By Richard Marinucci

My brother is the only person I know who does not own a cell phone. He says he doesn't want one and doesn't need one. Even though most people cite the convenience of having a cell phone, my brother looks at it as an inconvenience. He does not want to be tied to a phone or be interrupted when he is doing something else. If you want to talk to him, call his house and leave a message and he will get back to you when it is convenient. His lifestyle does not seem to be adversely affected by his decision.

Conversely, my adult children all have the latest cell phones and do not have land lines. They like the instant communications with the phone calls, texts, and e-mails. They also know if the phone rings, it is for them. They are connected 24/7 and their phones take precedence-even over in-person communications. They will interrupt a conversation with me to answer their phone or a text. Some may consider this rude, like me, but they think it is normal.

Whether or not one has a cell phone is his own personal choice, and I am not here to make any value judgments. It seems that some can't live without their phones and others won't live with them. In some ways, this is what all technology is about. Regarding fire departments, there are some that are always on the leading edge, impatient to a fault to adopt the latest and greatest device that promises to make the job easier, faster, and safer. Others continue with what has always seemed to work, either consciously making that decision or being prohibited from doing so because of budgetary issues.

Faster than Ever

There is no doubt that technological changes occur at a faster pace than ever before. As such, fire departments are inundated with information on new products that promise to make the job easier, faster, safer, and generally better. They also promise to save time. Now if they are supposed to save time, how come those who use the newer products are busier than ever? The point here is that not all new technological developments are necessarily applicable to everyone. Keeping up with the Joneses is not a reason to embrace technology. It must be evaluated based on the entire package of the benefits and disadvantages including the cost, time savings, ease of use, practicality, financial benefits, required training, and acceptance by those who will be using it.

During my career, I have met with salespeople who had new products that were essential to what I was doing many times. They always paint a rosy picture designed to tempt me. More often than not, there were some flaws with the products, although these flaws may not have affected the benefits they offered. Like all good salespeople, they try to get an "on-the-spot" decision. Rarely do I give one, either because of my instincts or the fact that what they are offering requires additional approval.

Get Help

When looking at "new and improved," consider some of the things that should help you make a decision. First and foremost, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I can recall discussions where I reached a point of disbelief and could not contain myself when dealing with an individual. This may not always be the best approach, but it was sometimes helpful at reducing return visits!

Beyond your instincts, use your network-those who have more knowledge and understanding of particular products and those who use the product. For example there are many computer advances. Some have proven to be beneficial to many. Others have been added "fluff," either not delivering what was promised or offering useless enhancements. If you have access to IT personnel, that is great, and these people are good to know. They spend all of their time learning more about these types of technological advances. They also are usually not fire service personnel. As such, they view the world differently

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is pleased to congratulate the Marysville Fire District for their demonstrated commitment and effective promotion of fire prevention programs in their community, having earned them the distinguished Life Safety Achievement Award for 2012. “The number of fire fatalities in our state are lower each year thanks to fire agencies such as Marysville, making their communities safer” said State Fire Marshal Charles Duffy...

The Professional Development & Response Section is currently reviewing new Certification Test Banks for Firefighter 1 and 2.  A requirement of our International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) accreditation is to have our test banks reviewed by a group of third-party subject matter experts. 

We are currently seeking interested fire service members to serve on Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) for these levels.  While selecting members for these TAGs, our goal is to involve a statewide cross-section of Washington’s fire service; including both individuals who have participated before and those new to the process.

We anticipate that these TAGs will meet one full day; Firefighter I on September 26th and Firefighter II on October 1st...

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• NAVISTAR launched its heavy-duty International WorkStar vocational truck, equipped with a 13-liter engine with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology. The International WorkStar truck is designed for heavy loads and includes two variations: the 7600 set-back axle and the 7600 set-forward axle. Both models have a 113-inch bumper to back-of-cab, huck-bolted frame, crossmember system, panoramic windshield, and Diamond Logic® electrical system. Available features include a high-visibility hood, various axle configurations, and engine options.

• PL CUSTOM EMERGENCY VEHICLES of Manasquan, New Jersey, and DPC Emergency Equipment of Marydel, Delaware, announced a multiyear contract to supply ambulances to the Baltimore County (MD) Fire Department EMS. PL Custom will provide medium duty Titan ambulances on Freightliner extended cab M2 chassis. Each vehicle includes PL Custom's "Medic in Mind" layout that allows attendants to remain safely seated during patient care while they access equipment, supplies, and function switches. The vehicles' customized features include PL Custom's centrally-ducted climate control system, a V-MUX multiplex electrical system, a left-side squad bench, and a Stryker PowerLIFT cot system.

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