PRESS RELEASE

Due to the recent growth of the city and the need for additional services for the Point of Pines, Oak Island and beach front communities, the Point of Pines Fire Station underwent a feasibility study to determine if continued full-time use of the station could commence with improvement of the existing building or replacement of the building was necessary to meet modern fire and EMS services, according to the city of Revere. In addition, the city emergency services are in need of a training center, and the Point of Pines community is in need of a voting center and a gathering point for other such community activities.

Based on the results of the feasibility study, the consultants determined the modern needs for fire and EMS services had rendered the existing building cost prohibitive for repairs and upgrades. Therefore, design services were procured for the replacement of the fire station to include modern fire and EMS services, a training center for the city emergency services, and provide the Point of Pines a community room for voting, meetings, and community activities.

Please refer to the additional information herein for details and progress of the station development.

Timeline

As of March 2023, this is the timeline of the Point of Pines Fire Station Project:

• May 2019 – A feasibility study was completed
• July 2019 – Bond for construction was issued
• July 2020 – OPM (Project Manager) contracted
• November 2020 – Architect selected and contracted (Winter Street Architects)
• June 2020 – Schematic Design Completed
• July 2021 – Existing firehouse was demolished
• September 2021 – Design Development
• October 2021 – 65% construction documents completed
• December 2021 – City is notified that due to the land transfer it is required to submit a MEPA filing
• February 2022 – Construction documents 100% completed
• February 2022 – MEPA EENF and EIR Filing submitted
• April 2022 – EENF Decision for Single EIR submitted
• May 2022 – Construction plans redesigned with enhanced flood resiliency considerations to exceed flood plain elevation considerations
• June 2022 – Single EIR submitted to MEPA, including a redesign of plans for increased resiliency for flood considerations
• July 11, 2022– The Revere Conservation Commission issued its approval of the project with conditions.
• July 22, 2022- The MA DEP issued a notice of appeal and assumed jurisdiction over the project.
• August 1, 2022- We received the approved MEPA certificate for the Single Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) that was submitted on June 15, 2022.
• August 11, 2022- The MA DEP has scheduled a meeting and a site visit @ the Point of Pines site on Thursday August 18^th @ 1PM to address their concerns.
• August 18, 2022- MA DEP did a site survey/walkthrough of the construction site with representatives from the mayor’s office, state delegation, local elected officials, as well as several residents from the Point of Pines. The DEP reviewed the floodplain maps and firehouse layout and listened to the concerns of all the stakeholders. The DEP will follow up with their ruling within a month.
• August 24, 2022– The MA DEP withdrew their a

Hinesburg has needed a new fire station for more than a decade, and in late 2021, the roof of the town hall began to leak, mychamplainvalley.com reported.

On Wednesday, town officials heard from a Colchester architecture firm about replacement or renovation of both facilities, the report said.

The fire hall is structurally sound. However, the architects have found that the fire station doesn’t have enough space to house their vehicles and equipment, according to the report. It also doesn’t have a decontamination space to prevent potentially harmful substances from following firefighters home.

The architects presented two ideas for a new fire station. The first option is a two-story fire hall located behind the current fire station on Route 116, which would be demolished. This option would cost just over $9.4 million, the report said.

Option two is a one-story fire hall on Mechanicsville Road, costing anywhere from $9 million to $9.3 million, the report said.

A city official said the select board and the public will have a chance to receive another presentation on the the town hall project. The two options would involve renovating, and adding to, the existing building. One option would cost $3.4 million; the other would cost $6 million, according to the report.

Shayla Gaulding
The Emporia Gazette
(TNS)

Apr. 1—County commissioners continued discussions into a new fire station in Strong City at their meeting Friday morning.

The county commission is debating moving forward with a Community Development Block Grant application for funding for the new station.

“That existing facility is just no longer adequate for the needs of the fire department and so what we need is something that can meet the needs and storage of the apparatus required,” Clint Hibbs with BG Consultants explained.

