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The purpose of the Fire Mechanics Section is to promote standardization of fire apparatus and equipment preventative maintenance, improve safety standards and practices, promote workshops, conferences, and seminars related to the purposes of this Section, and to promote cost savings through standardization of building and equipment purchasing and maintenance.

RECENT FIRE MECHANIC NEWS

Posted: Nov 14, 2025

Creating Electrical Infrastructure in Stations for Electric Vehicle Apparatus

Electric vehicle (EV) firefighting apparatus are showing steady growth around the country, from EV pumpers to EV aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) trucks.

Fire departments purchasing such EV rigs are discovering they may need to install a new electrical infrastructure in the station that houses the apparatus or upgrade its existing electrical systems, while others choose to site their EVs in newer stations that have the necessary electrical infrastructure.

Roger Lackore, senior director of product development for REV Fire Group, says the company wanted to develop an all-electric pumper designed in the North American style and created the E-ONE Vector electric pumper to achieve that goal. Lackore says the Vector has three double-stacked battery packs—one ahead of the rear axle on each side and one centered behind the rear axle, each having 109 kilowatt hours (kWh) of storage, for a total of 327 kWh—driving an 800-VDC operating system.

1 A 120-kW DC fast charger is shown charging a Mesa (AZ) Fire & Medical Department E-ONE Vector™ electric pumper. (Photo 1 courtesy of E-ONE/REV Specialty Vehicle Segment.)

Lackore says that the Vector has three electric motors—one that takes the place of a traditional diesel engine in driving the rear axle in a normal split shaft operation, a second motor that powers the vehicle’s 12-volt electrical and air conditioning systems, and the third motor for driving the pump, with each motor having its own inverter. “In terms of charging the Vector’s batteries, we recommend using a 120-kilowatt (kW) direct current (DC) fast charger as the best option for being able to turn the vehicle around quickly after a run,” Lackore points out. “Charlotte (NC) Fire Department is in the process of building a new station for their Vector electric pumper and are putting in a 120-VDC fast charger there to take care of the vehicle’s charging needs,” he says.

Lackore says that E-ONE offers an optional Cummins D series engine on the Vector, which E-ONE calls a range extender, because it’s not connected to the drivetrain or pump but only to an electric motor that generates power to charge the batteries. Once the batteries discharge to a certain point, Lackore observes, the range extender will automatically begin to charge the batteries and then shut off at a preset limit. The Vector also uses regenerative braking to help recharge the batteries.

Todd McBride, RTX program manager for Rosenbauer, says its RTX electric pumper has two electric drive motors—one at the front of the vehicle and one at the rear, giving the RTX an all-wheel-drive ability as a standard configuration. McBride says that the RTX has three 132-kW batteries that develop a total peak output of 360 kW and provide 490 horsepower (hp). It also has a 300- hp backup diesel engine that can be used to recharge the batteries, if necessary, he adds.

“The RTX is designed to handle 90% of its calls on battery power only,” he points out. “We’ve found that 20% of time on calls the diesel backup will automatically engage, and if the unit is in a pumping operation, it will take over pumping and begin to charge the batteries. But if not pumping, it will take over all electrical operations on the vehicle and begin charging the batteries.”

McBride says that Rosenbauer recommends a level 3 DC charger to maintain the RTX’s batteries. “A level 3 charger’s minimum is 50 kW and can go up to 350 kW,” he points out. “Reports from fire departments using the RTX show that about 98% of their calls are being handled on battery power alone, so a 50-kW to 60-kW charger is sufficient based on that data.”

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Posted: Nov 14, 2025

Pumper Driver Issued Traffic Ticket After Fatal Crash

A Columbia (SC) firefighter has been issued a traffic ticket after the pumper he was driving hit a car in July, killing the driver and injuring her passenger, postandcourier.com reported.

Bryan Richardson, an engineer with the fire department, was charged Oct. 28, 2025, with driving at a speed greater than is reasonable under conditions, according to Richland County court records, the report said.

The pumper and a Nissan Sentra collided on July 12, 2025. The pumper was traveling 69 mph in a 40 mph speed limit zone and against the flow of traffic on Two Notch Road, according to a South Carolina Highway Patrol investigation.

The car driver, Carolyn “Cee Cee” Collins, 64, died at the scene, according to the report. Her passenger, Leitha Williams, was taken to a hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The crash occurred while Richardson and four other firefighters were responding to a structure fire, with emergency lights and sirens activated, in northeast Columbia, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol investigation.

At the time of the accident, the Columbia Fire Department made the following post on Facebook:

“Our department and its members are mourning with the community following a deadly collision yesterday that involved one of our fire trucks.

“The collision occurred Saturday evening on Two Notch Road near Decker Boulevard. At the time of the crash the fire truck involved was responding to what was a 2-Alarm structure fire involving multiple homes. While going towards the scene the fire truck was involved in a collision with another vehicle.

“As a result of the crash one person in the other vehicle was killed and a second person in the car was injured. The four firefighters riding in the fire truck were taken to the hospital to be assessed for injuries. Since that time all have been released and are back home recovering.

“At this time the South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the collision and the Richland County Coroners Office is also involved. Our department will also conduct an internal investigation on the accident, which is standard procedure following any collision involving our fire trucks.

“Our hearts go out to all who were involved in this terrible accident. At this time we ask the community for its prayers and support for the family and loved ones of the deceased, our firefighters who were involved in the crash, our department and its members and all who have been affected by this tragedy.”

