Menu

Welcome

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: Apr 2, 2025

Rusty Rail Donates $50K to Mifflinburg (PA) Hose Company

Anna Wiest
The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
(TNS)

MIFFLINBURG — The Mifflinburg Hose Company accepted a $50,000 donation from Rusty Rail Brewing Company and community members at a chili cook-off Saturday.

The donation, made on behalf of Rusty Rail, its sister companies and vendors and the Mifflinburg community, put the fire company over its $2.4 million capital campaign goal, according to President Shawn Bridge.

Rusty Rail Food and Beverage Director Angela Hess explained Saturday’s chili cook-off featured 10 chefs and 12 varieties of chili. A portion of the proceeds from the event went toward the donation to the local fire company.

According to Hess, the brewing company wanted to give back to the community and knew the fire company had recently made significant investments to improve operations.

The Mifflinburg Hose Company purchased two brand new fire trucks, a 100-foot ladder truck and a fire engine. Bridge said these trucks will serve the community for decades to come.

The sizable donation to the fire company speaks to how much people in the Mifflinburg community value the organization and their services, according to Hess.

Bridge explained that most of the funds from the fire company’s $2.4 million capital campaign have come from the community.

“The community has gone above and beyond,” Bridge said. “We can’t thank them enough.”

Hose company Vice President David Sensenig added, “We couldn’t do what we do without the community.”

Saturday’s cook-off featured some chili chefs from Rusty Rail Brewing Company, Ritz-Craft Corporation, Mifflinburg Hose Company and members of the community.

© 2025 The Daily Item (Sunbury, Pa.). Visit www.dailyitem.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The post Rusty Rail Donates $50K to Mifflinburg (PA) Hose Company appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Read more
Posted: Apr 1, 2025

Braun Ambulances Brings Select by Braun Chief XL to FDIC 2025

Braun Ambulances will return to FDIC International from April 10-12 in Indianapolis, Indiana, with two unique ambulance models, including a Select by Braun Chief XL Type I. This event marks the first opportunity for Fire/EMS professionals to see the Select by Braun model in person.

Attendees can visit Booth #5686 to explore both the Select by Braun Chief XL and a custom Liberty Type I ambulance, which showcases Braun’s commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and safety.

“With Select by Braun, Fire/EMS departments can save time up front and on delivery, customize confidently, and get premium quality with improved lead times,” said Kris Turner, U.S. Channel Development Director. “We are excited to demonstrate how this program streamlines the ordering process while delivering exceptional craftsmanship quickly. Guests can also explore a unique Liberty Type I to learn more about our customer- driven customization options.”

Making its FDIC debut, the Select by Braun Chief XL Type I is part of Braun’s pre-configured ambulance lineup balancing customization with ordering simplicity. This model is on display courtesy of Penn Care, Braun’s dealer partner serving Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The ‘select’ program streamlines ordering while incorporating Braun’s signature elements, including:

  • SolidBody™ Construction for unmatched durability
  • EZ Glide™ Door for enhanced access
  • Arched Roof Design for added structural integrity
  • Fully Welded-in Cabinetry for long-term performance
  • Custom Interior & Exterior Cabinets for optimized storage, and more

These premium features showcase Braun’s commitment to excellence in ambulance design and manufacturing. Live demonstrations are available throughout FDIC, with product specialists onsite to help customers build their ideal unit. To schedule a personalized session, contact your Braun dealer partner.

Braun will also showcase a custom Liberty Type I ambulance built on a Ford F-450 4×4 diesel chassis for Bentonville EMS, provided by Arkansas dealer partner Pinnacle Emergency Vehicles. Designed for Arkansas’s climate, this unit features premium HVAC with a second compressor, MMC Electrical System, door forward design with EZ Glide™ Door, Brigade Exterior 360 Degree Camera System, Medi-Kool drug storage, and custom graphics. The 156″ module demonstrates how departments can tailor interiors and exteriors to specific operational needs. Like all Braun ambulances, it comes Built for Life with a Lifetime Structural Warranty and full remounting capability, providing extended service life and maximum value.

Visit Booth #5686 in the Indiana Convention Center on Thursday, April 10 (10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.), Friday, April 11 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.), or Saturday, April 12 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) to explore these models firsthand, meet our team, and explore our latest custom ambulances. While at our booth, enter for a chance to win a $500 VISA Gift Card. To learn more about Braun Ambulances, visit www.braunambulances.com.

###

About Braun Ambulances

Since 1972, Braun Ambulances has been a custom ambulance manufacturer focused on safety, quality, and innovation. Serving small volunteer EMS services to large municipalities and all-size departments/private organizations in between, Braun delivers hundreds of new ambulances each year with the help of their dealer partners. Their current product lineup includes six unique ambulance models and countless customizations. In 2018, they merged with Demers to create the parent company Demers Braun Ambulance Manufacturer. To learn more about Braun Ambulances, visit Read more

Posted: Apr 1, 2025

CMC To Debut New Rescue Products at FDIC

Product demos available for hands-on experience at CMC booth #1335

CMC will present its newest rescue innovations along with popular favorites at FDIC 2025. Visitors will be able to use our newest solutions for twin tension rope systems (TTRS) including SWIVO™, CAPTO™, SQUID™, G11™, and CMC CLUTCH™ by Harken™. Guests are invited to see first-hand how this integrated system provides smooth and efficient raising and lowering.

