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Welcome

The Finest Supporting the Bravest!

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

Hospital Unveils New Air Ambulance

Posted: Jun 27, 2017

Hospital Unveils New Air Ambulance

When there's a medical emergency within a roughly 100-mile radius of the Flathead Valley, the Kalispell Regional Healthcare ALERT crew is ready - now with a new $4 million helicopter. Matthew Weller, a pilot with ALERT, walked around the Bell 407 GXP Monday afternoon, his hand running along the bright red helicopter.

In the upgraded model, the engine and flight instruments are integrated on two large LCD displays within the pilot’s reach. He then walked toward the legacy helicopter and pointed to steam gages scattered throughout its flight desk system.

“From the outside it may be difficult, but it’s pretty easy to spot which one is newer with a look here,” Weller said as he nodded toward the controls.

The new aircraft includes autopilot to help reduce pilot fatigue and workload. It also features updated traffic and terrain avoidance systems, a moving map display and a synthetic vision to reveal the terrain of the land below.

McCutchenville Tests New Extrication Equipment

McCUTCHENVILLE - McCutchenville Volunteer Fire Department tested its new Genesis hydraulic rescue tools at its fire station Wednesday evening. McCutchenville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robbie Miller said the department paid for the set through a fall party fundraiser that contributes to the McCutchenville Volunteer Fireman's Fund.

The set includes a spreader, cutter, mini cutter, 31-inch ram and accessories to make the equipment work.

Kurt Schoenfeld, of Howell Rescue Systems, delivered the equipment and lead the training exercise, which included ways to stabilize a vehicle as well as more efficient ways to extricate with the new tools.

Beloit Fire Department's Equipment Gets Overhaul

BELOIT - Some of the Beloit Fire Department's rescue equipment is getting an overhaul, and the department is currently working on training department staff on using the updated gear this week. Through capital improvement funds provided by the city, the department replaced its aging extrication rescue gear for $200,000 over the course of 2016 and this year.

Through capital improvement funds provided by the city, the department replaced its aging extrication rescue gear for $200,000 over the course of 2016 and this year. The new gear, which is mainly used to pull crash victims out of vehicles, replaces 25-year-old extrication equipment.

The new tools are lighter, easier to use, are safer and are over a third faster than the previous generation of outdated tools. The change in gear reflects the vast changes made to vehicles over the last 25 years, with automobile manufacturers using lightweight heavy metals like titanium in the body frames. The old gear had trouble cutting into these metals.

Toyne Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Toyne fire apparatus

It all started in 1942 when blacksmith ‘Gib’ Toyne was asked by the City of Schleswig, Iowa, to produce a fire truck that would be mounted on a Model A Ford chassis. In 1978, longtime employee Roger Schwabe purchased the growing apparatus manufacturer from Toyne in 1978, and sons Mike and Bill Schwabe run the company today. Since its inception, Toyne, Inc. has consistently delivered quality-built fire apparatus to departments across the nation.

2017 marks 75 years of building a reputation for manufacturing fire trucks that will be there when emergency personnel need them the most. Throughout the year, Toyne looks to promote their achieved longevity via sharing customer success stories, social media giveaways, as well as a 75th Anniversary event that will be open to the public.

Toyne Tailored Apparatus, which has become synonymous with quality over the years, continues to remain dedicated to the fire apparatus industry. From the first pumper that was delivered to Schleswig, Iowa, to the industry-recognized PRV™ slide out and down pump panel, Toyne’s innovations continue to catch the attention of departments all over the United States. Through their unique stall-built processes, the Breda, Iowa-based company works closely with each customer to ensure that every inch of the apparatus is built to their exact specifications.

“We are fortunate to have such a dedicated, experienced team,” said company president Mike Schwabe. “Each employee brings experience to what we do, and in turn, helps improve our processes and the apparatus we deliver.”

Schwabe went on to say, “We want to extend our most sincere appreciation to all of our customers. Thank you for trusting our team to engineer fire apparatus that aid you when you take the call. You are all part of our 75th Anniversary and we hope that you join us in celebrating this milestone.”

Toyne embarked on a company rebranding initiative in 2012 that consisted of a new logo, positioning statement, “Built to take the call," the fire apparatus industry’s first mobile-friendly website, and a plethora of enhanced marketing and dealer network tools.

Those looking to learn more about Toyne and their 75th Anniversary are urged to visit www.Toyne.com and to engage with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/ToyneFireTrucks) and Twitter (Twitter.com/ToyneFireTrucks).