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The post Pumper Driver Issued Traffic Ticket After Fatal Crash appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

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Posted: Nov 14, 2025

PA American Water Awards More Than $130K to FDs

MECHANICSBURG, Pennsylvania (Nov. 12, 2025) – Pennsylvania American Water announced that it awarded $132,000 in grants to 204 fire and rescue organizations in 32 counties through its 2025 annual Firefighting Support Grant Program.

Since launching the grant program in 2009, Pennsylvania American Water has contributed more than $1 million to help hundreds of local fire departments purchase emergency gear, life-saving equipment, training materials and essential firefighting apparatus.

View a list of all 2025 grant recipients here.

“Water systems and fire departments work collaboratively to deliver community fire protection, and we are proud to support the dedicated men and women who serve our local fire departments,” said Pennsylvania American Water Vice President of Operations Jim Runzer. “For more than 15 years, we’ve offered this grant program as a token of our partnership and our thanks.”

Pennsylvania American Water’s Firefighting Support Grants provide financial assistance to fire and emergency organizations serving communities in the company’s designated service areas. Grants can be used to purchase personal protective gear, communications equipment, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, training and related activities/materials used to support community fire protection.

“The Pennsylvania American Water Firefighting Support Grant Program allows our organization to continue developing the resources needed to serve our community more effectively,” said Daniel Hallowich, deputy chief for the Scranton Fire Department, one of this year’s grant recipients. “This support directly enhances our programs and services, creating lasting and positive impacts for our community.”

“Pennsylvania American Water’s Firefighting Support Grant Program provides crucial support to volunteer organizations like ours, so we can purchase essential tools and replace personal protective equipment to ensure our firefighters remain properly protected,” said Brendan Miller, president of the Brentwood Volunteer Fire Company, another 2025 grant recipient. “Upgrades made possible through this grant help strengthen our operational safety, readiness, and overall emergency response capabilities.” 

This year’s grant total of $131,000 is an increase from $125,000 in 2024 and $85,000 in 2023, demonstrating the company’s continued strong support of, and collaboration with, local fire departments.

About American Water 
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.  

About Pennsylvania American Water
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people.  

The post PA American Water Awards More Than $130K

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Posted: Nov 13, 2025

REV Group Announces Expansion Investment in Horton Emergency Vehicles to Increase Capacity

Horton Emergency Vehicles, a brand of REV Group Inc., and a leader in ambulance safety, is expanding its manufacturing footprint in Grove City, OH, with the $2.6M purchase of an adjacent building.

This new 20,000-square foot building will focus on final assembly and the delivery processes and is expected to reduce delivery times and enhance customer experience. In addition, the property will help open extra space in the current assembly operations and offers additional parking for employees and in-process ambulances. Located at 3873 Gantz Road, the Horton team expects to be operating in the facility in early 2026.

“We were delighted when a property adjacent to Horton’s assembly plant became available and REV Group was able to move quickly and allocate the capital expenditure,” said Mike Albers, vice president and general manager, Horton Emergency Vehicles. “This expansion allows us to provide additional space for our employees to manufacture and deliver our high-quality Horton ambulances to our dealers and customers quicker, which helps to protect their people and communities.”

Horton settled in Grove City, OH in 1994, and its current facility and offices are located at 3800 McDowell Road. With over 100,000 square feet, the facility has been designed specifically for manufacturing high quality, custom-designed emergency medical vehicles and is equipped with advanced engineering and computer-technology support for manufacturing as well as customer service.

Since 1968, Horton has manufactured emergency vehicles and currently designs and builds Type 1, Type 3 and Critical Care Transport units for fire departments and hospitals, serving a nationwide market. Horton is known for employing rigorous testing and an emphasis on safety, quality, and customization.

Find out more information, visit www.hortonambulance.com.

About Horton Emergency Vehicles

Founded in 1968, Horton Emergency Vehicles, a division of Halcore Group, Inc., is a REV Group company.  Horton® ambulances are among the industry’s most technically innovative and customized ambulances and are synonymous with high quality. The exclusive Horton Occupant Protection System (HOPS) keeps the ambulance crew safe while working in the patient compartment. With a manufacturing facility in Grove City, Ohio, Horton ambulances have Strength & Safety in Every Detail.

About REV Group, Inc.

REV Group companies are leading designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, which serve a diversified customer base, primarily in the United States, through two segments: Specialty Vehicles and Recreational Vehicles. The Specialty Vehicles Segment provides customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public services (ambulances and fire apparatus) and commercial infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers). REV Group’s Recreational Vehicles Segment manufactures a variety of RVs from Class B vans to Class A motorhomes. REV Group’s portfolio is made up of well-established principal vehicle brands, including many of the most recognizable names within their industry. Several of REV Group’s brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years. REV Group trades on the NYSE under the symbol REVG. Investors-REVG

The post REV Group Announces Expansion Investment in Horton Emergency Vehicles to Increase Capacity appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and

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Fire Mechanics Section Board

Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Chair

Elliot Courage
North Whatcom Fire & Rescue
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Vice Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Vice Chair

Mike Smith 
Pierce County Fire District #5
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Secretary

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Secretary

Greg Bach
South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue
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Director #1

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #1

Doug Jones
South Kitsap Fire & Rescue
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Director #2

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #2

Paul Spencer 
Fire Fleet Maintenance LLC
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Director #3

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #3

Jim Morris
Mountain View Fire Department
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Director #4

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #4

Arnie Kuchta

Clark County Fire District 6

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Director #6

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #6

Brett Annear
Kitsap County Fire District 18
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Director #5

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #5

Jay Jacks
Camano Island Fire & Rescue
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Legislative Representative

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Legislative Representative

TBD
TBD
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Immediate Past Chair

Posted: Oct 20, 2015

Immediate Past Chair

Brian Fortner
Graham Fire & Rescue

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