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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: Dec 14, 2022

Old Fire Station 8 in St. Joseph (MO) Sold to City Councilman

Quinn Ritzdorf
St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.
(TNS)

St. Joseph (MO) City Councilman Andy Trout

Dec. 13—The St. Joseph City Council approved the sale of the old fire station at 3308 Mitchell Ave. to one of its own — City Councilman Andy Trout.

After the new fire station at 4500 Mitchell Avenue was built, the city moved out of the old one right down the street and put it up for sale. It’s a move the city has had success with in the past, with old stations becoming homes or businesses.

A request for proposal was issued on Oct. 7, and in a month, the city received nine bids. All bids were submitted in sealed envelopes that remained sealed until after the bid deadline, according to city documents.

Stealhead Holdings, LLC, which is owned by Trout, was the highest bid at $80,000. Trout has refrained from participating in discussions regarding the selection of the bid, including not attending a closed-door meeting about the issue. He also abstained from the vote Monday, which passed 6-1-1, with City Councilman Madison Davis as the lone dissenting vote.

“I just did not agree with the purchaser — it was a fellow council member,” Davis said. “I didn’t think that council members should be purchasing city property.”

Trout said he plans to renovate the second floor of the fire station into a temporary guest space, like an Airbnb, and turn the first floor, where the fire truck was parked, into an event space. The location of the fire station is unique in that it is situated in a largely residential area.

“I’d just like to see something that the neighborhood is accepting of,” Davis said. “If it’s a business, that would be great. Whatever sits with the neighborhood and the neighbors in the area.”

According to the bill, city staff members review proposals based on use and price. Trout’s proposed use complies with the zoning code and “would allow the public access to this historic structure in the future to remember its place in St. Joseph history.”

The funds from this real estate sale will go toward the general fund and the fire department to purchase and maintain vehicles.

Other news and notes:

Fire department raises

The council unanimously appropriated $334,884 to implement the previously negotiated pay increases with the fire department.

The pay plan includes an annual increase of 4% (up from 3%) and modifies the longevity plan to provide the full amount of longevity increases in 20 years rather than 35. Currently, employees get a 5% increase after year 5 and a 2.5% increase after years 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35. Under the revised plan, they will get 5% increases after years 5, 10, 15 and 20. It goes into effect at the start of the year.

Legal recreati

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Posted: Dec 14, 2022

Charlotte (NC) Orders All-Electric Vector Pumper for Its New All-Electric Fire House

BRANDON, SD – Dec. 14, 2022 – Spartan Emergency Response, a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc., and leading manufacturer of fire apparatus, announces Charlotte Fire Department has ordered an all-electric Vector fire truck, expected to be the first of its kind in the Southeast. This all-electric fire truck will be housed in the city’s first all-electric fire house set to open in 2024.

Equipped with 327 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of proven automotive-grade batteries, Charlotte’s Vector will deliver the longest electric pumping duration in the industry, enabling its fire department to accomplish typical driving and pumping tasks exclusively on electrically generated power. The design also features low battery cell placement, offering a safer, lower center of gravity for enhanced stability while operating.

Charlotte’s Station 30 will be a three-bay, two-story, all-electric firehouse on a three-acre site across the street from the Police and Fire Training Academy. The 14,000-square-foot facility will house Vector, charging apparatus and additional elements to make it a fully electric facility.

As the first all-electric North American style fire truck, Vector will be similar in design to Charlotte’s current fleet of Smeal fire apparatus, offering firefighters the same truck style and working features they are used to, making for a smooth transition.

“We are honored to continue serving the Charlotte Fire Department, a longtime Smeal pumper and aerial customer,” said Chris Wade, Spartan Director of Sales. “Working with Fire Chief Reginald Johnson, Fleet Manager Capt. Josh Westbrooks and their teams, we are excited to partner with them on this electric fire truck and this future vision for the Queen City.”

REV Fire Group introduced the Vector fire truck in August 2021, representing the latest in green, energy-efficient technology for the daily use of fire services. Atlantic Coast Fire Trucks, an authorized dealer for Spartan, Smeal and Ladder Tower, is handling the order and delivery is expected in 2024.

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About Spartan Emergency Response

Spartan Emergency Response, comprised of REV Group subsidiaries Spartan Fire, LLC, Smeal SFA, LLC, Smeal LTC, LLC and Smeal Holding, LLC, is a North American leader in the emergency response market and offers brands including Spartan Authorized Parts, Spartan Factory Service Centers, Spartan Fire Chassis, Smeal, and Ladder Tower. Spartan Emergency Response vehicles are well known for safety, quality, durability, aftermarket product support, and first-to-market innovation. The company operates facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Nebraska.

About REV Group, Inc.

REV Group® companies are leading designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, which serve a diversified customer base, primarily in the United States, through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation. They provide customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public services (ambulances, fire apparatus, school buses, and transit buses), commercial infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers), and consumer leisure (recreational vehicles). REV Group’s diverse portfolio is made up of well-established principal vehicle brands, including many of the most recognizable names within their industry. Several of REV Group’s brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years. REV Group trades on the NYSE under the symbol REVG. Investors-REVG

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Posted: Dec 14, 2022

Photo Apparatus of the Day: December 14, 2022

Alexis—Clendenin (WV) Volunteer Fire Department mini pumper. Ford F-550 cab and chassis; 475-hp 6.7L 4V OHV Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine; Hale DSD 1,500-gpm pump; 300-gallon ProPoly polypropylene water tank; 100 feet of 1-inch booster hose at rear. Dealer: Christopher Fletcher, Heritage Fire Equipment, Columbus, OH.


PREVIOUS PHOTO OF THE DAY >>

MORE FIRE APPARATUS ARTICLES >>

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Posted: Dec 14, 2022

South Charleston (WV) Fire Department Gets New Boat

South Charleston Fire Department received a new, state-of-the-art fire boat that officials say will be used to in their community and neighboring areas, wowktv.com reported.

The 30-foot-long boat is part of a Protection and Rescue upgrade, the report said. It comes with a hose for fire suppression as well as night vision and sonar equipment for underwater searches. Officials say the boat can also monitor chemical levels in the water.

The fire boat comes from a port security grant with a goal of faster response times and help for surrounding areas, according to the report.

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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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