PRESS RELEASE

FREDERICK, Maryland – Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky joined Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater Wednesday, Oct. 9 to announce a total of $3.4 million in grants from the State agency to the County. Funds will be used for a range of projects, including the purchase of one of the first electric fire apparatus on the East Coast. Other initiatives include installing energy-efficient lights, saving residents money on their home electric bills, and building a resilience center at the County-owned Prospect Center. 

“My administration is proud to not only help our residents find avenues toward a more sustainable home and lifestyle, but also set an example by engaging in long-term clean energy projects at the County level,” County Executive Fitzwater said. “The Moore-Miller Administration and MEA are fantastic partners. I appreciate Director Pinsky’s steadfast support of Frederick County’s energy conservation efforts.”

The purchase of an electric fire apparatus is supported by a $262,432 Medium Duty & Heavy Duty ZEV MEA grant. Electric fire trucks reduce emissions, fuel use, and noise pollution. They can be fully recharged in 90 minutes. “This initiative affirms our commitment to environmental sustainability and, more crucially, the health and safety of our first responders,” said Frederick County Fire Chief Tom Coe, Director of the Division of Fire and Rescue Services.

MEA also awarded two grants totaling over $1.8 million to Frederick County for the Power Saver Retrofits Program, which helps residents make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. Other MEA grants funded the installation of LED lights at the Thurmont Regional Library and in Pinecliff, Fountain Rock, Libertytown, and Middletown Parks and electric vehicles and chargers ($234,835 combined); and $1 million to support the construction of a resiliency hub at the Prospect Center.

APPARATUS: THE SHOPS

Michael Huber

The cost of fire apparatus represents a substantial challenge for both career and volunteer fire departments. Effectively addressing these challenges necessitates strategic planning, the pursuit of diverse funding sources, and exploring cost-saving measures such as shared purchasing agreements (HGAC, NOVA, Sourcewell) or acquiring used equipment.

Given the increasing costs associated with fire apparatus, it is crucial to prioritize maintaining existing equipment to extend its operational lifespan and ensure continued readiness.

Selecting a fire apparatus dealer as a repair facility or a technician is a crucial decision, as it impacts the quality, reliability, and support of your emergency response equipment. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Research and recommendations: Start by asking for recommendations from friends or colleagues who have experience with apparatus technicians. Check with surrounding departments.
2. Customer service: Evaluate a facility’s responsiveness to your inquiries and its willingness to provide detailed information. Ascertain through references how it handles post repair support.
3. Check certifications: Look for technicians who are certified by reputable organizations, such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification Commission. This ensures they have the necessary skills and knowledge.
4. Experience with your apparatus: Ensure the technician has experience with the specific make and model of your apparatus. All apparatus have unique systems and parts, so experience with your make of vehicle is important.
5. Visit the shop: Visit the repair facility to assess its cleanliness, organization, and equipment. A well-maintained shop often reflects the quality of work.
6. Geographic location: Consider the dealer’s location relative to your department. A local facility may offer quicker service and support.
7. Ask questions: Inquire about the technicians’ experience, specialties, and the types of repairs they handle. Discuss any specific issues your apparatus has, to see how they approach diagnosis and repair.

8. Check warranties: Ask about warranties on parts and labor. A good dealer and mechanic should stand by their work and offer some form of warranty.
9. Communication: Choose a dealer or technician who communicates clearly and keeps you informed about the status of repairs. Good communication helps build trust and ensures you’re aware of what’s being done to your apparatus.
10. Trust your instincts: If you’re uncomfortable or feel pressured, it’s okay to seek out another dealership or technician.
11. Trial run: If possible, start with a smaller job or maintenance task to test the technicians’ service quality before entrusting them with more significant repairs.
12. Discuss emergency repairs: Since fire apparatus are critical in emergencies, ask about a shop’s/ technician’s ability to handle urgent repairs and turnaround times for critical issues. Check if the dealer/ technician offers 24/7 support or emergency assistance.
13. Long-term relationship: Think about t

New Hope firefighters from the West Metro Fire-Rescue District got a chance to see the electric fire apparatus Pierce Manufacturing and MacQueen are taking around the country to show those on the frontlines how it works, cbsnews.com reported.

The apparatus reduces carbon emissions, but its quiet nature also allows for better communication and operations, which makes it safer for first responders, the report said. 

The electric fire apparatus costs close to $2 million, which is about double the cost of a diesel-powered engine, according to the report. The cost hasn’t stopped cities like St. Paul and Roseville from moving towards electric.

The apparatus is made in Appleton, Wisconsin. Minnesota has also played a part in manufacturing parts for electric fire apparatus with a plant in Wyoming, Minnesota.

By Jonathan Miller

The Colony Fire Department upgraded its Battalion Chief Incident Command vehicle recently to one that now includes workstations, and celebrated the switch over with a push-in ceremony.

Here’s a video of the department’s push-in ceremony, held Oct. 2 at Firehouse No. 1.

The new battalion is a 2023 Ford F550 with long wheelbase and a storage box called Command Access Vehicle customized for the fire service. It replaces a Chevrolet Suburban, which served as the first battalion vehicle when the department created the battalion chief position in 2010.

“This new vehicle was custom designed for our needs,” Chief Scott Thompson said. “It has more space and a much better layout for command and control of emergency operations. The old vehicle will be placed in reserve status for the battalion chief to use when the new one is having service performed. This new vehicle has 63 cubic feet more usable space versus a standard pickup bed. It is also equipped with the latest technology and a tethered drone that will feed real time intel to the incident commander.”

The new battalion vehicle, assigned to the on-duty shift commander, will be housed at Fire Headquarters and Engine Company 11. The new rig has three work stations, storage for personal protective equipment (PPE), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for two, and hand tools.

PPE, SCBA, extinguishers, and hand tools are stored on the driver side at the front of the Command Access. To the rear of the Command Access on the driver side is a workstation for SCBA tracking and accountability. The rear of the unit is for the IC and houses a command board and monitor. On the passenger side, the front of the box contains a LUCAS® chest compression system, CYANOKIT®, a portable command board, and a tethered drone with video feed. The rear section of the Command Access on the passenger side is an additional command position.

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