Holmatro Trio and Quattro pumps are part of the company's Spider range. Thanks to their large oil content, these pumps can operate any three or four rescue tools at the same time and multiple tools successively, including the biggest rams. Rescuers can choose between different models: gas-powered (Quattro), electrically powered (Trio), or gas-powered with electric start (Quattro). Next to a large hydraulic oil content, the pumps offer various features like soft-grip carrying handles; an integrated dipstick for quick and easy monitoring of the oil level; and optional LED lighting, which facilitates coupling and uncoupling hoses in the dark. They are standard with CORE Technology. www.holmatro.com, 410-768-9662

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Allegro Industries line of wrist and elbow supports helps address carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with five different wrist supports, each one designed to help maintain a neutral position at the wrist while allowing full movement of the hand and fingers. Maxrist® is designed with a restrictive metal spoon stay that fits into the palm to eliminate symptoms of CTS and other repetitive strain injuries. Its lightweight, flexible material does not hinder finger movement. Dual-Flex™ contains eight stays that provide firm support, and it offers an ambidextrous design that fits both right and left hands. Flexrist® and Thin Flexrist® offer the all-around comfort and support of Neoprene® and can be worn on the right or left hand. Rist-Rap is an elastic wrap that helps support the wrist while lifting items. The Deluxe Elbow Pad is designed with a flexible cap backed with soft foam padding for added protection. www.allegrosafety.com, 800-622-3530

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Ventry Solutions, Inc. 2-Headed LED XT LENTRY® System is a portable lighting unit that has two high-output LED heads on one telescoping extra tall "XT" pole. A fuel-efficient generator provides quiet, reliable, computer-safe power for eight to 10 hours (per tank) with one or both lights on. Patented all-terrain LENTRY Legs allow for level, stable operation as the light is extended to its full height and allow optimal positioning in good, bad, and changing conditions. At 28,000 lumens each, the LED lights produce 56,000 lumens using 660 W, leaving 950 W for other tools. The LED heads each have their own on/off switches but share one cord, leaving one of the outlets free for other tools. Each light head pivots forward and back more than 180 degrees total and rotates 450 degrees. www.ventry.com, 888-257-8967

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Kochek Company big water strainers are suitable for maximum-flow applications in the firefighting, power, irrigation, facilities, and industrial fire protection markets. The company provides ice strainers, self-leveling floating strainers, barrel strainers, low-level strainers, and barrel-bottom guard strainers in six-inch sizes recommended for pumps of 1,500- to 2,000-gpm capacity. Kochek's strainers ar

Richard Marinucci

Recent research performed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has shed a lot of light on fire behavior and the science behind fire development.

This has been enlightening and confirming. It has verified through science some things thought to be true and dispelled other beliefs that may now be considered myths. Regardless, true professionals will pay attention to these studies to look at their operations and determine if they are applying their resources in the best possible manner.

Trucks and truck company operations are critical for successful outcomes. The new view of fires from the research conducted by NIST and UL does not lessen the importance of this aspect of the job but does require that departments conduct a review to make sure they apply limited resources efficiently and effectively. Fire attack will still require forcible entry; fires will still require ventilation, although when and where may mandate more problem solving; and rescue opportunities will still arise.

Staffing greatly affects the ability of organizations to perform functions properly and at the right time. Fire departments need to be realistic when assessing their capabilities so that they can deploy the right tactics at the right time with the right people. For example, if it takes three people to properly place a 40-foot ladder and you only have two people on the truck, you won't have this as an option. You will either have to wait for more resources to arrive or choose a different tactic.

Square Pegs, Round Holes

Too often we try to put a square peg in a round hole. We may believe the best tactic is to open a hole in the roof and will try our best regardless of what tools we have available. The thought process should change, and crews must use problem solving skills to their fullest extent. If staffing does not allow certain tasks to be completed in the time it takes for them to make a difference, move on to other options. If a crew can't open a hole in the time needed, don't waste time and resources that could be better used elsewhere.

Obviously there are organizations that can dispatch adequate resources that will arrive in time to coordinate the best possible attack. But, there are departments that may not be able to assemble crews quickly enough to select certain strategies and tactics. As part of a department's regular and routine training program, training officers need to determine various options based on resources including personnel, apparatus, equipment, and training. All departments are not created equal and cannot deploy exactly the same.

Personnel

Staffing levels may be the largest determinant in selecting tactics and strategies. Recent studies tell us how fire is likely to behave and what probably will occur when certain actions are taken. We can come to certain conclusions based on this information and some basic knowledge of fire science-the physics and chemistry. It would behoove fire personnel to not only pay attention to the information resulting from the studies but to also review their fire science basics. Although some believe all fires are different and therefore require different approaches, there are many similarities that are predictable. Although we an acknowledge that there are variables such as contents, weather, time of day, and others, we should be able to make an educated guess on fire development if we study what is known.

