TargetSolutions, the leading provider of computer-based training and operational management applications for public safety agencies, announced that it would team up once again with the IAFC’s Volunteer and Combination Officers Section for the annual VCOS Training Officer Recognition Award.

This is the sixth consecutive year the VCOS and TargetSolutions have joined forces to acknowledge an exceptional training officer with this prestigious award. By recognizing a training officer for their innovation in training and effectiveness in their department, TargetSolutions and the VCOS are also furthering their own primary missions of improving the safety and effectiveness of fire service members when called into action.

“It is an honor for the VCOS and TargetSolutions to recognize the dedication and accomplishments of Emergency Services Organization Training Officers again this year by awarding the Training Officer Award,” said VCOS Board Member Norvin Collins. “This award allows peers to select a Training Officer that embodies the spirit of all great trainers through their work locally, regionally, and/or nationally. 

“The work trainers do, ensures each of our members returns home safe after an incident and are able to perform to the best of their abilities. TargetSolutions has been a great partner in this effort to both train our members as well as recognize the work of the Training Officer these past years.”

Nominees should be chiefs, training officers, or others well-acquainted with training and they must be an IAFC member or come from a department where the department or the chief is an active IAFC member.

Applications for the award are being accepted now through June 30. To make a nomination, please check online at www.targetsolutions.com/vcos-award-2019.

About the Award

The award, which is now open for nominations, is designed to acknowledge exemplary conduct by a training officer for their creativity and effectiveness when delivering training. Nominees should be chiefs, training officers, or others well-acquainted with training. Additionally, they must be an IAFC member or come from a department where the department or the chief is an active IAFC member.

The winner will receive a trip to the upcoming Fire-Rescue International, scheduled August 7-10 in Atlanta. Complimentary round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations will be provided to the winner.

Previously Recognized Training Officers

Since TargetSolutions began sponsoring the award in 2014, the following training officers have been recognized for their dedication to training and excellence:

• Chip Everett of Oshtemo Township (MI) Fire Department, 2014
• Chief Brad Pinsky of Manlius (NY) Fire Department, 2015
• Deputy Chief Steve Malone of the Manhattan (IL) Fire Protection District, 2016
• Chief of Training Michael Accardo III of the St. Tammany (LA) Fire District 9, 2017
• Chief Josh Blum of Loveland-Symmes (OH) Fire Department, 2018

About TargetSolutions

TargetSolutions, a Vector Solutions brand, delivers award-winning, real-time training and operations management solutions to the fire services, emergency medical services, risk pools, cities and municipalities, law enforcement and public works industries. The company provides engaging, ac

 

We at the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) stay intimately involved in the National Fire Protection (NFPA) standards process to make sure that new trends in NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, and NFPA 1906, Standard for Automotive Wildland Fire Apparatus, are both positive and practical.

One of the current discussions involves complaints from many quarters that the warning lights on fire apparatus are too intense during nighttime hours. The NFPA committee has taken up this topic, and FAMA member companies are stepping up.

THE PROBLEM

The current NFPA 1901 and NFPA 1906 requirements for apparatus warning lights were developed in an era prior to the advent of LED lighting. At that time, there was an inherent limit to the amount of light that a truck could put out. That limit was the size of the 12-volt alternator you could fit on a diesel truck engine. The standard was therefore only concerned with making sure the lights were bright enough, not whether they were ever too bright.

Today’s LED technology, however, has changed the discussion. The race to brighter and brighter LED lighting has flipped the industry on its head. A typical apparatus with LED lighting rolling off the line today will emit lighting levels easily 10 times the minimum level specified in NFPA standards.

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING

During the day, warning light levels can never be too great because they are competing with the sun. Daylight constricts the observer’s pupil and very bright warning lights do not seem so bright compared with the surrounding environment. At night, however, the pupil dilates to let in as much of the sparse light as possible. When suddenly submitted to the intense light levels given off by modern LED warning lights, the result can be very distracting, even blinding, to people in the vicinity.

There are even those who argue that bright flashing lights at a roadside scene may be detracting rather than adding to scene safety. Drivers distracted by the intense light levels may be less likely to see the details of people working around the area. First responders may also be distracted by the lighting levels as they work on the scene.

FLASH PATTERNS

Lighting intensity is not the only concern. Flash patterns and speeds are also being scrutinized. There is subjective evidence to suggest that fast, frenetic, and random flash patterns are not the most optimum strategy, at least for nighttime warning and perhaps never while in the blocking mode. At a recent nighttime demonstration, I observed this firsthand. When exposed to an intense, fast, and random flash pattern, I felt tense and nervous. When the pattern was changed to a slower, dimmer, and predictable flash pattern, I felt my body and mind relax dramatically.

During code 3 operation, we want drivers to be alerted to emergency apparatus presence. The apparatus are coming quickl

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