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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: Jul 27, 2021

Panasonic Introduces the Customizable TOUGHBOOK G2 Modular 2-in-1 Tablet

Panasonic System Solutions Company of North America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, announced availability of the new Panasonic TOUGHBOOK G2 product in the U.S. and Canada, which is a fully rugged 2-in-1 detachable tablet with optional keyboard that features an innovative modular design and user-removable expansion packs (xPAK’s). Built on the TOUGHBOOK brand’s legacy of durability and reliability, the TOUGHBOOK G2 is designed to address the evolving needs of today’s mobile workforce and help users tackle the toughest, mission-critical jobs and assignments.

            The TOUGHBOOK G2’s modular design supports the evolving demands of manufacturing, retail, transportation, logistics, field services, utility, public safety and federal agency customers, offering increased flexibility and enhanced productivity. With three modular expansion areas and up to 36 different xPAK combinations, users can customize the TOUGHBOOK G2 to suit their unique needs, with features and functions such as a serial port, thermal camera, barcode reader, quick-release SSD and more. Despite its modular design, the device is backwards compatible with most TOUGHBOOK 20 and G1 docks, protecting customers’ investments and lowering total cost of ownership while future-proofing purchases as enterprise work needs evolve.

            “The TOUGHBOOK team continues to innovate and lead the rugged industry with a relentless focus on providing world-class hardware, software, professional services and turn-key solutions for our enterprise, mission-critical channel partners and customers,” said Craig Jackowski, Group Manager, Product Management at Panasonic. “The new TOUGHBOOK G2 delivers next level versatility for enterprise mobile computing, with vertical solution-based customization combined with enhanced technology features such as increased performance and storage capabilities, wireless enhancements and backwards compatibility, to make the TOUGHBOOK G2 a trusted tool for enterprise workers in the harshest working environments.”  

            Featuring a 10.1-inch display and powered by Intel® Core™ i5 and i7 vPro™ processor (with Intel vPro®technology), the TOUGHBOOK G2 delivers powerful performance, and is available with Windows 10 Pro. An evolution of the TOUGHBOOK G1 tablet and TOUGHBOOK 20 laptop, the TOUGHBOOK G2 marries computing power with added enterprise security and device management benefits. To accommodate longer work schedules, the TOUGHBOOK G2 offers 18.5-hour battery life as standard to ensure uninterrupted operations across manufacturing plants, utility fields, in federal civilian agencies and on the front line. Additionally, for enhanced productivity, the TOUGHBOOK G2 now features three programmable buttons for easy customization to commonly used applications and shortcuts.

            The 2-in-1 detachable design allows users to operate the device both in laptop and tablet modes, with the ability to seamlessly dock or mount the device on forklifts, emergency vehicles and desktops. The TOUGHBOOK G2 supports digital transformation across the enterprise, enabling seamless collaboration, and providing real-time visibility for inventory control, logistics management, field services, tactical operations and more.

            “As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the TOUGHBOOK brand this year, we continue to address the ever-changing needs of our valued customers through the development and deployment of innovative solutions,” added Jackowski.

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Posted: Jul 27, 2021

Lake Assault Boats to Showcase Firefighting, Patrol, and Rescue Vessel at FDIC International 2021

Lake Assault Boats, part of Fraser Shipyards and a leading manufacturer of purpose-built, mission-specific fire and rescue boats, is displaying inside Lucas Oil Stadium at booth #8421 on August 2-7 at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) Exhibition in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Front and center in the booth is a versatile 24-foot firefighting, patrol, and rescue craft shown courtesy of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office in Minnesota. 

“We’re very excited to return to Indianapolis for this world-class exhibition, and for the opportunity to showcase our capabilities with thousands of professionals from around the globe,” said Chad DuMars, Lake Assault Boats Vice President of Operations. “We invite these first responders to join us for walk-around tours, and to discuss their department’s emergency response requirements.” 

