Putnam, CT—Kochek Company, LLC, a manufacturer of fire equipment and water movement solutions, reports that its 10-foot and 20-foot PVC suction hose was rigorously tested and found to perform without leaks, depressurization, or decoupling, and demonstrated excellent coil memory even after 12 hours of pressure. Kochek's PVC suction hose is specifically designed for the firefighting market and meets the company's proprietary fire grade specifications. All Kochek PVC suction hose in sizes 2.5" and larger is NFPA-compliant.

Test performance
When filled with over 14 gallons of water and hung vertically by the long handles of the female coupling for 12 hours, Kochek's 10-foot PVC suction hose maintained constant pressure at the hose end. It performed without leaks and with no signs of decoupling. Stretching six inches when full, the hose returned to original length once water was removed. After an additional 12-hour test repositioned for a 90-degree attachment that simulates truck connection, vacuum was maintained when the petcock valve was opened and equalized, and no leaks or decoupling occurred.  

Kochek's 20-foot PVC suction hose, filled with nearly 30 gallons of water, duplicated the positive test results conducted for the 10-foot hose. It stretched to 12 inches under pressure with recoil to its original length when empty. Kochek recommends that a 45- or 90-degree elbow be used to support the hose end of its 20-foot hose when under full weight while attached at 90 degrees to alleviate potential flow restriction.

Meeting all the requirements of NFPA 1961, Kochek's PVC suction hose provides reliable, unassisted operation even in extreme temperatures, maintaining flexibility from 150° F to -40°F. With UV protection built in, it retains quality wall thickness from 3" to 6" ID and features smooth bore for unrestricted flow. Kochek PVC suction hose is sold complete with end couplings and may be ordered in conventional and custom lengths. All Kochek products are covered by a five-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

For more information, visit www.kochek.com.

In this video, Stewart McMillan, Chairman and CEO of Task Force Tips (TFT), tells the story of Clyde H. McMillan, his father, and how he came about designing the automatic nozzle.

Cheektowaga, NY—Toyne, an industry leading fire apparatus manufacturer, recently delivered two customized pumpers to the Forks Fire Department, stationed in the town of Cheektowaga, New York. Both apparatus received a welcomed arrival after a 900-mile journey from Toyne’s production floor in Breda, Iowa, to their new home along the Great Lakes. Now equipped with Toyne Pumpers, the fire department can continue its commitment to providing the best emergency services for residents.

Constructed with matching specifications, both Toyne Tailored Apparatus are mounted on Spartan Metro Star chassis. The department selected Spartan’s Metro Star EMFD seven-seat configuration and 10-inch raised-roof option for their pumpers. Powered by Cummins ISL9 engines, each capable of producing 450 horsepower, and Allison 3000 EVS transmissions, the apparatus can rapidly respond to calls. Built with bolted painted stainless steel bodies, the vehicles boast enhanced corrosion resistance. 

Both pumpers feature identical pump, tank, and generator equipment. One thousand gallons of water are stored in UPF tanks. Water levels are monitored by the Innovative Controls SL Plus tank gauge. With Hale Qmax pumps and FRC Total Control pressure governors, the apparatus are capable of moving water at 1,500 gallons per minute. Another important component of the identical pumpers is an onboard Harrison Hydraulic generator. 

Further customizations were made by adding telescoping lights and monitors. The telescoping FRC SPA540-Q20 lights offer more flexibility for crews during low light situations. Fire suppression capabilities were enhanced with the implementation of Task Force Tips Crossfire Monitors. 

“It’s been a great honor to work with the Forks Fire Department firefighters; to help realize their apparatus needs,” said Michael Schwabe, President, and CEO of Toyne, Inc. “This is a group of men and women who are dedicated to serving their community with the latest techniques and apparatus, and we are proud to deliver two custom Toyne Pumpers that will assist the department in efficiently responding to calls for years to come.” 

Established in 1911, the Forks Fire Department has served residents of Cheektowaga, New York, for over a century. The department consists of local residents that carry out their duty voluntarily; staying devoted to the department’s mission of providing the highest level of emergency services available to those who live, work, or visit Cheektowaga. Each year, the fire department responds to more than 550 calls. Forks firefighters are professionally trained to handle structure fires, EMS requests, vehicle fires & accidents, hazardous material spills, and electrical emergencies. 

Tri State Fire sold the Toyne pumpers to the Forks Fire Department. 

Learn more about the Forks Fire Department by visiting www.forksfd.org.

For more information, visit www.toyne.com.