Since 2012, California Casualty has been sponsoring the Nominate a Hero program. It grew out of our desire to create a platform for people to say “Thank You” to the heroes we are so honored to serve. On top of that, we wanted to add a chance for one hero to win a dream vacation valued at $10,000! It is just our small way of saying thanks for all you do.

Over the last year and a half, we've received thousands of nominations, shared dozens of stories, and gained an even deeper appreciation of the sacrifice our customers make on a daily basis...

Icom America IP100H Internet protocol (IP) radio is used in conjunction with the company’s newly released IP advanced radio system. This radio system works over wireless LAN (WLAN) and IP networks and uses a network controller and optional remote communicator. The radio is easy to handle and earns a waterproof rating of IPX7. It promotes secure conversation via WLAN security protocols and features a vibration alert for incoming calls. The IP100H is capable of intrabuilding communication but also has an internal antenna for short-range transmission. When connected to an optional headset, the IP100H is capable of hands-free, full duplex communication, allowing users to transmit/receive (talk/hear) concurrently. The radio’s range is only restricted by the users’ IP network coverage, but communication can extend from the basement to the top floor of a building. www.icomamerica.com, 800-872-4266

LEADER Sentry Monitor provides movement detection for rescuers, rescue teams, firefighters, doctors, workers and other persons, or victims at a collapse. With a simple program setting, the LEADER Sentry’s sensor detects the slightest movement of a structure or mass that may endanger persons. Two LEADER Sentry laser sensors can be linked simultaneously to monitor two different structures or two axes of movement of the same structure. If the movement of a structure under surveillance exceeds the warning threshold chosen, a powerful siren and a flashing light are activated to warn of an impending collapse, allowing rescuers to take security or evacuation measures. The system’s laser beam has a range of 100 feet. The system can use different sources of power including 12- and 24-V batteries or 110- or 120-V electric power. www.leadernorthamerica.com, 800-358-6414

EMICONTROLS TAF20 TURBINE, mounted on an easily maneuverable tracked vehicle, can atomize large quantities of water to a fine mist. This generates a larger surface area of water for a greater cooling effect. The turbine is suitable for use with extinguishing foam and flame inhibitors. The tracked vehicle allows the turbine to be lifted to a height of up to four meters. The vehicle can also be rotated 360 degrees, and the angle of the turbine inclined from -20 to +50 degrees. Up to 3,500 liters/min of water can be atomized to an effective spray and targeted precisely at the source of the fire. The TAF20 can be fully operated by remote control with graphic display.www.emicontrols.com, +39 331 636 21 71

FUSION HD ON-BOARD VIDEO CAPTURE SYSTEM is a secure, high-definition technology deployed inside apparatus and ambulance cabs to capture incidents for training, debriefings, and court cases; document response patterns; and provide visual evidence to refute civilian complaints about apparatus operations. Everything will be recorded for later review through the internal FailSafe drive. The FailSafe drive allows senior staff to go back in time to review video captured hours and days earlier. The compact and self-contained Fusion HD has an internal GPS to encode vehicle speeds and GPS coordinates when video is captured, includes a crash sensor to automatically trigger video with unlimited pre-event and post-event playback, and can

APU CLARIFICATIONS

"Auxiliary Power Units Making Inroads on Fire Apparatus" by Alan M. Petrillo (June 2014) was a very nice article, and these units can certainly be a wonderful addition to a piece of equipment. I have a couple of points of clarification on the topic.

First, main engine idling, which would generate added wear and tear, would actually result in the need to service or rebuild the engine more frequently-not just a need for more frequent maintenance. Taking those big engines apart costs a lot of money.

Second, the actual diesel fuel usage for an 8-kW genset is actually one quart when idling, two quarts at half load, and four quarts at full load. So, there is not a full gallon savings per hour over the main engine-which would need around 1¼ gallons idling-unless one would be just idling the little engine as well, which of course does not make any sense. There would be no need to operate it at all.

John Fischer
Engine Consultant
Palatine, Illinois

SITTING AND DREAMING

One of the best things about being an engineer is that you can sit and dream for days and honestly say you were working. Engineers do love to solve problems, and a lot of that involves sitting and dreaming of solutions. But, the best solutions always come from engineers who thoroughly understand the problem. That is where the fire service needs to engage manufacturers more aggressively. We need to reach out to the radio guys and show them just how hard it is to operate a portable with gloves and an SCBA. But, we also need to be wary of over-engineered solutions that don't address the root cause of a problem. A wireless GPS accountability turnout coat that simultaneously monitors firefighters vital signs is of no use to an overweight crew who doesn't know what a left hand search pattern is. Likewise, an apparatus covered with chevrons and flashing lights is of no use when a motorist is looking at his smartphone instead of the road. Perhaps some of the problems we need to solve have roots that lie far below the fire service. In any case, I will continue sitting and dreaming and enjoying your editorials.

Christopher Bors
Chief
McKinley Fire Company, Elkins Park, Pennsylvnia