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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: Oct 21, 2024

Fire Apparatus of the Day: Oct. 21, 2024

Pierce—Dwight (IL) Fire Protection District pumper. Enforcer cab and chassis; Cummins L9 450-hp engine; Waterous CSU 1,250-gpm pump; UPF Poly 1,000-gallon water tank; TAK-4 independent front suspension; Duo-Safety ground ladders. Dealer: Larry Graves, MacQueen Emergency, Aurora, IL. (Photo courtesy of the Dwight Fire Protection District.)

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Posted: Oct 21, 2024

Gear Wash’s Bold Acquisition Reshapes PPE Maintenance

San Antonio and Dallas now join the Gear Wash family in a landmark acquisition

MEDINA, Ohio (Oct. 21, 2024) – Gear Wash, the nation’s largest fully verified Independent Service Provider (ISP) of PPE care and maintenance, is excited to announce its expansion into Texas with the acquisition of two new locations in San Antonio and Dallas. This move reinforces Gear Wash’s dedication to delivering unparalleled support to fire departments and first responders across the United States, particularly in states where NFPA 1851 compliance is not just a standard but a legal requirement.

The new facilities, acquired from Gear Cleaning Solutions, are set to begin operations Oct. 21, 2024, and will adhere to the rigorous NFPA 1851 standards, ensuring the highest level of compliance. With Texas being one of only two states (including California) where NFPA 1851 compliance is mandated by law, this expansion marks a significant milestone for Gear Wash, allowing the company to meet the critical needs of first responders in one of the nation’s largest states.

“We are thrilled to establish our first locations in Texas,” says Taylor Burke Gilman, President of Gear Wash. “This expansion is a game-changer for our company and the communities we serve. Our advanced methods, equipment and technologies will give first responders in Texas the utmost confidence in their protective gear. We’re here to ensure their safety, and now we can do so with even greater impact.”

Gear Cleaning Solutions has built a stellar reputation for its NFPA 1851-compliant services, strong relationships with manufacturers, and comprehensive administrative and quality assurance support. These attributes align perfectly with Gear Wash’s mission, making the acquisition a strategic fit that enhances the company’s ability to deliver top-tier PPE care nationwide.

“As a firefighter-owned business, we’ve always treated our customers like family, knowing just how important this work is,” says Rick Johnson, previous owner of Gear Cleaning Solutions. “It’s hard to step away from something we’ve worked so hard on, but we believe it’s the right choice for us and for the future of Gear Cleaning Solutions. We’re confident Gear Wash shares our values and will help us continue to grow while keeping firefighter safety at the forefront.” 

With the addition of these Texas facilities, Gear Wash now operates 12 brick-and-mortar locations and one mobile unit across the country. This expansion further solidifies the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive PPE solutions—from inspection and cleaning to repair and alteration—managed by trained and certified professionals w

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Posted: Oct 21, 2024

Darley Welcomes Retired Major General Jocelyn Seng to Defense Advisory Board

ITASCA, Illinois (October 21, 2024) – Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jocelyn M. Seng, retired Air Force Major General, to its Defense Advisory Board. Dr. Seng brings a wealth of experience and expertise in defense strategy and weapons system development, further strengthening Darley’s commitment to innovation and excellence in serving the defense sector.

Dr. Seng has an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the defense industry, including key leadership roles at prominent defense organizations. Her extensive background in strategic planning, operational excellence, and technological innovation will be invaluable to Darley as it continues to expand its defense capabilities and offerings.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jocelyn Seng to our Defense Advisory Board,” said Paul Darley, CEO of Darley. “Her deep understanding of the defense landscape and her proven track record of leadership and innovation will be instrumental in guiding our strategic initiatives and enhancing our ability to serve our defense customers.”

Dr. Seng’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Darley, as the company continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies and solutions to meet the evolving needs of the defense sector. Her expertise in aerospace engineering and strategic planning will provide critical insights into advancing Darley’s technological and operational goals working towards shaping Darley’s future direction and ensuring the company remains at the forefront of defense innovation.

