The city of Charlottesville, Virginia, recently announced the completion of a 31-kW solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop array at the new Bypass Fire Station on Route 250. This renewable energy generation system has been designed and constructed with numerous high-performance, green building elements, the press release said.

This project joins a portfolio of onsite solar projects that the city has been installing since 2012 and is the second solar system on a Charlottesville fire station. It demonstrates the city’s continued commitment to clean energy and climate action and the pursuit of community climate goals of 45% reduction by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

The solar array consists of 68 panels with projected onsite power generation of 40,395-kWh annually. This amount of power generation will account for 42% of the building’s energy consumption, reducing both the carbon footprint of the building and its electricity bills. The system includes remote online monitoring capabilities and controls that will give facility staff insight into the systems performance.

“We are excited that solar is included on this project right from the beginning so we can operate as a clean energy facility from the time the doors open,” says Charlottesville Fire Chief Michael Thomas.

“We have set ambitious climate goals and projects like this are important to our progress. It’s great to be able to share this climate action update with the community,” adds Charlotteville Sustainability Director Kristel Riddervold.

This project was funded through the city’s Capital Improvement Program. The city plans to pursue federal tax credits for this eligible clean energy project. This highlights Charlottesville’s commitment to responsibly advancing climate and sustainability goals.

Stay tuned for information regarding a Bypass Fire Station Open House.

For more information and resources about the Solar Renewable Energy in Charlottesville, including opportunities for residential solar, visit www.charlottesville.gov/solar. For more information about the city’s Climate Program, visit www.charlottesville.gov/climate.

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One of the standout features of FEMSA is its diversity across the spectrum of member companies. As Karen Emory notes, this diversity fosters collaboration among manufacturers and distributors, allowing them to share knowledge and resources.

This collective exchange not only enhances individual company operations but also leads to an improved understanding of the end user—the firefighter. The organization creates a space for dialogue where first responders can communicate their needs and challenges directly to manufacturers. This alignment is paramount, especially when it comes to ensuring that first responders receive the safest and most effective gear for their jobs.

Another function of FEMSA is the development of User Information Guides (UIGs) for various products. As discussed in the podcast, these guides serve as a vital educational resource for firefighters, detailing the proper usage and safety measures associated with their gear. These guides are not only beneficial for compliance with safety regulations but also represent a touchpoint for partnering manufacturers and users.

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OCALA, Florida (May 27, 2025) — The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) is a non-profit trade association dedicated to improving the quality of the fire apparatus industry and emergency services community. FAMA members manufacture and sell safe, efficient fire apparatus and equipment.

Founded in 1946, FAMA membership has grown to approximately 135 companies, currently including 55 manufacturers of fire apparatus and associated emergency response vehicles. All FAMA members produce apparatus or components for fire apparatus for domestic and export markets at facilities in the United States and Canada.

FAMA aims to advance and protect the interests of the fire and emergency services community by leveraging the resources of its member companies. FAMA members collaborate with national and international fire service and fire industry organizations. They contribute to the development of safety and performance standards, programs, and objectives for improving fire apparatus and equipment. FAMA also provides essential tools and information to the fire and emergency services community, promoting the need for newer and safer apparatus.

Key to FAMA’s success is the work done in eleven committees. Among the more active:

• The Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) works with strategic partners in the fire service to advocate for effective funding and legislation at the state and federal levels. For over 20 years, the GAC has been instrumental in establishing and enhancing the Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs.
• The Data and Research Committee overseas collection and presentation of the most comprehensive data set in the industry. The data helps to monitor and understand trends in the fire service.
• The Technical Committee, including the 8 sub-committees, provides technical guidance on all key aspects and systems on apparatus. In addition, this committee provides liaison on seven NFPA committees.

Although FAMA does not directly determine standards, by working with the NFPA, FAMA members assist in the research and development of performance-based minimum standards for fire apparatus and equipment. Throughout its history, FAMA has supported research required for the development of fire products, equipment, and fire truck safety, including the most recent development of a slip resistant test for material surfaces.

The following graph shows the relative levels of Booked and Shipped orders (fire apparatus) over the period from 2011 to 2024. Following disruptions associated with the great financial crisis of 2008 – 2010, the fire service experienced a period of relative stability in terms of numbers of units ordered and shipped. The graph below shows both Booked and Shipped orders for the Pre-Pandemic period extending from 2011 to 2019. The average baselines for this period show as the dotted lines across the width of the graph.

Disruptions brought on by the COVID Pandemic, most specifically the travel restrictions and inability of spec committees to meet in person, caused B

When most fire chiefs think of grant funding, they typically think of state and federal programs such as the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program. These state and federal programs provide millions of dollars each year to support U.S. fire departments.

Unfortunately, not all applicants make it through the review process, and not all of the types of various equipment or apparatus are eligible for funding. In these instances, fire chiefs can seek out lesser-known alternative funding sources for necessary equipment, apparatus, or programs.

Historically, private sector and nonprofit sector grants have been overlooked by the fire service even though private and corporate grant programs donate millions of dollars each year for a variety of community services, projects, and programs. Private and nonprofit sector grants are typically one-time grants and generally won’t assist with what is considered regular operating expenses; however, they can be excellent sources of revenue for one-time capital projects, planning projects (for example, fleet assessment and planning studies), seed money for initial program development, technical assistance and facilities, apparatus, and equipment funding. Private source funding can also be a resource for in-kind services or even low-interest loans. State and federal grants specifically dedicated to the fire service are typically more aggressively advertised and are definitely more familiar to the fire service. As a result, alternative funding sources often go untapped, simply because fire departments are not aware of these potential opportunities. When faced with funding challenges, fire chiefs must seek out alternative funding opportunities such as foundation grants.

FOUNDATIONS

Foundations are nonprofit entities that support community-based organizations and charitable causes that serve the common good. Foundations are typically funded through endowments established by individuals, families, or corporations. Foundations are managed by boards of trustees that consider grant applications and make determinations on funding priorities. There are three common types of foundations: private independent foundations, corporate foundations and giving programs, and community foundations.

Private foundations (also referred to as independent foundations) are not closely associated with for-profit corporations or public entities. Private foundations are typically formed by an individual, family, or business and use a single source of funding from which to create grants. Private foundations can vary in size from very large foundations, which award millions of dollars a year, to medium and small foundations. Smaller private foundations may be operated by a single donor and family members, while larger foundations are often managed by an independent board of directors with staff members who review proposals and make philanthropic recommendations to the board.

Independent private foundations are often focused on making a difference in a particular community or on a particular issue or problem. Independent private foundations will often publish guidelines that will inform potential applicants of the goals they are seeking to accomplish through their grant awards. While independent private foundations generally have a more narrow focus, there are quite a few foundations that make grants available for public safety needs as well as community health.

Corporate foundations and various corporate giving programs are specific types of private foundations that receive funding from a corporation and make grant awards on its behalf. Corporate foundations are considered separate legal entities and are operated by an independent board of directors, often comprising company executives and employees. Corporate foundations and giving programs often seek to improve conditions or implement programs in communities where their e