TFT released two new master stream nozzles at this year’s FDIC International. Both offer multiple options and superior stream and flows.

The new VORTEX 2 and 2 ER (electric remote) are designed for flows up to 1,250 gpm (4,500 l/min) for water or firefighting foam solutions. The VORTEX is designed to be installed behind stacked tip or smooth-bore nozzles and offers increased flexibility. Users get the benefit of either a straight stream or a dispersed pattern with virtually no loss of flow in either selection. In addition, the VORTEX offers a full range of flows because it is not limited to a single smooth bore size. The new nozzle is also lighter and more compact and affordable than competitors’ models.

The new Master Stream 4000 ER is one of three high-performance, big-water nozzle options for the TFT Tsunami, TFT’s largest high-volume industrial monitor. Previously released nozzle options include stacked tips or tips with the six-inch VORTEX offering a dispersed pattern. The Master Stream 4000 ER brings straight stream and true fog pattern capability. It is available in an automatic version of 600 to 4,000 gpm (2,400 to 16,000 l/min), or a selectable version of 2,000 and 4,000 gpm (8,000 and 16,000 l/min) at 100 psi (7 bar).

For more information, contact or e-mail Phil Gerace at (219) 462-6161 or philip.gerace@tft.com.  

The theme of Pierce Manufacturing’s presence at FDIC 2019 and the features of its exhibit will center on the company’s focus on producing innovative fire apparatus. Visitors will notice a unique message around FDIC: Deserve Better. Serve Better.

This messaging at FDIC 2019 focuses on four key themes:

You Speak. We Listen: This message is at the heart of what the experienced workforce at Pierce does day in and day out. Taking feedback and recommendations directly from firefighters helps Pierce’s team build innovative design features that address the critical needs of fire departments.

You Question. We Answer: Sam Lowe, Pierce marketing manager, says, “True innovation comes from collaboration. Pierce works directly with dealers and firefighters to answer their questions. What type of materials are used? How are products made? Our team makes a point of educating firefighters about processes and best practices but also takes feedback to help drive new apparatus design and functionality.”

You Ask. We Act: From product improvements to service and maintenance, the requests of firefighters drive action. Pierce employees and dealers take pride in accommodating the needs of firefighters as we provide the highest level of service throughout the lifespan of an apparatus.

You Lead. We Honor: Lowe says, “Building custom fire apparatus involves a deep understanding of the risks and challenges firefighters are faced with on the job. Throughout Pierce’s over 100-year history, we’ve made a point of honoring the noble work of firefighters.”

Other Pierce Manufacturing FDIC Booth Features
Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the full breadth of Pierce products and services while hearing about the latest innovations and features available in the design of fire apparatus and aftermarket offerings. 

• New Technology: Situational awareness and securing a scene are essential factors for firefighters during on-call operations. Pierce’s new actively tethered aerial device can be deployed from any apparatus and is retrofittable with apparatus currently in service. With a focus on increased response effectiveness, this tool for the firefighting industry is easy to use and quick enough to deploy by one operator, providing immediate aerial views of a scene. Pierce’s FDIC booth will offer a display and periodic demonstrations to showcase how the actively tethered aerial device will enable better response times and increased situational awareness. 
• Build My Pierce (BMP) Rapid Configurator: BMP simplifies the fire apparatus buying process and offers an efficient approach to planning the specifications of highly-customized fire apparatus. With the use of BMP, depending on slot availability, delivery dates can be set within 180 days. The launch of Pierce’s BMP rapid configurator has taken online apparatus design and specification planning tools to another level.
• Extensive Scope of Apparatus and Service Innovations: From the latest chassis design, pump panels, aerial configurations, electrical systems, corrosion protection, and more, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Pierce’s broad scope of apparatus innovations. Centered around customer f

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Three American service members and a U.S. contractor were killed when their convoy hit a roadside bomb on Monday near the main U.S. base in Afghanistan, the U.S. forces said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

The U.S. and NATO Resolute Support mission said the four Americans were killed near the Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul, while three others were wounded in the explosion. The base in Bagram district is located in northern Parwan province and serves as the main U.S. air facility in the country.

The wounded were evacuated and are receiving medical care, the statement said. It added that in accordance with U.S. Department of Defense policy, the names of service members killed in action were being withheld until after the notification of next of kin.