The Hennepin County V-hull craft features a 9-foot beam and a carrying capacity of 2,500 lbs. It is powered by twin Mercury four-stroke outboard engines (rated at 200 hp each). The boat is equipped with an aluminum T-top center console positioned for maximum visibility, and a foam collar surrounding the gunwale to prevent hull damage. A portable fire pump is located aft of the centerline with fixed discharge piping to the bow and a portable monitor on the port side. The ergonomic helm station and dash console includes a 12-inch Hummingbird diagonal touchscreen integrated with built-in GPS and side-scan sonar.

Lake Assault boats extinguishing boat fire
On July 3, 2021, this Lake Assault Boats patrol and rescue vessel quickly extinguished a fire on Minnesota’s Lake Minnetonka, Hennepin County’s largest and busiest body of water. There were no injuries reported.



Over the July 4th holiday weekend, one of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office vessels responded to and extinguished a boat fire on Minnesota’s Lake Minnetonka, a 14,528 acre body of water surrounded by 13 municipalities. There were no injuries reported by police in the incident.

“With five Lake Assault craft on duty, or in the pipeline, it’s extremely gratifying to have this highly respected department return for multiple purchases,” explained DuMars. “We believe it’s a direct result of our quality products and a top-notch support team.”

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Posted: Jul 27, 2021

First Two Recipients Announced in MSA’s and DuPont’s 2021 Globe Gear Giveaway

Departments in ME and NJ will receive four new sets of turnout gear and 4 new helmets each

MSA, DuPont, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have teamed up for the tenth year to help volunteer fire departments obtain much-needed gear through MSA’s and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway. This annual program began in 2012 and has provided 559 sets of turnout gear to 121 departments to date. In 2021, another 13 departments will each receive four new sets of turnout gear and four new helmets to help enhance the safety of their firefighters. The first 500 applicants also received a one-year NVFC membership, courtesy of MSA.

The first two recipients of MSA’s and DuPont’s 2021 Globe Gear Giveaway are the Waldo (ME) Fire Department and Hamburg (NJ) Fire Department.

Waldo Fire Department                              

The Waldo Fire Department (WFD) is a small, all-volunteer department located in Maine’s rural mid-coast region. WFD serves a population of 762 over approximately 13 square miles and also provides mutual aid to surrounding communities. With three state highways, six miles of high voltage electrical infrastructure, a natural gas pipeline, and a liquid propane depot, as well as a regional technical school and a large event center, the department has to be ready for a wide range of potential responses.

WFD’s 17 volunteers share 10 sets of turnout gear, eight of which are over 10 years old. Additionally, the department’s limited budget makes it nearly impossible to purchase additional safety equipment such as  gloves, hoods, and boots without financial assistance.

“The Waldo Volunteer Fire Department is uniquely challenged by a limited budget and tax base combined with the responsibility to provide protection services to infrastructure and facilities commonly found in larger communities,” said Chief Brian Walker. With the new Globe turnout gear and helmets, WFD’s firefighters will be better equipped and protected to respond to whatever emergencies arise.

Hamburg Fire Department

Located in rural northern New Jersey, the Hamburg Fire Department (HFD) is an all-volunteer department with 35 members. Serving a population of approximately 3,500, HFD’s volunteers respond to an average of 250 calls annually.

All 30 of HFD’s sets of turnout gear are more than 10 years old. Their limited budget makes it difficult to provide the necessary gear and equipment to keep firefighters safe while responding to incidents.

“The members of this department are always available to respond when needed, and this donation will ensure that all members have the gear they need to perform their duties when they are called upon by the community,” said public safety director Michael Postorino.

Additional awards will be made monthly throughout 2021. Stay tuned to the NVFC web siteDispatch newsletter, and Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as the Globe Facebook page, for additional information and announcements.

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Posted: Jul 27, 2021

Ontonagon (MI) Awarded $227,995 to Replace a Rescue Truck

The village of Ontonagon (MI) has been awarded a $227,995 grant to help replace a rescue truck, reports radioresultsnetwork.com.

In total, $2.7 million is being awarded to 16 municipalities statewide through the Financially Distressed Cities, Villages and Townships (FDCVT) Grant Program, the report says.

Municipalities can participate in the program if they’re experiencing probable financial stress, as defined in state law.

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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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