Hibbs added that the decision was made to not attempt to expand the current site, as the building, owned by the City of Strong City, sits next to the splash pad and park.

“It would conflict with the safety of the general public,” he said.

A new location at the intersection of Cottonwood and 8th streets has been identified, though no final decisions have been made. Hibbs said the new $1.9 million station would increase the fire department’s space by around 3,200 square feet. The facility would have eight bays for the fire department to back into and pull out of, as well as a training facility, bathrooms, decontamination space, storage and space for EMS vehicles.

A public hearing is scheduled for April 5 at 7 p.m. at Swope Park community building for community questions and input.

Ranson Financial Municipal Consultant Rose Mary Saunders said she is looking into other sources of funding through the Emporia Community Foundation, private foundations, community service tax credits and more.

“By the time that this project is awarded, that amount of funding that would need to go in for general obligation bonds [will be] down,” Saunders said.

The county commission will make a decision on whether to move forward with applying for the May 10 round of CDBG funding at its April 10 meeting, after public opinion and more research can be gathered. Saunders said another round of funding is likely to come through within the next year.

“If we decide not to do this, this is not something we can put off for another five years,” Commissioner Matt Miller said.

Greg Davis with the fire department said in the meantime, they are looking into getting a fence to block the fire department from the splash pad/park area.

In further business, commissioners signed law enforcement contracts with the City of Strong City and the City of Cottonwood Falls. The individual cities have already signed the contracts.

Sheriff Jacob Welsh said he has been working with both cities on contracts to help enforce violations that state statute cannot cover.

“I can enforce speed on city streets but I cannot enforce code violations. I cannot enforce dangerous structures, animals at large, because I am not a police officer of that municipality,” Welsh said. “… Something happens in the city, obviously we are going to respond. That’s what we do, life safety first.”

Welsh added that this service would not increase the tax burden on the entire county population.

Instead, both cities will pay $1,000 a month to the county, with funds going toward law enforcement purposes.

“This is an additional service upon what we are being asked to do,” he said.

Per the contracts, Welsh said, the city will investigate code violations and in the event they cannot get compliance, the sheriff will step in.

“The biggest one is really animals,” Welsh said. “The City of Strong City built a kennel so if we come across an animal at large in the middle of the night, we can put it in Strong City’s kennel — they are good with that w

One person was hurt after a semi-truck slammed into a fire truck and an Oklahoma Highway Patrol cruiser near Catoosa (OK) Friday afternoon, fox23.com reported.

Crews with Catoosa Fire and an OHP trooper were responding to a rollover crash near Highway 412 and the Creek Turnpike, the report said. A semi-truck then crashed into both responding vehicles.

The driver of the semi was hurt, firefighters and the trooper were able to move out of the way in time, the report said.

The Cole County Commission awarded a $500,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant to the Cole County Fire Protection District, newstribune.com reported.

The fire department used the grant to purchase 80 self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) and spare parts for the SCBAs, the report said.

An SCBA is a device consisting of a harness, air tank and mask that provides air to firefighters in dangerous situations.

Specifically, the funds go toward the purchase of 80 snap change harnesses, 80 45-minute air cylinders and 80 face masks, the report said. The Cole County Fire Protection District also bought 80 additional air cylinders and 21 additional face masks using the ARPA funds.

The previous SCBAs were 28 years old, weighed more than 40 pounds, had 20 minutes of air capacity and parts were not available to replace old ones, according to the report. The new SCBAs weigh about 20 pounds and have up to 45 minutes of air.

The Cole County Fire Protection District, which serves 220 square miles, is the first fire department in Cole County to receive apparatus through the ARPA grant, the report said.

The city of Trumann is moving forward with plans to build a new fire station, kait8.com reported.

A tornado destroyed the fire station located on Main Street in Dec. 2021. Since then, the fire station has been left empty.

On Monday, March 27, the city approved a bond ordinance that will provide the city with $1.6 million for the new station, the report said.

