By Chris Mc Loone

According to Dan Meyer, senior manager, marketing and communications for Pierce Manufacturing, FDIC International offers a wealth of opportunities for attendees to see and learn about anything and everything related to the fire service—from new aerial apparatus to new mobile apps. “To have all of these products and services in one location gives fire departments the chance to see, touch, compare, make connections, and get answers to their questions so that they can best serve their communities,” he says. 

He adds that FDIC International attendees have the opportunity to take advantage of a wide range of learning opportunities—whether in a classroom setting, in hands-on training, or on the show floor. “Firefighters have made a sizable investment in time and resources to be at FDIC International,” says Meyer, “and we owe it to them to not only have a wide range of apparatus on hand but also our best people present, who will listen to them and collect their ideas and feedback.

At FDIC International 2017, Pierce is introducing the all-new Ascendant class of aerials. Meyer says the 107-foot heavy-duty steel ladder on a single rear axle was only the beginning. “Now, the 107-foot Ascendant ladder is available on a tandem axle and a tractor-drawn tiller,” says Meyer. “In addition, a 110-foot Ascendant platform is available on both tandem and single rear axle configurations. The technologies from the original Ascendant ladder, launched at FDIC International 2015, have developed into an entire class of aerials that set the new benchmark for performance.”

Also in the Pierce booth, Oshkosh Airport Products is introducing its all-new Oshkosh Striker 8x8 aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle. “This is the most powerful ARFF vehicle in the company’s history,” says Meyer. “The Striker 8x8’s driving force is an identical pair of Scania rear-mounted, low-emission engines that deliver 1,540 total horsepower.”

Meyer says it’s difficult to overestimate the value of connecting with more than 30,000 firefighters at FDIC International. “Between Pierce staff and our dealer network, we’ll have several hundred people in attendance at FDIC,” he says. “The most important part of exhibiting at FDIC is using the many opportunities available to us to listen to and learn from firefighters. At Pierce, we take each and every apparatus manufactured personally, so it’s difficult to overestimate the value of an annual opportunity to connect with 30,000-plus firefighters.”

Pierce products will be on display at booths 5647, 8807, 14000, and 14010.

By Chris Mc Loone

FDIC International brings together major players as well as newer players to the largest North American exhibition. Here, you will see the newest products as well as get a chance to preview products that are in a company’s pipeline. Every so often, a fire service supplier will use FDIC International not only as a launch pad for a new product, but also to provide attendees with a glimpse of what may be coming in the future. Such is the case for Rosenbauer America at FDIC International 2017.

According to Neil Chaney, marketing and digital media, Rosenbauer America, the company will be unveiling the Concept Fire Truck, which is a glimpse into the future service using advanced technologies. “We will also be introducing the Avenger fire service chassis, which features all-new sleek styling presentation, adjustable rear seating along the rear wall, an extreme-duty aluminum dash, and an engine tunnel protected with Line-X,” says Chaney.

He adds that exposure to new technologies is one of the benefits of attending FDIC International. “The benefit attendees gain from attending exhibits at FDIC is seeing the latest in firefighting technology,” says Chaney. “As Rosenbauer is a leader in innovation for the fire service, we showcase our engineering efforts to produce safer fire apparatus for firefighters.” He continues, “FDIC provides attendees with an experience they will not get anywhere else in the country, which the largest number of fire service vendors’ products experience products first hand.”

There is also a benefit for exhibitors, Chaney comments. “Exhibiting at FDIC provides our Rosenbauer dealer network an opportunity to meet up with their customers who are participating in classes during the week.”

Rosenbauer America is exhibiting at booths 5201, 14019, 14020, and 14021.

Tempest Technology Corp., the leading provider of professional firefighting ventilation tools, today announced the VS-1, the first in its Tempest Tech Series of battery-powered blowers. This extremely lightweight, powerful and ergonomic blower overcomes many of the limitations fire departments face today in industrial and firefighting applications, especially for positive pressure ventilation and attack (PPV/PPA). The new product will be unveiled and showcased at FDIC 2017, April 27-29 at booth #3101.

The VS-1 is an extraordinarily lightweight blower (at 48 lbs. including the battery), that still remains powerful and reliable throughout firefighting operations. A lithium-ion battery allows continuous operation for a full 70 minutes while maintaining the highest airflow performance of any battery-powered blower. LED flow-path lighting illuminates the walkway in front of the blower, improving visibility in low light.

Its transverse wheels allow it to be easily rolled into position, and a very compact design makes it easy to maneuver and to store when not in use. An ergonomic design and integrated handle make it a breeze to carry, if necessary, with minimal fatigue and risk of injury.

“The new VS-1 positive pressure blower addresses many of the limitations of products currently available,” said Leroy Coffman, president of Tempest Tech Corp. “Constructing the shroud from spun aluminum and the frame from welded aluminum enabled us to make a powerful blower that is extremely light. This feature, along with the compact and ergonomic design, allows the VS-1 to be easily rolled or carried, minimizing firefighter fatigue and risk of injury. We believe that fire agencies will be excited about a battery-powered blower that offers 70 minutes of operating time and doesn’t need to be carried.”

When implemented properly, PPV has proven be a very effective way to increase visibility, decrease toxic atmosphere, reduce risk of flashover and backdraft, and decrease the temperatures between the fire seat and both victims and firefighters, thus saving lives. Battery-powered blowers can be instantly turned on, require less maintenance than gas-powered blowers, are easier to transport and turn on than electric blowers, and do not introduce combustion products into the airstream. The VS-1 combines the advantages of a battery-powered blower with the lightness and reliability of a gas or electric powered blower.

Now available, the VS-1 will be unveiled and showcased at FDIC 2017 April 27-29 at booth #3101. Contact your local Tempest dealer for more information or to purchase the VS-1 PPV blower.

About Tempest Technology Corp.

More than three decades ago, Tempest found its start in producing quality, American made hot-air balloon inflators for professionals and hobbyists around the nation. Shortly after inception, we were involved in the pioneering of a new firefighting technique called positive pressure ventilation/attack or PPV/PPA. Tempest’s high performance inflators were just what the fire industry was looking for in deployment of this ground breaking tactic. PPV became well known for its success along with Tempest’s reputation for being the first and only manufacturer with the perfect tool for the job at hand. Since then, Tempest has grown substantially to become the world’s leading producer of tools used in a wide array of ventilation applications. All products manufactured by Tempest Technology Corp. have one goal in mind