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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: Jun 28, 2017

MSA to Acquire Firefighter Turnout Gear Manufacturer Globe Manufacturing Company

  • With this acquisition, MSA strengthens its position as a leader in the North American market for firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE), while expanding its core product portfolio in a key customer segment.
  • Transaction is valued at $215 million, or approximately 2 times revenue and 9 times EBITDA on trailing 12-month basis
  • Expected to be accretive to GAAP reported EPS in the first 12 months following the closing of the transaction
  • Transaction will be financed through incremental borrowings with an after-tax cost of less than 2 percent

PITTSBURGH, PA—MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE: MSA) has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Globe Holding Company, LLC (“Globe”) in an all-cash transaction valued at $215 million. Based in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, Globe is a leading innovator and provider of firefighter protective clothing and boots, with annual revenue of approximately $110 million and 420 employees at four U.S. locations.

“Helping to keep firefighters safe has been a constant of MSA’s mission since the 1920s,” said William M. Lambert, MSA Chairman and CEO. “With virtually no product overlap, this acquisition aligns extremely well with our corporate strategy in that it strengthens our leading position in the North American fire service market and it expands our Core Product portfolio in a key customer segment.”

Founded in 1887, Globe is North America’s oldest and largest manufacturer of firefighter protective clothing—referred to as ‘turnout gear’ in the fire service industry. The company has earned a reputation for providing high-quality, customized gear that combines innovative design with advanced construction methods that utilize state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and processes.

Most recently, the company introduced a line of athletic-inspired turnout gear featuring fabrics that are significantly lighter in weight when compared to conventional gear. Called ATHLETIX™, the new protective clothing integrates stretch fabrics that allow a close, body-contoured fit to provide an unprecedented range of motion and flexibility.

“The acquisition of Globe comes at a time when the fire service industry is undergoing a significant mindset shift regarding firefighter health and wellness,” Mr. Lambert noted. “Given this trend, which is driving a need for multiple sets of turnout gear for individual firefighters, as well as a heightened awareness concerning the importance of routine laundering and care, this acquisition nicely positions MSA and Globe to meet those needs as well as any potential increase in the demand for firefighter turnout gear,” Mr. Lambert said.

Globe President Don Welch commented, “From the start, this acquisition has been about securing the future of Globe with a good fit for both organizations—from a culture standpoint, from a product synergy perspective and from a market coverage point of view,” he said. “We are excited about today’s news as we see this acquisition as a great match for Globe and for MSA on all of these fronts.”

Mr. Lambert concluded: “The brands of MSA, Cairns Helmets (owned by MSA) and Globe represent more than 400 combined years of serving the fire service industry, with one common goal: protecting the health and safety of firefighters. Our combined organization will leverage both companies’ deep knowledge of firefighter needs, as well as our intense dedication to the individual firefighter, to create a dy

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Posted: Jun 28, 2017

Fire Truck Photo of the Day-Sutphen Pumper

Riviera Beach (FL) Fire Rescue pumper. Monarch cab and chassis; Cummins ISL9 450-hp engine; Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm pump.

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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.


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Posted: Jun 27, 2017

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.


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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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