This is on top of the $1 million the city already received through an insurance payout, according to a city official, bringing the total to $2.6 million.

The city official said the city was able to pass the bond ordinance without voters because the city won’t be taxing the citizens to pay the bonds back.

Instead, the money that will pay those bonds back will come from a franchise tax that is already collected by the city, the report said.

An additional franchise tax ordinance was passed on Tuesday, Feb. 14, according to the report.

The Hillsboro Area Volunteer Fire Department recently took ownership of a heavy rescue truck, MoultonAdvertiser.com reported.

The new apparatus is a 1991 E-One heavy rescue vehicle. It received an overhaul in 2011. Hillsboro purchased the unit from a fire department in Tunnelton, (WV) for $30,000, the report said.

The new truck, dubbed Rescue 6, will serve as the department’s primary service vehicle. It joins a 1992 Ford mini-pumper acquired from the Moulton Fire Department in January. Together, the new units revamp the volunteer operation and provide greater flexibility to serve the community, according to the report.

The new, much larger service unit allows Hillsboro to reorganize their rescue and service tools for easy access. Both sides are lined with storage compartments. The rear contains a foam fire suppression system and heavy extinguishers on the left; on the right, there’s an air tank refilling system, the report said. 

Housed under the apparatus is an on-site generator. On top, a remote light tower lays flat against the roof. When needed, it extends vertically to bathe the surrounding area in light, according to the report. 

The vehicle’s massive cab can carry a full crew of firemen. 

Rosenbauer America is pleased to announce the appointment of Randy Brummel as President. Randy’s extensive history in the fire industry and previous leadership roles at Rosenbauer over the last three years has prepared him to lead Rosenbauer America into the future. The company’s purpose remains unchanged, Rosenbauer exists to support the mission of saving lives and protecting property. Randy’s focus continues to be building the industry’s best custom fire trucks, operational excellence, dealer development, financial discipline, customer satisfaction, and serving first responders.

“I would like to thank Mark Fusco for his tenure at Rosenbauer America and wish him continued success in his future endeavors,” said Randy Brummel. “I am truly honored and excited for the opportunity to lead the best fire apparatus manufacture in the industry. I feel we have set a great course and that path is to be fire department’s preferred apparatus manufacturer. Our commitment continues in best in quality, on time delivery, with focus on exceeding customer expectations” he later shared.

Brummel joined Rosenbauer as the Vice President of Supply Chain, bringing his extensive expertise in operations and the fire industry. He accepted the position of Executive Vice President of Operations in 2022 and has been a driving force for quality, productivity and unification of the Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska campuses.

“I have learned a great deal from all the team members at Rosenbauer America over these past three years and appreciate your continued support as we enter Rosenbauer’s next chapter together.”

For more information, contact your local Rosenbauer dealer or visit www.RosenbauerAmerica.com, Facebook, and YouTube.

About Rosenbauer America

Rosenbauer is the world’s leading manufacturer of custom fire apparatus and solutions. Rosenbauer offers the industry’s widest line of advanced custom and commercial pumpers, heavy rescues, tenders, mini pumpers and light rescues, aerial ladders and platforms featuring SMART Aerial™ Technology, and the RTX fully electric fire truck.

Wilson Jones excited to join Darley and add to “rich history of innovation and excellence”

ITASCA, IL – 4/4/2023 – Wilson Jones, the former President and CEO of Oshkosh Corporation, has been appointed to the Board of Directors at Darley.

Jones brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in both the defense and firefighting industries, working at Oshkosh Corporation since 2005 and serving as CEO from 2016 to 2021. Under his leadership, Oshkosh grew into a global leader in specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies, with a focus on serving customers in the defense, fire and emergency, and commercial markets.

