Google’s Nest brand and the Leary Firefighter Foundation recently announced the two winners to their 3^rd Annual Thank You Grant. The maker of the Nest Protect Smoke + CO Alarm and the national firefighter foundation asked communities to support outstanding public safety personnel, prompting them to nominate their local department for the grant opportunity. Ultimately, the Hobart (IN) and Dunkirk (MD) fire departments were chosen by Leary Firefighter Foundation to receive $25,000 grants.

With the grant, the Hobart Fire Department will be able to purchase new software and tablets to help streamline reporting systems and allow for smooth transitions between calls and investigations. The Dunkirk Fire Department, a 100-percent volunteer department, will use its $25,000 to add three thermal imaging cameras to its arsenal that will aid in searches of trapped occupants on emergency calls.

Learn more HERE.

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Midwest Fire Equipment & Repair Company (Midwest Fire) announced that the company has hired Sai Rajkumar Vadla as a Manufacturing Engineer.

Vadla acquired a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering and Technology in Telangana, India, and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from South Dakota State University. Vadla also brings Midwest Fire specialized working experience in advanced CAD designing, process improvement, material testing, and engineering simulations. 

“We are very fortunate to welcome another engineer to the team with manufacturing experience,” said Sarah Atchison, President & Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Fire. “Vadla will assist in production by analyzing continuous improvement efforts with our manufacturing procedures and processes as well as assisting with design & innovation. We are confident the experience and specialties he brings will be a great asset to the company.”  

Midwest Fire Equipment & Repair Company has been manufacturing high-quality fire tankers and pumpers since 1987. Find our more about them at midwestfire.com.

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TargetSolutions, a Vector Solutions brand offering the leading operations and training management applications for public safety agencies, is offering firefighters complimentary access to its all-new course, NFPA 1500: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Fire Industry.

PTSD is a largely overlooked issue within the fire service, but its impact cannot be understated. According to a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report, the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance found that 91 firefighters and 17 EMTs and paramedics died by suicide in 2017.

Additional studies have found that 17 to 22 percent of first responders are struggling with PTSD and 28 percent of firefighters believe behavioral health issues might hurt their reputation, while also worrying their situations will not remain confidential and are not aware of services for treatment. From these statistics alone, there is an underlying problem impacting the fire service.

With these facts in mind, TargetSolutions is making its dynamic, HD-quality online training course available at no cost to the fire service. The two-hour overview utilizes in-depth lessons, real-life scenarios and engaging interactions to immerse learners and improve content retention.

RELATED: First Responder Mental Health: A Chief's Perspective | Behavioral Wellness: The Unseen Occupational Realities |  Paul Combs Poster: Firefighter PTSD and Suicide

The course features a video narrative of a first responder experiencing PTSD after losing a young patient. Following along his journey, each lesson addresses different aspects of PTSD from different symptoms, to warning signs of suicide and getting help. An on-screen instructor emphasizes important scientific studies and statistics that explain the extent of PTSD in the fire service. Additionally, mid-lesson quizzes keep learners engaged in the material and ensure comprehension of serious subject matter.

“This course provides first responders with a better understanding of PTSD, how to cope with symptoms and suicidal thoughts, and how to identify indicators from peers who may be struggling,” said Marc Scheipe, who serves as executive vice president for Vector Solutions’ public sector business unit. “It’s a dynamic course that we believe can make a difference for firefighters in need.

“Emergency responders are there for all of us when we need them. They always answer the bell and are left to deal with the emotional toll afterward. We now understand the impact PTSD can have and its impact shouldn’t be ignored. We’re happy to make this course available to anyone who wants to learn more about the danger signs and how to get help.”

TargetSolutions’ online training catalog for fire departments features more than 500 hours of content, including 250 hours of Fire and EMS continuing education. To gain free access to the all-new PTSD training course, pl