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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: May 14, 2025

Henderson (KY) Breaks Ground on New Fire Station 1

HENDERSON, Kentucky (May 13, 2025)—The city of Henderson officially broke ground on the new Fire Station 1 this afternoon, marking a major step forward in enhancing the city’s emergency response capabilities and public safety infrastructure, the city said in a press release. City officials, fire department leadership, and members of the community gathered to celebrate the launch of this state-of-the-art facility.

The new 20,000-square-foot station will replace the city’s aging central station and is designed to meet the current and future needs of both the Henderson Fire Department and the growing community it serves.

“This new facility represents a huge leap forward for our department and our city,” said Josh Dixon Henderson Fire Chief. “It’s about faster responses, better training, and being more equipped to serve Henderson residents in every emergency.”

Key features and benefits of the new Fire Station 1 include:

  • Safe Haven Baby Box: Henderson Fire Station 1 will be equipped with the city’s only Safe Haven Baby Box, providing a safe, secure, and anonymous option for parents in crisis to legally surrender a newborn. This life-saving resource offers compassion and protection for both infants and parents.
  • Modern Bay Doors: The station will include bi-fold bay doors that open more quickly than traditional doors, require less maintenance, and improve both visibility and response times. These doors also enhance the building’s overall appearance with a clean, modern look.
  • Advanced Training Facilities: The station will house a large training room capable of hosting outside training classes, allowing the Henderson Fire Department to collaborate with other agencies and expand professional development. A built-in training tower will support critical, year-round firefighter training—including: high rope rescue, confined space operations, hose deployment, and simulated smoke conditions.
  • Centralized Equipment Storage: Once again the station will house both the rescue apparatus and the fire boat together in a centrally located facility. This will allow for quicker deployment and decreased response times, ultimately leading to better service for Henderson residents.
  • Improved Access to Densely Populated Areas: The central location of Fire Station 1 will provide faster access to Henderson’s most densely populated areas, ensuring more efficient emergency response where it’s needed most. This includes enhanced coverage for residents in the East End, who will benefit from quicker access to first responders and a greater sense of security. 

This facility isn’t just a building—it’s a commitment to safety, training, and service,” said Mayor Brad Staton. “It will help ensure our firefighters have the tools they need to protect our community, now and for generations to come.”

Construction is underway, and the facility is expected to be operational by the beginning of 2027.

The post Henderson (KY) Breaks Ground on New Fire Station 1 appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

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Posted: May 14, 2025

Helpful Hints for Thermal Imaging, Part 4

MANFRED KIHN

These helpful hints consist of different applications or approaches to using thermal imaging as well as tactical techniques.

As with anything that we do in the fire service, proficiency only happens with continuous practice. This month, we will talk about misinterpretation, aerial apparatus safety, life safety equipment, training, and exposure protection.

MISINTERPRETATION

Beware of reflections. Modern-day kitchens are a potential room full of mirrors. Stainless appliances, granite counters, high-gloss wood cabinets, and marble/ceramic floors can all give false impressions. One of the most common rooms for the fire can also be offering the most reflective and possibly misleading images. Note that reflective surfaces can give you false images of the location of the actual fire. Always give yourself a wave if you see yourself or other firefighters to confirm that you are looking at yourself, as you will detect reflections of others. Determine what is real and what is not!

AERIAL APPARATUS SAFETY

A thermal imager (TI) is a valuable tool to identify overhead power wires prior to positioning an aerial apparatus in smoky and nighttime operations. This applies to using any ground extension ladders as well. Use a TI to determine the best placement for the fire apparatus, keeping a safe distance from overhead hydro lines. The distance should adhere to local regulations and safety guidelines. Note that when conducting a 360° size- up, include this observation each time for safety reasons. Regularly check the area with the TI to ensure there are no issues with hydro lines that could pose a risk to crew safety. If too many electrical hazards exist, have the power company cut the power in this area to ensure that any small incidents will not have a shocking outcome.