In his new role on the Board of Directors at Darley, Jones will bring his strategic vision and operational expertise to our company, helping to guide its growth and success in the highly competitive firefighting, emergency response and defense industries. Wilson also serves on the Board of Directors for Thor

Industries, Inc., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of recreational vehicles, as well as on the Boards of the Green Bay Packers, Green Bay Packaging, and the Oshkosh Kid’s Foundation.

“Wilson Jones is a highly respected leader and confidant. We are thrilled to have him join our Board of Directors,” said Paul Darley, Chairman & CEO of Darley. “His insights and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our offerings, build on our commitment to innovation and customer service, and implement our continuity plan.”

Throughout his career, Wilson has cultivated a servant-led leadership model with a focus on valuing diverse opinions, fostering an environment of trust, developing others, and acting with humility. These efforts to build a culture around putting people first have contributed to the many recognitions Oshkosh Corporation has received. Most notably, Oshkosh Corporation has been listed as a World’s Most Ethical Company by Ethisphere Institute for six consecutive years, highlighting the company’s strong ethical culture.

“I am excited to join the Board of Directors at Darley,” said Jones. “I have known Paul Darley and the Darley family for over 25 years as both a customer and a supplier. The company has a rich history of innovation and excellence in the firefighting, first response and defense industries, and I look forward to working with the team to help drive its continued success and growth.”

Jones’ appointment to the Board of Directors at Darley is just the latest example of the company’s commitment to building a team of highly experienced and talented leaders, who can help guide Darley into the future.

About Darley

Founded in 1908, W.S. Darley & Co. (Darley) provides the highest quality technology and equipment solutions to military and first responders. With origins in Midwest manufacturing, Darley offers our nation’s heroes a complete line of unmanned systems, technology, equipment and pumps. More information is available at darley.com. You serve others. We serve you.

PRESS RELEASE

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department celebrated the grand opening of Fire Station 65 Tuesday, March 28.

Located off of Atlantic Boulevard near Arlington Road, the station houses a fire engine and a rescue unit.

Station 65’s resources will help meet the growing demands for emergency service in the busy Atlantic Boulevard corridor.

Fire Station 65 is JFRD’s 63rd station.

Last year, Engine 30 at Station 30, which is about three miles east of 65 responded to 4,697calls, making it the department’s busiest unit in 2022.

A new 1,000-square-foot fire station is now serving residents in the Sandridge community of Dorchester County, counton2.com reported.

The approximately $400,000 fire station will be manned by volunteers who will help respond to fires with the apparatus that will be stationed in the new building off Sandridge Road, the report said.

Dorchester County is also planning brand new fire departments in the Jedburg and Summers Corner areas, according to the report.

Bernardsville Fire Company No. 1 made the following announcement March 29 on its Facebook page:

We are happy to announce that on Monday, March 27 our new fire engine was delivered. Engine 22-102 is a custom Ferrara pumper engine specifically designed to enhance the fire suppression capabilities in Bernardsville and the neighboring fire districts.

Along with the Bernardsville Mayor and other special guests, our members gathered on the firehouse apron to welcome home the beautiful engine.

Be on the lookout for the new “Engine 2” responding to calls and training in the area!

As always, volunteers are always needed at the Bernardsville Fire Company and Resuce Squad. Join us down at the firehouse any Monday night at 7 p.m. for more information and to see us train.

By Alan M. Petrillo

San Jose (CA) Fire Department’s new Station 37 is designed and built to the city of San Jose’s Zero Net Carbon (ZNC) standards, which eliminates the use of natural gas, and has energy efficient electric appliances for its heating and cooling systems, water heater, and kitchen stove.

Aaron Freyler, San Jose’s deputy chief of support services, says that in addition to the ZNC, Station 37 has 82 photovoltaic (PV) panels over the roof of the fire station and an adjacent parking structure that generate a total of 25-kW in solar power to augment the station’s electricity use.

“The area where Station 37 is located is growing in population with a lot more high-density housing,” Freyler observes. “It is an area that was hard for us to reach from our surrounding stations in the four-minute travel time that we set for runs, so we located the new station in roughly the center of that growth area.”

