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The Finest Supporting the Bravest!

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: Aug 23, 2021

Flint Hill (SC) Fire Department Apparatus Destroyed by Tractor Trailer

A Flint Hill (SC) Fire Department apparatus was struck by a tractor trailer Saturday night while on the scene of a motor vehicle accident.

No firefighters, EMS, or police officers were injured, and the truck driver was treated on the scene and transported to a local hospital.

The apparatus was totaled.

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Posted: Aug 23, 2021

DripDrop, NVFC Partner to Provide Dehydration Relief to Volunteer Firefighters

For the second year, DripDrop Hydration, a leading rehydration therapy company, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the leading association representing the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services, have teamed up to provide dehydration relief to volunteer firefighters. DripDrop is providing 200,000 sticks of their oral rehydration solution (ORS) to volunteer fire departments across the U.S. The donation comes as fire departments continue to battle severe wildfires, summer heat, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Through the donation, volunteer firefighters can request one 80-count multi-flavor package of DripDrop ORS to use in their department during wildfire response, long incidents, intense training, or other strenuous work. Dehydration affects up to 75 percent of the U.S. population at any given time, and firefighters are at great risk of dehydration due to the extreme work conditions they face. DripDrop ORS improves on the World Health Organization standard for an ORS with medical-grade electrolytes, making it both the ideal rehydration therapy for the general population and a mission-critical tool for firefighters and other public safety and emergency workers.

“No one is immune to dehydration and the effects it can have on our bodies, particularly those who work in extreme conditions like firefighters,” said Eduardo Dolhun, MD and founder of DripDrop Hydration. “We are proud to partner with the NVFC and provide these brave heroes with DripDrop’s ORS to help them stay healthy and maintain proper hydration levels.”

“Dehydration is a very serious health concern for firefighters,” said NVFC chair Steve Hirsch. “Dehydration can lead to negative consequences such as decreased performance, weakness and muscle fatigue, dizziness, confusion, and even heat stroke or heart attack. These impacts are especially risky for firefighters as lives are on the line. We are grateful to DripDrop for this donation to provide a much-needed safety measure to keep our firefighters performing safely and effectively.”

Volunteer firefighters can request a product donation, while supplies last, at dripdrop.com/pages/firefighter-relief. To help the most firefighters, only one order per department will be processed. In addition, firefighters can receive a 20% discount on their DripDrop ORS order at any time. Use code NVFC20 at checkout on dripdrop.com.

*The NVFC does not make any medical claims. Check with your physician if you are experiencing a medical issue.

About DripDrop ORS

DripDrop ORS is the first Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to combine medical standards of rehydration therapy and excellent taste. Our patented scientific formula improves upon international ORS standards, conforming to proven ratios of salts, sugars, potassium, and other ingredients. DripDrop ORS precisely combines all those ingredients to maximize both taste and efficacy; this golden ratio of ingredients means DripDrop ORS absorbs faster and hydrates better than water and other hydration solutions. DripDrop ORS’ innovative formula has been adopted early on by an elite group of users including Stanford University Medical Center, The Mayo Clinic, UCSF Medical Center, leading national pharmacies, US Special Forces, Olympians and top-flight athletes. To find a store location or for more information, visit www.dripdrop.com.

About the NVFC

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer

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Posted: Aug 23, 2021

Cantankerous Wisdom: Stirring the Pot—Safety & Wokeness

By Bill Adams

There’s an old saying that a watched pot never boils. White hairs believe pots must be stirred occasionally to keep stuff from sticking to the bottom. When there’s too much unstirred kitchen talk in the firehouse, troops can develop sedentary mindsets. That’s when brains coagulate and start sticking to the skull.

A sedentary mindset means things are running smooth; don’t rock the boat and keep all ideas of changing things to yourself. Addressing sedentary mindsets is the solemn obligation of the raisin squad. Bringing up the past might trigger the new breed’s thought process, although most newbies cringe whenever old timers show up for morning coffee.

The attached photograph of a 1954 semi-cab American La France pumper was brought in to stir the pot. I proclaimed its major improvement over older rigs was mounting the air packs on the front of the pump house so firefighters could stand and pack-up en route. There weren’t any seat belts getting in the way. Besides, if you were on the fluffy side, you hardly fit in the jump seats. The young guys were flabbergasted.

Both photos via author courtesy of Jim Burlingame.

I mentioned safety concerns led to purchasing an enclosed cab with open jump seats in 1974. But the Warner & Swasey cab had less jump seat room than the La France. Its Waukesha gas engine ran so hot you didn’t dare rest a bare arm on the treadplate engine enclosure. Although you still had to stand to pack-up en route, I said at least they improved the air pack holders by enclosing them with vinyl covers. That convinced the young guys us old people are beyond repair.

Most firefighters have an inherent compulsion to complain; it must relieve stress. I’ve done my share: First they put doors and roofs on our ap

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Posted: Aug 23, 2021

Photo of the Day: August 23, 2021

Ladder Tower—Syracuse (NY) Fire Department Telesqurt rehab. Spartan Gladiator cab and chassis; Cummins X12 500-hp engine; Hale Qmax 2,000-gpm pump; UPF Poly 500-gallon water tank; two 20-gallon foam cells; 50-foot Telesqurt; FoamPro 2001 dual-agent foam system; new torque box and total refurb of aerial, body, pump compartment, plumbing, and valves. Dealer: Ladder Tower, Lancaster, PA.

MORE FIRE APPARATUS ARTICLES>>

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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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