Take this scenario: A department dispatches two engines, a truck, a rescue, and a command officer. There are three personnel on each engine, two on the truck, and two o

By Chad Szeklinski

All my life I wanted to drive a fire truck. The driver-operator of today is faced with changes and challenges because of many variables and outside parties. Why is this?

Sometimes these changes come from people in leadership roles who have never driven a fire truck before but are now experts on making policy on what a driver should or shouldn't do. Why is that? As drivers, we should focus on one thing: our ability to become great drivers. Ask yourself why apparatus preparation is so necessary. Let's discuss one way we can accomplish this.

The Walk-Around

Fire departments across the country have had their stories of a piece of equipment falling off a rig during a response to or from an alarm. Do a simple Internet search or ask someone in your own department. I know during my career I have heard a few stories. Who wants to be that person? Definitely not me! How can we stop this from happening? It's simple: Drivers can start by preparing their rigs at the start of their shift, better known as a vehicle walk-around.

At the start of a shift, not only does the gear have to be ready to go but so do the apparatus and equipment. Let's talk about the steps to prepare the apparatus. Make sure you have a starting point. For instance, I start mine in my driver's seat. Why the driver's seat? Well, the driver working on shift before me is six feet tall and has at least 75 pounds on me, a tall, athletic, five-foot eight-inch string bean. Kidding aside, adjusting the seat and mirrors is a great place to start. Next it's important to start the apparatus to cycle the power takeoff in and out of pump gear along with checking gauges on the dash. Engaging the emergency warning lights along with dash gauges is very important since they can show early warning signs of a malfunction. Emergency lights not working need immediate attention. Be aware that some emergency lights don't activate unless the parking brake is released.

If your rig has equipment mounted to the front bumper, is it all there, secured, and ready? Inspect the windshield wiper condition and emergency lights for correct operation. Also check headlights and marker lights for proper operation. (Photos by author.)

When it comes to the dash gauges, we're looking for proper voltage between 13 and 14 volts. Anything over that could mean the electrical system is being overcharged, which eventually will lead to electrical failure if not corrected. Next, check the fuel level. My department has a policy to keep fuel levels at ¾ full or more. Do you know yours? Look at the front and rear air brake gauges. Are they filling properly between 110 and 130 pounds per square inch and releasing? The list goes on and on, depending on your apparatus and added accessories. Take a look around the inside of the cab. Is the equipment secure, and are seat belts in good shape and easy to don? Could something become a projectile because of a sudden stop? Correct any issues before proceeding.

Outside Checks

Once the inside checks are complete, move outside. I like to start mine at the driver-side door, walking in a complete clockwise circle of the apparatus. Does it really matter which way to begin the outside walk-around? No. However, it's always good to check with your department vehicle operations standard operating guidelines (SOGs). The key is to start at one spot and finish at that same spot. Tha

Delivery of the Month

E-ONE-Marshfield (MA) Fire Department, pumper. Typhoon cab and chassis; Cummins ISL 350-hp engine; Hale Qflo 1,250-gpm pump; UPF Poly 500-gallon tank; 30-gallon foam cell; Williams ATP Class A foam system; Smart Power 6-kW generator. Dealer: John Buckley, Greenwood Emergency Vehicles, North Attleboro, MA.

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Pierce-Saginaw (TX) Fire Department, 105-foot heavy-duty aerial quint. Dash CF cab and chassis; Detroit DD13 500-hp engine; Pierce PUC 1,500-gpm pump; UPF Poly 450-gallon tank; 20-gallon foam cell; Husky 3 single-agent foam system; Harrison 6-kW generator. Dealer: Travis Ownby, Siddons-Martin Emergency Group, Houston, TX.

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Rosenbauer-Minneapolis (MN) Fire Department, 100-foot midmount Cobra aerial platform. Commander 4000 R611 cab and chassis; heavy-duty EXT stainless steel body; Cummins ISX12 500-hp engine; Waterous S100 2,000-gpm pump; Whelen LED warning and scene light package; Onan 8-kW generator. Dealer: General Safety Fire Apparatus, Wyoming, MN.

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Spartan ERV-Katy (TX) Fire Department, pumper. Spartan Gladiator cab and chassis; Cummins ISX 500-hp engine; Hale Qmax 2,000-gpm pump; Pro Poly 750-gallon polypropylene tank; 30-gallon foam cell; Hale FoamLogix single-agent foam system; Akron Scene Star scene lights; Onan 10-kW generator. Dealer: David Tovey, Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Houston, TX.

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Ferrara-Ineos Chemical, LaPorte, TX, Inundator industrial pumper. Inferno cab and chassis; Cummins ISX15 600-hp engine; Hale 8FG 3,000-gpm pump; UPF Poly 800-gallon foam tank: 200-gallon water cell; Williams Hot Shot ll 300 balanced pressure foam system; Albany Fire Lion 300-gpm foam pump; Williams Ambassador 2x6 monitor; two four-inch deck gun discharges with TFT Monsoon electric remote monitors. Dealer: Brad Williamson, Hall Motors, Tyler, TX.