Station 37 is a two-story structure with 8,100 square feet of space, Freyler says. The station has two back-in apparatus bays with fast-opening four-fold doors, with an adjacent decon room, work room, and turnout gear storage room. The living spaces in the station include a captain’s office, crew office, an open-plan kitchen, dining and day room plan, and five two-bed dorms each with private bathroom and shower facilities. The station was designed for energy efficiency through the use of numerous occupancy sensors.

The $8.8 million station was built with funds from a Disaster Preparedness, Public Safety and Infrastructure Bond approved by voters.

San Jose Fire Department serves the tenth largest city in the United States and the third largest in California, as well as unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County totaling approximately 1.2 million residents. The department provides emergency services for a number of high hazard occupancies including an international airport, a municipal airport, seven major hospitals, the SAP Center (home to the NHL’s San Jose Sharks), San Jose State University, three super regional malls, 108 high rise structures, and the US Patent and Trademark Office. Freyler points out that the department responded to 103,000 calls in 2022.

The department runs 33 Type 1 engines, nine aerial ladders, two Type 3 engines, three rescue squads, a hazardous materials truck, a foam truck, a command truck, four ARFF (aircraft rescue and firefighting) vehicles, and two USAR (urban search and rescue) trucks.

ALAN M. PETRILLO is a Tucson, Ariz.-based journalist, the author of three novels and five non-fiction books, and a member of the Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment editorial advisory board. He served 22 years with Verdoy (NY) Fire Department, including the position of chief.

Fire Industry Today Mike Cornelius

The reasons for encountering incompatible fire hose threads on structures equipped with fire sprinkler and standpipe systems are numerous. They include contractor installation error, fire inspector and building official error, firefighter failure to verify thread compatibility, and brass theft.

It is believed by some in the fire protection business that building and fire officials are not communicating as well as they should. The communication disconnect between firefighters, building officials, and fire prevention inspectors is a concern.

SUPPORT THE FIRE ATTACK, CONNECT TO THE FDC

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding a working fire in a high-rise structure, water application and fire control will always be a high priority. If there’s one common denominator for success on the fireground, it’s the ability for fire crews to quickly put water on the fire. Rapid extinguishment seems to solve almost everything, regardless of the size of the structure. However, when it comes to high-rise fires, rapid water application is a much bigger challenge than at the average residential structure fire. Most sprinklered multi-story buildings have combination standpipe/sprinkler systems. Therefore, connecting and pressurizing the fire department connections (FDCs) will ensure that firefighters have sufficient water and nozzle pressure needed for a fire attack.

Regardless of the occupancy type, the fire officer’s priority is always rescue and civilian life safety. The tactical considerations for rescue and fire attack will differ significantly with the building occupancy type, the size, height, the occupancy load, and the specific fire protection features provided in the structure.

Civilian life safety is always a fire officer’s first strategic priority. This can be achieved with two tactical fire attack options/actions: 

1. Single-family/low-rise multi-family residential housing: Vent-enter-isolate-search (VEIS); the tactics must support the fire attack and effort to remove occupants from harm.
2. High-rise multi-family: It is practically impossible to remove occupants from harm in a timely fashion. Therefore, firefighters must remove the harm from the occupants—that is, getting water on the fire as quickly as possible.

Firefighters and command officers must consider that pumping into the FDC and supporting the standpipe and fire sprinkler system with water and pressure is not just a precaution in the event of fire pump failure. Supporting these fire systems is a necessity and the right thing to do. If a FDC hookup is ignored by the fireground commander and things do not go well, it could be very hard to explain.

It may be much wiser to explain why we pumped the FDC and supported the fire attack than why we chose to ignore advise from fire professionals as found in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13-E, Recommended Practice for Fire Department Operations in Properties Protected by Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems. Always preplan an alternative means for water supply (NFPA 13-E 4.2 #6).

 

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