Monitoring excessive heat

1 Reflections from a double-door stainless steel fridge. (Photos courtesy of Bullard unless otherwise noted.)

LIFE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Mount the TI in the apparatus where it is in plain sight—not hidden so it gets forgotten. Use the TI like you would any other life safety equipment. Always carry it with you. Note that all TI manufacturers have a vehicle-mounted powerhouse charger that can properly secure and charge a TI during transport and when sitting in the firehouse.

Always follow the TI manufacturer’s installation instructions. A department that only uses its TI in the most catastrophic of circumstances is not receiving maximum benefit from a capable and valuable piece of equipment. Bringing the TI with you off the apparatus is taking the first step!

Monitoring excessive heat

2 Observation of overhead power lines.

Monitoring excessive heat

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Posted: May 14, 2025

SC Firefighter Injured When Apparatus Overturns

A fire apparatus overturned in Anderson County, South Carolina, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, wyff4.com reported.

The accident occurred on Fire Station Road in Easley as firefighters were responding to a house fire.

Fire officials said one firefighter has minor injuries, but is expected to recover, the report said.

The post SC Firefighter Injured When Apparatus Overturns appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

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Posted: May 14, 2025

St. Joseph (MO) Selects Location for New South Side Fire Station

Jenna Wilson
St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.
(TNS)

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — City officials agreed on the final location for a new South Side fire station at 303 East Hyde Park Ave. in St. Joseph.

The department recently partnered with the architectural firm SEH to begin conceptual planning for the new Fire Station 10, evaluating three proposed locations in the south side, with this one identified as the most efficient.

“This took a lot of planning and it was a tough decision before we reached one,” said Jamey McVicker, St. Joseph Fire Department interim fire chief. “Our driving force has always been response times. We want to reach the community within four minutes of receiving a call.”

Other potential locations for the fire station included 5008 King Hill Ave. and 212 Alabama St. The challenge with the King Hill Avenue site was its location being too far north, which would hinder a timely response to the south end of the city.

While the 212 Alabama Street site fell within an acceptable response time range, the financial drawback was significant, as the city does not own that property like it does the one at East Hyde Park Avenue.

“The budget for this project was $4.29 million, and I estimate the savings from choosing this location to be between $200,000 and $400,000,” McVicker said.

Placing the fire station at 303 East Hyde Park Ave. also allows for future expansion, should the city continue to grow.

“More importantly, this is about the city’s anticipated future growth,” City Manager Mike Schumacher said. “Fire stations last a long time — 50 years or more. So, it’s not just about what we need today but what we expect to need 25 or 30 years from now. That’s a key part of how this was planned.”

Although discussions are still in the early stages, SJFD is exploring a collaboration with Buchanan County EMS to co-locate the new station under one roof, enhancing team-based response efforts.

© 2025 the St. Joseph News-Press (St. Joseph, Mo.). Visit www.newspressnow.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The post St. Joseph (MO) Selects Location for New South Side Fire Station appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

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Fire Mechanics Section Board

Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Chair

Elliot Courage
North Whatcom Fire & Rescue
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Vice Chair

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Vice Chair

Mike Smith 
Pierce County Fire District #5
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Secretary

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Secretary

Greg Bach
South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue
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Director #1

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #1

Doug Jones
South Kitsap Fire & Rescue
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Director #2

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #2

Paul Spencer 
Fire Fleet Maintenance LLC
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Director #3

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #3

Jim Morris
Mountain View Fire Department
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Director #4

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #4

Arnie Kuchta

Clark County Fire District 6

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Director #6

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #6

Brett Annear
Kitsap County Fire District 18
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Director #5

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Director #5

Jay Jacks
Camano Island Fire & Rescue
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Legislative Representative

Posted: Oct 21, 2015

Legislative Representative

TBD
TBD
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Immediate Past Chair

Posted: Oct 20, 2015

Immediate Past Chair

Brian Fortner
Graham Fire & Rescue

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