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HME-Colrain (MA) Fire Department, rescue-pumper. HME Ahrens-Fox 1871-SFO cab and chassis; Cummins ISL9 370-hp engine; Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm pump; 700-gallon polypropylene tank; 30-gallon foam cell; Hale FoamLogix 2.1 Class A foam system; FoxTrax tool boards. Dealer: Glenn Davis, Lakes Region Fire Apparatus Inc., West Ossipee, NH.

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Smeal-Hazelwood (MO) Fire Department, pumper. Spartan/Smeal Sirius cab and chassis; Cummins ISL9 450-hp engine; Waterous CSU 1,500-gpm pump; UPF Poly 750-gallon tank; 30-gallon foam cell; Waterous Advantus 6 Class A foam system with Pneumax 200P compressed air foam system; Command Light CL611 light tower; Onan 8-kW generator. Dealer: Lloyd DeWald, Leo M. Ellebracht Company, Wentzville, MO. (Photo by Dennis Maag.)

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Sutphen-Palm Beach County (FL) Fire/Rescue, five pumpers. Custom cabs and chassis; Cummins ISL9 400-hp engines; Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm pumps; 750-gallon polypropylene tanks; 30-gallon foam cells; Hale FoamLogix 3.3 single-agent foam systems; 24-inch extended front bumpers. Dealer: David Stonitsch, South Florida Emergency Vehicle

SAFE FLEET has acquired ELKHART BRASS, of Elkhart, IN. Since 1902, Elkhart Brass has been a manufacturer of firefighting and fire protection equipment. Elkhart manufactures 2,000 products including monitors, valves, nozzles, appliances, and accessories used in virtually every aspect of firefighting. Elkhart products can be found in fire departments around the world, building systems and off-shore drilling sites, as well as in military, marine, and industrial firefighting applications. "We're very excited to welcome Elkhart Brass into the Safe Fleet family. This acquisition supports our vision to build the leading global provider of safety solutions for fleet vehicles," says John R. Knox, president and CEO of Safe Fleet. "The combination of Elkhart Brass with FRC and FoamPro will enable us to develop integrated systems of monitors, valves, foam proportioning, and electronic controls for the global emergency market. In addition, Safe Fleet will have one of the largest direct sales forces in North America with over 20 individuals dedicated to serving the firefighting industry." The Elkhart Brass acquisition is the third for Safe Fleet, which was formed in September, 2013, when ROM Corporation and SMI Corporation merged.

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SPARTAN MOTORS, INC., through its subsidiary Spartan Chassis, recognized the Detroit Fire Department (DFD) during a celebration on the company's Charlotte, Michigan, campus for the continued commitment of the DFD throughout the city's resurgence. Daryl Adams, Spartan's recently appointed president and CEO, was joined by Detroit Fire Commissioner Edsel Jenkins for a ceremonial presentation during the Pure Michigan Celebration, which resulted in the company making a $10,000 donation to the DFD. Spartan is building a 10-apparatus order for the DFD, which it will complete together with Smeal Fire Apparatus Co. and its local dealer R&R Truck Repair, both of which participated in the event. The custom apparatus built on Metro Star® cabs and chassis feature a four-door configuration with a five-inch raised roof, 178-inch wheelbase, six-person seating, extreme-duty interior finish, and an EMS cabinet. They are powered by 400-hp Cummins ISL9 engines and Allison 3000 GEN V EVS transmissions.

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SMEAL FIRE APPARATUS CO. has announced that Atlantic Coast Fire Trucks (ACFT), the authorized sales and service dealer for Smeal™, US Tanker™, and LTC™ brand apparatus in North Carolina, South Carolina, and eastern Tennessee, has opened a new service facility in Denver, North Carolina. This 7,500-square-foot facility is located northwest of Charlotte, North Carolina, and provides full fire apparatus service, including preventive maintenance programs, chassis service including brake repair replacement, electrical and hydraulic system repairs, aerial, and pump repairs. It provides expanded service capacity from the dealership's previous service center in nearby Mooresville. The new service manager for the service facility is Mark Hammill, master EVT and ASE-certified technician. Atlantic Coast Fire Trucks was established in 2012. The company is owned by Steve Dill, a former volunteer firefighter and Smeal dealer principal for more than 23 years. ACFT has nine full-time employees, with service centers located in Denver, North Carolina, and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

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The Marion (IN) Fire Department has taken delivery of an HME rescue-pumper mounted on an 1871-W custom chassis and powered by a Cummins ISL9 450-hp diesel engine. The top-mount pumper includes an exclusive 52-degree cramp angle; double frame rails; 12-inch-raised-roof, 100-inch cab; 45-degree tilt cab, interior rear-wall gear rack, cab crew area foot rest, interior grab handles on