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 Fotokite: The 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.

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/.

Beatrice has decided to move forward with purchasing land for the new fire station after conducting environmental testing, reports Beatrice Daily Sun.

After the land is purchased, additional testing will be done to determine the size and location of the contaminated dirt that would be removed and replaced.

The new Beatrice Fire and Rescue facility is estimated to be around 14,000 square feet, compared to 6,000 square feet at the current station, and the projects entire cost is estimated at $9 million.

Arlington County is considering closing one fire station while opening another fire station, reports ARLnow.

A fire station was temporarily closed in October due to structural safety concerns and the crews relocated to other fire stations and now the fire station may become permanent.

A report from 2012 noted that the fire station is beloved by the community, but lacks the efficiency of other stations throughout the county.

Meanwhile, the county has begun scouting sites for a new fire station. No timeline or site has been identified.