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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 8, 2019

HURST Jaws of Life® Adds New Combi to Battery-powered eDRAULIC® Line

Shelby, NC—HURST Jaws of Life is introducing the SC 758E2 with improved ratings, wider spreads, and larger cutter openings.

The new HURST Jaws of Life SC 758E2, part of the Li-Ion rechargeable battery-powered eDRAULIC line, offers a C9 NFPA Cutter rating and an overall rating of A8/B9/C9/DE/E9. The cutting performance combines with a 1” increase in spreading distance (18.7 inches) and nearly two inches more in the cutter opening.

Fast opening and closing action on the SC 758E2 ensure speed during time-critical rescues, and the cutting blade surface is taken to the end of the blade for more aggressive blade geometry. HURST Jaws of Life “Shark Tooth” removable tips—four rows of shark-like teeth for maximum grip—offer multifunctional design while the ergonomically designed star-grip allows for tool actuation from almost any gripping position. 

The SC 758E2 is expected to ship in mid- to late November and replaces the SC 757E2.

For more information, visit www.jawsoflife.com.

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Posted: Aug 8, 2019

Sutphen Corporation Receives a Six Apparatus Order from Miami-Dade (FL) Fire Rescue

MIAMI, FL—Sutphen Corporation, the largest family-owned fire apparatus manufacturer in the nation, recently received a six apparatus order from Miami-Dade (FL) Fire Rescue (MDFR). 

The six recently ordered apparatus include three custom pumpers, one SPH 100 midmount aerial platform, one hazmat apparatus, and one heavy rescue apparatus. 

“We are excited about the opportunity to provide Miami-Dade Fire Rescue with such a broad range of trucks for this order,” said David Stonitsch, owner of Sutphen’s Florida dealer, South Florida Emergency Vehicles. “We value our past relationship with MDFR and look forward to a great partnership in the future.” 

Currently, MDFR has eight Sutphen aerial platform apparatus in service, but this order includes the first nonaerial trucks the department will purchase from the family-owned business. 

“With four different types of apparatus, we are excited to showcase our breadth and ability to manufacture high-quality and heavy duty-apparatus of all types,” said fourth-generation president of the corporation, Drew Sutphen. “After working with our aerial platforms for the past five years, and seeing the quality of work we produce, MDFR decided to work with our company for more of their fleet’s needs.” 

Since 2014, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue has purchased six SP 70 midmount aerial platforms and two SPH 100 midmount aerial platforms. These eight aerial apparatus have served the Miami-Dade community during structure fires, rescue operations, motor vehicle accidents and more. 

Miami-Dade is the seventh most populous county in the United States and MDFR serves 29 municipalities with response units dedicated to fire and rescue operations, hazmat, urban search and rescue, technical rescue, ocean rescue, and more. 

Each of the new apparatus will be manufactured to southern Florida’s unique firefighting needs with severe-duty air conditioning and clean cabs specifically installed in the order. 

For more information, visit https://www.sutphen.com/.

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Posted: Aug 8, 2019

Pierce to Feature Latest Apparatus, Service Capabilities, and Technology Innovations

APPLETON, WI—Pierce Manufacturing Inc., company, announced that it will display an extensive array of apparatus and new technology innovations during the FRI 2019. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the latest developments in fire apparatus, fire truck features, and technology that improves safety and efficiency for those who work in the fire service. The seven Pierce fire trucks that will be on display include: 

  • Enforcer™ Ascendant® 110’ Single-Axle Heavy-Duty Platform PUC™
  • Velocity® Ascendant 107’ Single-Axle Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder 
  • Velocity Ascendant 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower 
  • Saber® Pumper
  • Enforcer PUC Pumper
  • Velocity PUC Pumper
  • Enforcer Pumper

Other exhibit highlights will include: 

  • Demonstrations of Pierce® Situational Awareness System by FotokiteThe new Pierce Situational Awareness System by Fotokite is a self-piloting, actively tethered aerial device that can be deployed from any apparatus or easy-to-transport Pelican™ case, and is retrofittable with apparatus currently in service. The device offers increased response effectiveness through aerial and thermal imagery to assess the size and scope of a fire. As the industry’s only aerial situational awareness system that actively tethers to the fire apparatus and can hard-wire into the vehicle system, there’s no need for a piloting license or certificate of authorization, and no battery life limitations to work around. Pierce’s booth will offer periodic demonstrations to show how the device helps response effectiveness.

