MES announced the acquisition of Frontline Outfitters in Canada, representing it first international expansion in the uniform business. This strategic acquisition allows MES to strengthen its network, capabilities, and expertise in the first responder uniform market across North America. With a strong track record of growth across Canada, Frontline Outfitters will enable MES to serve customers throughout the country.

The team at Frontline Outfitters has decades of experience in Public Safety uniform and outerwear distribution, providing high-quality products and exceptional service to law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, and correctional services across Canada. Frontline Outfitters specializes in creating and managing tailored programs for each agency, ensuring efficient and consistent delivery that meets their specific needs. Their offerings include top brands such as Elbeco, Preserver, Uncle Mikes, Cobmex, US Armor, Merrell & Bates Footwear and many more.

“The acquisition of Frontline Outfitters reflects our commitment to growth in Canada and our ongoing mission to protect public safety professionals worldwide,” said Marvin Riley, CEO of MES. “By uniting MES’s resources with the expertise of Frontline Outfitters, we are positioned to offer a seamless, worry-free experience for agencies and businesses of all sizes and sectors. Our unwavering focus on quality, meticulous attention to detail, and dedication to our customers will continue to guide us in this next chapter.”

“We are excited to partner with MES and leverage their technology and resources to enhance the service we provide to our customers across Canada,” said John Allen, President of Frontline Outfitters, and Paul Gibbons, Vice President of Frontline Outfitters. “This is the perfect next step in the evolution of Frontline Outfitters as we continue to provide high-quality uniform and equipment products and services. MES’s product offering significantly expands our potential, and their next-level technology, including advanced online ordering software and logistical expertise, will help us better service our customers. We remain dedicated to serving our customers with the same passion and care they’ve come to expect, and now, with the enhanced capabilities our clients have been asking for, we can offer a more well-rounded array of solutions.”

The city of Visalia Wednesday, Oct. 9 celebrated the grand opening of Visalia’s newest fire station, Station 56.

Located at 1315 South Lovers Lane, the Station is approximately 6,800 square feet and includes living quarters for crews and the two apparatus space, which houses the engines.

After a welcome by Battalion Chief Tom Van Grouw, Mayor Brian Poochigian congratulated Visalia Fire on the project and thanked them for their service.

Chief Dan Griswold lead the group of City Council members, Visalia Fire staff and local dignitaries in a fire house uncoupling, instead of a traditional ribbon cutting, to mark the official opening of the Station.

Station 56 is the new home of Engine 56, which was previously stationed on the CAL FIRE Tulare campus just south of the site. Now open and operational, Station 56 serves Visalia and the greater community.

“So if you’re curious what this station or any of our other stations look like, ring on the doorbell, knock on the door. If our crews are available and aren’t busy or aren’t out at a call, I’m sure they’d be happy to give you a tour and answer a few questions,” shared Chief Griswold.

Station 56 was made possible by Visalia voters and funding from Measure N, the Visalia Essential City Services Measure.

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Nolensville Fire & Rescue learned in August that it had been awarded a portion of the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) totaling $17,000. The boxes of new gear arrived in early October.

The department received eight Scott X3 Pro 5500 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), 16 air cylinders, eight regulators, and eight masks – all critical equipment to keep firefighters safe while serving the community and fighting fires.

Since 2001, the AFG program has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain essential equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and resources to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

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PRESS RELEASE

FREDERICK, Maryland – Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky joined Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater Wednesday, Oct. 9 to announce a total of $3.4 million in grants from the State agency to the County. Funds will be used for a range of projects, including the purchase of one of the first electric fire apparatus on the East Coast. Other initiatives include installing energy-efficient lights, saving residents money on their home electric bills, and building a resilience center at the County-owned Prospect Center. 

“My administration is proud to not only help our residents find avenues toward a more sustainable home and lifestyle, but also set an example by engaging in long-term clean energy projects at the County level,” County Executive Fitzwater said. “The Moore-Miller Administration and MEA are fantastic partners. I appreciate Director Pinsky’s steadfast support of Frederick County’s energy conservation efforts.”

The purchase of an electric fire apparatus is supported by a $262,432 Medium Duty & Heavy Duty ZEV MEA grant. Electric fire trucks reduce emissions, fuel use, and noise pollution. They can be fully recharged in 90 minutes. “This initiative affirms our commitment to environmental sustainability and, more crucially, the health and safety of our first responders,” said Frederick County Fire Chief Tom Coe, Director of the Division of Fire and Rescue Services.

MEA also awarded two grants totaling over $1.8 million to Frederick County for the Power Saver Retrofits Program, which helps residents make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. Other MEA grants funded the installation of LED lights at the Thurmont Regional Library and in Pinecliff, Fountain Rock, Libertytown, and Middletown Parks and electric vehicles and chargers ($234,835 combined); and $1 million to support the construction of a resiliency hub at the Prospect Center.