In addition, demos will be available for the LEVR™ Escape System featuring the Flash.G™ and Flash.2™ Escape Anchors, the extremely comfortable and customizable ATOM™ Harness, the new CMC T95™ backcountry rescue rope, and more!

SWIVO

The perfect match for CAPTO! SWIVO is a combination swivel, pulley, and oval carabiner that is compatible with devices that have wide attachment points. The rounded oval frame promotes even load distribution and reduces the risk of binding. SWIVO’s three integrated components make it quick and easy to use for building compact mechanical advantage systems. When paired with CAPTO, SWIVO further increases safety and efficiency for hauling and ascending.

CAPTO

CAPTO is an intuitive device that combines a multi-functional rope grab, high-efficiency pulley, and integrated becket for easy hauling and ascending. Built around an innovative V-groove Cam, CAPTO is designed to handle rescue loads while providing force-limiting overload protection. CAPTO is available in gray for 10.5-11 mm (7/16 in) rope and red for 12.5-13 mm (1/2 in) rope. Both models are certified to NFPA General Use.

SQUID

The SQUID’s unique shaped design features a large attachment point for redundant anchoring and two perpendicular points for optimal alignment. SQUID efficiently brings two hardware devices side-by-side for dual operation and better-shared tension. SQUID also sets ideal spacing between devices, allowing a single operator to maintain simultaneous twin tension control using dual-handle technique.

CMC CLUTCH by Harken

The CLUTCH is the latest evolution in rope hardware that allows the technical rope professional to do more with less. Developed with Harken, the CLUTCH is a single versatile tool for efficient hauling, controlled lowering, smooth personal descent, easy ascending, belaying, and TTRS. Available in 13 mm and 11 mm models, the CLUTCH moves seamlessly between anchor-based systems and personal use. Both models are certified to NFPA General Use and ANSI.

ATOM Harness

The ATOM Series, our most comfortable harness line, incorporates improved architecture, ergonomic lightweight padding, intuitive new features, and a range of options that can fit every user. The Build Your Own online tool allows you to design an ATOM harness to your unique needs and specifications. Choose from a multitude of options to create your optimal harness system. Stop by our booth to try on the ATOM Harness and use our Build Your Own online tool.

LEVR Escape Systems

Designed to assure rapid emergency egress with safe, controllable descent, the LEVR Escape System is built around the CMC LEVR descender, a next-generation device that uses its lever-shaped handle for progressive descent control, fast and easy horizontal pay-out, reliable edge transition, and intuitive operation. The LEVR Escape System is available with two anchor options, Flash.G and Flash.2, both certified to NFPA standards as emergency escape anchors and escape descent control devices. The LEVR BT Escape System allows advanced users to lower a victim before lowering themselves in a sequence referred to as the Byrne Technique. Purpose-built for efficient execution, and stowed in a compact, dual-sided deployment bag,

Read more
Posted: Apr 1, 2025

Rig Tour: Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department Ladder 10

Chris Mc Loone and Captain Rick Van Sant take viewers on a tour of the Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department’s Ladder 10, a 2023 Pierce rear-mount platform.

The rig was put in service in October 2023. One of the crucial factors Captain Van Sant discussed was the necessity for thorough planning by the engineers and drivers operating a rear-mounted truck. The overhang in the front often creates specific navigational challenges, particularly in tighter urban environments. However, the absence of significant underpasses or bridges in Indianapolis minimizes concerns regarding overhead clearance.

Equally important are driver considerations regarding the apparatus’s rear dimension. With approximately nine feet extending past the rear wheels, operators must adeptly manage the swing when executing turns.

The multifaceted role of Ladder 10 is evidenced not just through their fire response but also through the extensive equipment they carry for rescue operations. Specifically, the truck is equipped with hydraulic tools, including cutters and spreaders.

The distinction between light and heavy rescue services within the Indianapolis firefighting framework is paramount. With heavy rescue units specializing in more intricate rescues, Ladder 10 operates under protocols that enable them to perform crucial stabilization procedures when vehicles are on their side or upside down. They carry cribbing and struts for stabilization, demonstrating a keen understanding of their operational limits while still striving to affect positive outcomes until heavier assets arrive on the scene.

The post Rig Tour: Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department Ladder 10 appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Read more
RSS
245678910Last

Theme picker

Upcoming Events

Theme picker

Sponsors

Fire Mechanics Section Board

Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Chair

Elliot Courage
North Whatcom Fire & Rescue
Read more

Vice Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Vice Chair

Mike Smith 
Pierce County Fire District #5
Read more

Secretary

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Secretary

Greg Bach
South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue
Read more

Director #1

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #1

Doug Jones
South Kitsap Fire & Rescue
Read more

Director #2

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #2

Paul Spencer 
Fire Fleet Maintenance LLC
Read more

Director #3

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #3

Jim Morris
Mountain View Fire Department
Read more

Director #4

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #4

Arnie Kuchta

Clark County Fire District 6

Read more

Director #6

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #6

Brett Annear
Kitsap County Fire District 18
Read more

Director #5

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #5

Jay Jacks
Camano Island Fire & Rescue
Read more

Legislative Representative

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Legislative Representative

TBD
TBD
Read more

Immediate Past Chair

Posted: Oct 20, 2015

Immediate Past Chair

Brian Fortner
Graham Fire & Rescue

Read more
RSS

Theme picker

2020 CAR SHOW