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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: Sep 23, 2025

Fire Apparatus Blocking Accident Scene Struck by Vehicle in WA

A South King Fire Department pumper was blocking an accident scene on Interstate 5 when it was struck by another vehicle at a high rate of speed, the fire department reported in a press release.

South King Fire crews were dispatched Sunday morning, Sept. 21, 2025, to reports of a single-vehicle rollover accident in the southbound lanes of I-5 near the 37500 block.

The on-duty battalion chief was first to arrive and located one patient ejected from the vehicle, reporting head and neck pain. Engine 361 arrived shortly after and positioned north of the incident to provide blocking for the safety of those on scene. Engine 364 followed to extend the safety zone with additional lateral blocking.

At 6:58 a.m., while firefighters were working to care for the patient and secure the scene, Engine 361 was struck at a high rate of speed by another vehicle. The engineer operating Engine 361, who was inside the cab with his seatbelt fastened, was injured in the collision. He was evaluated and transported by King County Medic One for non-life-threatening injuries.

Tri-Med transported the driver of the striking vehicle with non-life-threatening injuries, and Tri-Med also transported the original patient from the rollover accident with non-life-threatening injuries. Engine 361 sustained significant damage and was immediately placed out of service and towed to South King Fire’s Fleet Facility. A reserve engine was put into service to replace Engine 361, ensuring no interruption in fire and emergency response to the community.

Source: South King Fire.

Firefighter Safety on Freeways

Operating on high-speed roadways remains one of the most dangerous environments for firefighters. Every response includes strict safety measures such as strategic apparatus placement, use of high-visibility gear, and coordination with law enforcement partners to protect both first responders and the public. Incidents like this reinforce why those practices are critical and why they are followed every time our firefighters respond to freeway emergencies. Drivers play a vital role in keeping first responders safe by slowing down, paying attention, and moving over when approaching emergency scenes.

Importance of Reserve Apparatus

Maintaining a fleet of reserve engines is also vital to community safety. When frontline units are damaged or placed out of service, reserve apparatus allow South King Fire to continue responding without delay. This readiness ensures the continuity of emergency services that our community depends on, regardless of unexpected events.

Thank you to all our community partners for their response and support during a very dynamic incident. We are thankful that no one was seriously injured.

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Posted: Sep 22, 2025

FEMSA Focus: Extrication Tools

The latest episode of FEMSA Focus, brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech and hosted by Chris Mc Loone of Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment, dives into the evolving landscape of extrication tools through a conversation with two industry leaders: Shelly Elliott, President for North America at Holmatro, and Emilie Maheu, President of AMKUS. Their insights speak directly to the fire service’s current challenges and the path forward for extrication tool development. Here are three key takeaways from the discussion.

Both Elliott and Maheu emphasized that the fire service’s evolving operational environment heavily influences extrication tool design. Increasing complexity in vehicle construction, including use of high-strength alloys, advanced materials, and expanding electric vehicle (EV) presence, demands that manufacturers keep pace with rapidly shifting technology. Elliott pointed to the rise in natural disasters, tighter budgets, and staffing shortages as additional factors shaping customer needs.

Maheu echoed this, explaining how many departments still rely on tools that are decades old simply because funding to replace or upgrade equipment is scarce. “Fire departments using tools 30 to 40 years old” is a stark reality that contrasts with the significant advances made in extrication technology. The challenge lies in balancing cutting-edge features with affordability and reliability, ensuring tools meet the demands of modern rescue scenarios without pricing out struggling departments.

A strong theme running throughout the episode—and one resonating beyond extrication tools—is the value of industry collaboration through FEMSA membership. Both Elliott and Mayhew highlighted how FEMSA amplifies their voices on critical issues like funding, regulation, and training through unified advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. This coordination helps secure much-needed resources and policy support for fire departments nationwide.

Additionally, FEMSA provides an important forum for manufacturers to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and form meaningful relationships. Given that only about 5-6% of the fire industry workforce is female, organizations like FEMSA also foster inclusion and mentorship networks, helping newcomers and diverse leaders thrive.

This sense of community strengthens both the manufacturers’ ability to serve their customers and the fire service’s ability to access advanced tools and training solutions. As Elliott put it, rescuing lives is “very purposeful and meaningful,” and FEMSA helps all stakeholders stay connected and focused on that mission.

Listen to the whole Podcast for more.