“Apparatus and technology innovations have been monumental for our organization in recent years as we’ve addressed voice of customer feedback to set benchmarks for performance in the industry,” said Jim Johnson, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “Not only do those who work in the fire service deserve the best apparatus to serve their communities, our team is committed to providing premier products and services that support the critical work of these dedicated men and women. Pierce’s FRI exhibit will show the expansiveness of our product and service platforms and how recent advancements support the unique needs of firefighters.”  

In addition to booth displays and demonstrations, Pierce is the sponsor of the IAFC’s Fire Chief of the Year award which is presented to two honorees. The pretigious Fire Chief of the Year award recognizes one volunteer and one career fire chief for their leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service, and contributions to the fire service. 

“It is an honor to take part in the inspiring moment each year when we have the opportunity to share the nominations for the two Fire Chief of the Year award honorees,” said Johnson. “The recipients exemplify what it means to be a leader, and on behalf of the Pierce Manufacturing team, we share our heartfelt gratitude for their service.”

For more information, visit www.piercemfg.com.

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Posted: Aug 8, 2019

Spartan Motors to Unveil Enhanced Clean Cab

CHARLOTTE, MI—Spartan Emergency Response, a business unit of Spartan Motors, Inc., is introducing the latest addition to the Spartan Advanced Protection System®—Contaminant Containment and Management, an innovative solution set to help in the efforts to mitigate prolonged exposure to pollutants inside of fire truck cabs—at Fire Rescue International in Atlanta on August 7-10. Spartan’s Metro Star cab and chassis featuring the enhanced safety package will be on display among other Spartan Emergency Response vehicles. 

“Spartan Motors is driven to provide the most innovative safety solutions to help protect our first responders,” said Todd Fierro, president, Spartan Emergency Response. “The new Contaminant Containment and Management capability furthers our goals to minimize first responders’ exposure to harmful environmental pollutants. We look forward to fulfilling OEM orders for our latest safety innovation next year.” 

Adding Contaminant Containment and Management to the Spartan Advanced Protection System gives departments the option to select additional in-cab safety features that reduce exposure to contaminants, as first responders return from calls, often referred to as “Clean Cab” options. Spartan’s Contaminant Containment and Management offering features a High Efficiency Particulate Air filter (HEPA, 17 MERV), which can trap and remove nearly 100 percent of potentially harmful materials from combustion smoke, toxic particles, and other contaminants introduced to the interior of the cab. Additional options include a self-contained exterior compartment used to store SCBA packs, helmets, and other devices used on the fire scene that are easily accessible but stored separately from the truck’s cab. The interior of the cab is lined with a unique, and new to the industry, easy-to-clean smooth surface that minimizes pocket areas that hold debris, allowing for quicker high-quality wash-downs after every run. 

Alongside the Metro Star cab equipped with Contaminant Containment and Management, Spartan will display several aerial devices, ladder platforms, and pumper trucks at the conference, including: 

  • 100-foot midmount platform demo unit
  • IPS-NXT demo unit
  • 105-foot rear-mount ladder for Vincennes Township, Indiana
  • S-180 pumper for Waco, North Carolina

“Spartan has led the way in safety for years with the launch of the Spartan Advanced Protection System. From industry-first driver and passenger air bag positions to smart restraints, outboard sensors, and 360 degree cameras, and flat floors, we’re proud to add contaminant containment to the list of safety provisions that make Spartan’s cabs some of the safest in the industry,” said Fierro.

For more information, visit https://emergencyresponse.spartanmotors.com/cleancab/.

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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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