“I am honored to join Darley’s Defense Advisory Board and contribute to the company’s mission of delivering exceptional solutions to the defense community,” said Dr. Seng. “I look forward to working with the talented team at Darley and leveraging my experience to support the company’s growth and success.”

About Darley

W.S. Darley & Co. (Darley) provides the highest quality technology and equipment solutions to military and first responders. With origins in Midwest manufacturing, Darley offers our nation’s heroes a complete line of unmanned systems, technology, equipment, and pumps. More information is available at darley.com. You serve others. We serve you.

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Posted: Oct 20, 2024

Sacramento (CA) Metro Fire Seeks $415M Bond to Replace Aging Trucks, Facilities

Darrell Smith
The Sacramento Bee
(TNS)

Metro Fire’s Station 41 in North Highlands holds a special place for the men and women who have passed through its doors. For many it was their first stop in the fire service, the proving ground that readied them for life as firefighters.

But increasingly the 1950s-era building on Thomas Drive at Elkhorn Boulevard has become a symbol of the fire district’s aging inventory. From station houses to engines to equipment, Metro fire officials say its age is showing at precisely the time when the agency’s costs and demands are greater than ever.

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District is sounding the alarm. Metro Fire is asking voters to approve a bond Nov. 5 it says is needed to provide firefighters with new engines and equipment, while refurbishing decades-old station houses and building new ones in the neighborhoods that need them most.

“We have stations that are 40-50 years old. Some are 80 years old. They’re not set up for modern fire services,” said Parker Wilbourn, a Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District battalion chief and spokesman.

The call comes with a cost: $415 million over 35 years — the bond expires in 2061 — but Metro Fire officials and the bond’s supporters say Sacramento County’s Measure O is the best chance yet to replace what they say is outdated and deteriorating equipment.

“We’re up to about a 40% increase (in calls) over the last 10 years. We’re doing a lot more with less,” Wilbourn said. “We’re doing what we can but with the increase in population we have to have the infrastructure to support that. We’re not in a position to do that without (funds).”

Measure O would cost $19 per $100,000 of assessed value, about $78 per year, for the typical property taxpayer, say Metro Fire officials. No money goes to pay salaries or meet pension obligations.

Sacramento Taxpayers Association is typically skeptical of bond measures, but is neutral on Measure O. In a statement, the local taxpayers’ advocates called the costs Metro Fire face “substantial,” saying fire district officials were “forthcoming” in answering its concerns about the ballot measure.

“Sac Tax has verified none of the funds for this bond measure will be used for salaries or pension obligations. Sac Tax has also reviewed the costs of new facilities and equipment which are substantial,” the statement read. “Sac Tax believes Metro Fire has been forthcoming about providing answers to the questions Sac Tax asked in our ballot argument. Sac Tax’s position on Measure O is neutral.”

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District is one of the largest fire agencies in California. Its 41 stations serve more than 720,000 people across 359 square miles of unincorporated Sacramento County, the cities of Citrus Heights and Rancho Cordova as well as a portion of Placer County.

Metro crews responded to some 110,000 calls for service last year, a 40% increase in fire emergencies and a 30% increase in medical emergencies from 10 years ago, say officials. About 5,000 of those came out of North Highlands’ Station 41 alone.

The increased demand, officials said, has pushed one of the state’s largest fire agencies to its limits.

“Our demand has overstretched revenues,” Wilbourn said. “What we take in, these monies are not keeping up with inflation.”

Examples are easy to cite, Wilbourn said.

Metro Fire purchased 20 engines in 2011. More than a decade later, many of those have reached 200,000 miles or more. Fire officials say nearly three of every four of the rigs will reach the end of their lifespans in the next three to five years but the cost to replace them continues to rise.

The typical cost of a fire engine in 2019 was about $750,000, Wilbourn said. The same engine five years o

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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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