FDNY firefighter among Americans killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan, New York Post

An Afghan security force check the site a day after an an attack near the Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Three American service members and a U.S. contractor were killed when their convoy hit the roadside bomb on Monday near the main U.S. base in Afghanistan, the U.S. forces said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

In their claim of responsibility, the Taliban said they launched the attack and that one of their suicide bombers detonated his explosives-laden vehicle near the NATO base. The conflicting accounts could not be immediately reconciled.

On Tuesday, local officials said at least five Afghan civilians were wounded in the commotion after the attack on the American convoy. Four were passers-by and the fifth was a driver of a car going down the road, said Abdul Raqib Kohistani, the Bagram district police chief. Abdul Shakor Qudosi, the district administrative chief in Bagram, said American soldiers opened fire immediately after their convoy was bombed.

Monday's U.S. fatalities bring to seven the number of U.S. soldiers killed so far this year in Afghanistan, underscoring the difficulties in bringing peace to the war-wrecked country even as Washington has stepped up efforts to find a way to end the 17-year war, America's longest.

There are about 14,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan, supporting embattled Afghan forces as they struggle on two fronts — facing a resurgent Taliban who now hold sway over almost half the country and also the Islamic State affiliate, which has sought to expand its footprint in Afghanistan even as its self-proclaimed "caliphate" has crumbled in Syria and Iraq.

Last year, 13 U.S. service members were killed in Afghanistan.

The Taliban have continued to carry out daily attacks on Afghan security forces despite holding several rounds of peace talks with the United States in recent months. The Taliban have refused to meet with the Afghan government, which they view as a U.S. puppet.

Meanwhile, the Taliban have agreed to take part in an all-Afghan gathering later this month in Qatar, where the insurgents maintain a political office. But the Taliban say they will not recognize any government official attending the gathering as a representative of the Kabul government, only as an individual Afghan participant.

All contents © copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

April 9, 2019, Bellingham, WA - Emergency Reporting (ER), the easiest-to-use cloud-based reporting and records management software for Fire and EMS agencies, announced a new integration with Aladtec, the premier scheduling and workforce management software for public safety agencies. With this integration, Aladtec schedules will automatically feed into Emergency Reporting Daily Rosters, eliminating the mundane, error-prone time Fire and EMS personnel spend duplicating roster data. Fire and EMS agencies use Aladtec to streamline schedule processes, including complex rotations, trades, sign ups, and time off, and when the schedule changes as a result, with this new integration, Aladtec will seamlessly update Emergency Reporting’s Daily Roster. Aladtec, a cloud-based online system, is available 24/7/365 from any computer or mobile device via the internet.

“The Emergency Reporting platform is developed for first responders in the fire and EMS service. We offer integrations with multiple companies to help make our customers’ lives easier. Aladtec is our newest addition to the partner community, and we are happy to be able to serve our mutual customers even better with this integration,” stated Dave Adams, Chief Revenue Officer and Co-founder of Emergency Reporting.

“The efficiency improvements with this new integration are substantial," stated Dave Feyereisen, president and founder of Aladtec Inc. "Like Emergency Reporting, Aladtec is dedicated to the concept of interoperability. We intend to integrate Aladtec with a wide spectrum of applications, but when it came to decide which to build first, the choice was easy -- Emergency Reporting."  

For more information on the roster integration between Emergency Reporting and Aladtec, visit http://info.emergencyreporting.com/aladtec. 

About Emergency Reporting
Emergency Reporting (ER) offers a cloud-based records management software (RMS) solution to Fire/EMS agencies worldwide. Founded in 2003, ER empowers first responders with secure, easy-to-use station management tools that offer one-report filing of NFIRS and NEMSIS data. ER’s SaaS solution allows Fire/EMS departments to run their entire operations efficiently, enhancing both firefighter and citizen safety. Current customers include Fire/Rescue and EMS agencies and DoD/military installations, as well as large entities with self-contained Fire/EMS services such as NASA, nuclear power plants, hospitals, and oil refineries. For more information, visit www.emergencyreporting.com. 

About Aladtec
Aladtec provides online scheduling and workforce management software for mission-critical agencies such as EMS, fire service, law enforcement, and dispatch. The smart platform puts real-time staff scheduling, time and attendance tools, in the palm of your hand. It tracks licensing and certifications, offers customizable forms and reporting, and allows leaders and members to communicate instantly, saving time and money. Founded in 2003, the River Falls, Wis. firm serves more than 2,250 customers across the U.S. and Canada. Annual subscription includes all set-up, training and unlimited support. To learn more, visit www.aladtec.com.