCOTT SAFETY has acquired ISG/INFRASYS, a designer of thermal imaging cameras. ISG imagers incorporate proprietary ISG engine technology to offer image quality and high-temperature endurance for use in harsh and challenging firefighting environments. Scott Safety also has been providing thermal imaging cameras to its customers for more than 15 years. With the addition of ISG, Scott Safety will now offer the broadest range of thermal imaging cameras in the market, including two imagers certified to the new NFPA 1801 standard for thermal imaging cameras. "ISG provides an excellent strategic fit within our life safety business, where Scott Safety has a long track record of delivering premium safety products to first responders, military personnel, and industrial workers," says Andrew Chrostowski, president, Scott Safety. "This acquisition brings together two world-class companies with a shared focus on innovation, product quality, and customer support."

SMEAL FIRE APPARATUS CO. recently held its first ever Aerial Product & Technology Showcase. The purpose of the showcase was to educate firefighters from around the country about the products Smeal offers and to "demonstrate our dedication to quality craftsmanship and customer service," according to Smeal. After completing the introductions, attendees broke out into groups to begin their tours and presentations. Organizers did have to make some last-minute modifications to the event to work around what became a very cold week with temperatures in the 20s and wind chills that made it feel like single digits at times. The order of the day included a factory tour, aerial demonstrations, an OMNI™ Control System demonstration, static display visits, and time with vendors assembled in Smeal's showroom for the day. For the factory tours, Smeal enlisted its manufacturing floor employees to tell its story. They know their business better than anyone, and