The post FEMSA Focus: Extrication Tools appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

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Posted: Sep 22, 2025

2025 Fire Truck Training Conference Kicks Off

There’s a lot going on in Michigan when it comes to fire trucks these days. On September 18, Spartan Chassis celebrated its 50th anniversary in Charlotte, and the 2025 Fire Truck Training Conference got underway in Lansing on September 22.

Walking into the main hall, your attention is immediately drawn to Ol’ No. 1, Spartan’s first chassis manufactured in 1975 at 426 Sumpter Street in Charlotte, Michigan It features an FMC cab that Spartan trimmed out and installed on the chassis. And, you can’t think of Ol’ No. 1 without thinking of Bill Foster, one of Spartan’s founders who passed away in January 2025.

Foster is the man who, in 1994, recognized the need to provide technicians with an opportunity to get the education they need to stay abreast of new developments as fire apparatus evolve and to stay up to date on their emergency vehicle technician (EVT) certifications.

Besides the EVT test preparation classes, the conference features supplier-lead classes that focus on specific apparatus components, as well as more advanced classes, many of which are hands-on.

Many may not realize that your fleet maintenance division services much more than trucks. Valves, monitors, nozzles, supplemental restraint systems, seats, and more all fall under the fleet maintenance division. Today’s apparatus repair technicians need to know a lot more about electronics than ever before. Programming a monitor, while not impossible, does take some training to learn how do to it.

This year’s conference is a mix of return attendees and first timers. I had the pleasure of sitting with two technicians from Charlotte, North Carolina—one a return attendee and one a first timer. There’s sometimes no better marketing than that which comes from repeat attendees. He said, “If you get the chance, go to the aerial maintenance class. It’s really good. The instructor who teaches it has been doing it for 20 years.” And the first timer? He had just moved over to repairing fire apparatus nine months ago after servicing other vehicles in the city’s fleet. He said, “I have always been fascinated by airplanes and fire truck

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Posted: Sep 22, 2025

MES Life Safety Acquires General Fire Apparatus

SPOKANE, Washington (September 18, 2025) – MES Life Safety, the national leader in fire and emergency response solutions, has announced the acquisition of General Fire Apparatus, a premier fire apparatus sales and service company with a four-decade legacy serving fire departments across the Pacific Northwest. This move significantly strengthens MES Life Safety’s apparatus sales capabilities across Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and Oregon, while also deepening its service support network.

A Legacy of Apparatus Sales and Support

For more than 40 years, General Fire Apparatus has supplied fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment to departments of every size. With a reputation built on both reliable sales expertise and responsive customer service, General Fire has been a trusted partner to municipal, volunteer, and wildland agencies throughout the region.

“We’ve always focused on making sure fire departments have the right apparatus to meet their mission, backed by dependable service and support,” said Steve Wickwire, Vice President of General Fire Apparatus. Brenden Feist, CEO of General Fire Apparatus, added, “Becoming part of MES Life Safety allows us to join forces with a strong brand that will increase our access to national resources—while continuing to provide the trusted local service our customers expect.”

Strengthening Apparatus Sales Nationwide

“General Fire Apparatus has an outstanding history of not only servicing but selling and delivering critical fire apparatus throughout the Pacific Northwest,” said Marvin Riley, CEO of MES Life Safety. “Their deep expertise in apparatus sales and long-standing customer relationships make them the ideal partner as MES Life Safety continues to expand its role as the nation’s most trusted provider of emergency vehicles and equipment.”

About General Fire Apparatus

Headquartered in Spokane, WA, General Fire Apparatus specializes in fire apparatus sales, emergency vehicle service, pump testing, apparatus repair, and firefighting equipment sales. Its footprint spans Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and Oregon, where it supports departments of all sizes with both apparatus delivery and responsive service.

About MES Life Safety

Since 2001, MES Life Safety has been dedicated to protecting heroes from heat, hazards, and heights in the most challenging environments. As a trusted supplier to the fire service, law enforcement, and industrial safety markets, MES Life Safety equips at-risk workers with apparatus, gear, and high-performance products from leading brands such as 3M Scott, Honeywell, ISC, Fire-Dex, Seek Thermal, Hurst Jaws of Life, Matex Hose, Elbeco, and 5.11 Tactical. With the nation’s largest network of specialized sales representatives, mobile service technicians, and strategically located service centers, MES delivers unmatched equipment, apparatus, and support to ensure readiness and safety on every mission.

The post MES Life Safety Acquires General Fire Apparatus appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

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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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