Why do we train? All training is designed to deliver two things. The first reason is to reinforce good behaviors. Second is to effect or to cause change, to improve an individual. In order for change to take place an individual; that means you and me, needs to make a decision for change and commit to improvement on a personal level. Change must come from within. While we read, listen, and practice our crafts, we must actively strive for personal improvement; not just go through the motions...

In response to recent news articles highlighting possible abuses within the LEOFF pension system, the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) is now reviewing LEOFF employers for possible violations. The news media focused on situations where LEOFF members engaged in possible pension spiking just before their retirement. There were also examples of LEOFF retirees who had gone back to work for a public employer as an independent contractor, possibly in violation of pension system rules governing rehiring of retirees.

There are many important systems that work harmoniously on your apparatus to provide reliable, safe, and effective operation but safety and reliability starts at the ground and works its way to the operator’s seat. The first point of contact for your apparatus and the roadway is the tire, one of the many underestimated items that play an important role in the handling characteristics of your vehicle. Tires provide not only the means by which to grip the roadway and propel your vehicle down the road, but have the responsibility to resist breaking traction when bringing the vehicle to a stop. Providing support and ground contact when cornering is equally important. Your tires are also the first component of the vehicle’s suspension system absorbing a large amount of jounce and rebound. With all of the above taken into consideration, inspection, maintenance, and preventive replacement of tires should be considered a high priority in any agency...

Task Force Tips's (TFT) FlipTip nozzle changes use with a simple flip of its twist-lock pivoting tip. FlipTip is the latest addition to TFT's New Force product line. There are three different series of FlipTips available, each designed to fit unique needs and budgets: FlipTip Only (with two smoothbores), FlipTip Integrated Shutoff (with two smoothbores), and FlipTip Integrated Shutoff with one smoothbore and G-Force combination nozzle (with the G-Force nozzle offering 18 model choices of fixed, selectable, or automatic nozzle combinations). The FlipTip Only series features multiple smoothbore choices for both the front and the rear tip orifices and quickly allows the initial attack team a choice of flows The FlipTip with Integrated Ball Shutoff features a high-volume ball shutoff, providing a single nozzle that offers a choice of hard hitting straight streams. The third option is the FlipTip with Integrated Ball Shutoff and G-Force nozzle.
-newforce.tft.com, 800-348-2686

Streamlight® Inc. LOGO™ keychain light is a personal LED flashlight with four lighting modes and an auto-off feature that conserves battery life. The LOGO features a five-mm LED, which is impervious to shock and provides a 100,000-hour lifetime. It offers four lighting modes: high (10 lumens), medium (5 Lumens), low (2.5 Lumens), and blink. Users quickly press the light's center for on, off, and mode changes. The LOGO also features an auto-off warning, which is activated after four minutes of continuous run time. The feature is designed to warn users prior to turning off the light while also conserving batteries. Constructed from impact-resistant polycarbonate and thermoplastic elastomer, The LOGO uses two 2016 size, Lithium coin cell batteries. It measures 1.8 inches long and weighs 0.37 ounces with included batteries. The weather-resistant light features a nonrotating snap hook that attaches to a keychain or zipper pull.
-www.streamlight.com, 800-523-7488

Cummins Inc. 2013 engine lineup for fire and emergency vehicles is a complete range of clean-diesel engines from 260 to 600 hp. For 2013, Cummins will offer the fire and emergency vehicle market four choices in clean-diesel power: the ISX15, ISX12, ISL9, and ISB6.7. All engines will share a new single electronic control module (ECM) that will manage both the engine and the Cummins Aftertreatment System. In addition, these engines meet the 2013 United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations as well as the 2014 EPA greenhouse gas (GHG) and United States Department of Transportation (DOT) fuel efficiency standards. Cummins 2013 engines also feature an improved electronic calibration that is specific for fire and emergency vehicles that eliminates any emissions related vehicle speed or engine torque derates. Some 2013 ISX15 and ISX12 engines built in early 2013 may require a calibration update to eliminate emissions related derates.
-www.cumminsengines.com, 800-343-7357

Spartan ERV MPA 65' is a multifunction pumper aerial that has all the features of a quint. It can be configured with a 1,250- to 1,500-gpm pump, 1,000-gpm telescopic aerial waterway, and up to 500 gallo

ARMORED FIRE APPARATUS

Robert Tutterow's April 2013 Keeping It Safe column "Time for Armored Fire Apparatus?" is definitely visionary thinking, especially in these times of scene safety and increasing terrorism in the United States-i.e., incidents like the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. However, emergency planners need to be mindful of a fundamental point: Armored vehicles defeat their intended purpose whenever their occupants "surface" themselves like a turtle opening up its shell and sticking out its head, arms, and legs.

Real-world examples include whenever armored car guards exit their cargo compartment, SWAT teams ride on their back steps, and so on. The same vulnerability would apply whenever firefighters exit their cabs or whenever medics exit their patient compartments.

Are armored vehicles viable for firefighting? Yes-if and when designed for rotating deck gun operation like a military tank turret. Examples of this type of apparatus include aircraft fire department foam tenders and European fire engines commonly used to safely quell rioters.

Donald E. White
Administrative Officer
Alexandria (VA) Volunteer Fire Department
Director of Safety and Security, Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute