TheFireStore, the nation’s leading multi-channel distributor of public-safety equipment, supplies, training, and service, is excited to offer the ultimate in versatility in a firefighter’s light: the new Streamlight Vantage 180 Helmet/Right Angle Multifunction Flashlight. Able to seamlessly transition from a helmet light to a handheld light to right-angle light, the Vantage 180 can easily accommodate the diverse needs of firefighters.
Available from TheFireStore since January, its C4® LED and custom Total Internal Reflection optic emit a narrow beam of light with optimum peripheral illumination. An ideal combination of a right-angle light, a handheld light, and a helmet-mounted light, the Vantage 180’s head articulates 180 degrees, allowing you the ability to aim the beam wherever you need it.
The Vantage 180’s effectiveness lies in its superior practicality when used on-scene: A firefighter responding to the scene of a vehicle accident will first need to perform a size-up of the damaged vehicles. If there is little-to-no light available, a firefighter only needs the Vantage 180 attached either above or below the brim of either a traditional or modern helmet in order to provide convenient, hands-free use and ample illumination of the surrounding area.
Once at the vehicle, a firefighter can quickly detach the light from the helmet – even while wearing gloves – and use it to perform a detailed examination of it. Later on, the Vantage 180 can be reattached to the helmet, and its bevel can be turned downward and aimed at any paperwork that needs to be completed, thereby freeing up your hands to write a thorough assessment of the incident.
The Vantage 180’s head can also be rotated 90 degrees toward the push-button switch to form a right-angle light, which automatically changes its taillight LED from a blue safety light to a white, downcast floodlight.
“The Streamlight Vantage 180 is the first of its kind,” according to TheFireStore Product Specialist Mac Brostrom. “Firefighters will value it because it saves them from having to carry one light over another or perhaps even carrying all three styles at once, which isn’t ideal since they are already loaded with heavy gear.”
Thanks to its waterproof, impact-resistant, nylon-polymer body, you can be assured the Vantage 180 has the durability to endure any hardship experienced on-scene. In addition to its usefulness to fire-and-rescue operations, it is well-suited for industrial security, law enforcement, and public works and utilities applications. Some additional specs include the following:
· C4 ® LED is impervious to shock with a 50,000-hour lifetime
· the high-lighting mode provides a super-bright spot beam: 250 lumens, 7,200 candelas, 170-meter beam, runs for four hours
· the low-lighting mode has a less-intense beam and a longer run-time: 100 lumens, 2,650 candelas, 103-meter beam, 12-hour run-time
· super-tough, nylon-polymer body provides a secure grip and is IPX7 waterproof down to one meter for 30 minutes
· impact-resistant up to one meter
For more information and to get yours, be sure to visit Read more
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Posted: Feb 28, 2017
Coxreels’ three-way (lock, free spin, and rewind) pin lock is an upgraded pin lock for heavy duty applications and is now patent approved. Beyond locking the reel during transport with a solid ¾-inch pin, the lever action pin lock is designed for easy use with a gloved hand that activates the electric rewind of the reel--no more difficult buttons to hold down with a thumb! With mobile applications in mind, the pin lock safely secures the reel and eases the activation of the rewind while ensuring the two actions are mutually exclusive. The pin lock engages into a separate ring or the chain sprocket rather than into the side of the drum side disc for extra strength and reliable activation.
The pin lock can be installed on either side of the reel and, with the use of the universal bracket, can be installed in 0, 30, 60, or 90 degrees rotation in respect to the base mount surface of the reel.
In addition to the 1-inch & 1.5-inch 1600 Series, the pin lock feature is now available on the 2-inch 1195 Series.
For further information on Coxreels® three-way pin lock mechanism, contact Customer Service at (800) 269-7335 or visit www.coxreels.com.
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Posted: Feb 28, 2017
By Richard Marinucci
I was talking to a veteran firefighter recently about the job and how things were going. He was relatively young, in his 40s, and more than midway through his career. He was questioning whether he could make it another 10 years or so to get to retirement. It wasn’t because he didn’t like the job. Quite the contrary. He remains passionate about his work and enjoys the many challenges. He wasn’t necessarily concerned about his health, though he did admit recovery time is not like it once was! The issue was more about the mental aspects of the job.
The firefighter runs a fairly large number of calls per shift. Surprisingly, it is not the major, significant incidents that have him pause to reflect on the value of his contributions to the community. No—it is more about the routine, seemingly insignificant calls that are taking their toll. This firefighter is not a whiner by any means and someone who takes the job seriously. He trains daily and is committed to making his organization better.
I know there are many in the fire service who are looking at this situation. It certainly merits significant attention. It is extremely important to take care of those who are totally committed to the fire service. These are the folks who deserve our best effort. We cannot afford to lose those who really want to do the right thing and are not tainted. Sure, there are dilettantes in our business (go ahead, look it up or Google it). Sometimes we focus on the few who seem oblivious to the circumstances. These are not the ones we should be concerned about. We need to focus on the high performers who may need help but aren’t as likely to ask for it.
Somewhere along the line we have lost focus on the important contributors in organizations. We often spend an inordinate amount of time on those who are marginally contributing. These cases are sometimes used to indicate that “anyone” can do the job. If you don’t care about quality, then yes, anyone can do the job. It is like saying that anyone can drive a car but we all know people who shouldn’t be behind the wheel. Just because anyone can do the job, doesn’t mean that they should. So, the challenges are to identify those who merit the attention and diffuse the “pretenders” and “naysayers” who can’t relate.
This is not an easy thing; it involves changing some paradigms and recognizing that the right investment in personnel pays off in a better organization. We cannot ignore these issues any longer and really need to look at the entire package—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. We all know firefighters who were injured and were provided the proper treatment to get them back to full service and contribution. This approach needs to be taken regarding mental aspects. Unfortunately there is a long way to go. Firefighters and their supervisors have very little preparation in this area. Few can recognize issues, and even fewer know what to do if they do recognize something is amiss. I implore everyone to pay attention to the great work being done in the area of mental health and wellness.
One of the real issues to me is that the general public will never really understand this. I am not even sure the majority of firefighters get it. My point is that those that are truly passionate in their work may be most susceptible. This is not to say that it is everyone. I have worked with some great people who had a method of dealing with issues that seemed to work for them. To that I say, good for them. But I have also known some good people who could have used a little assistance to get them past some hard times and keep them on the job. It is such a waste of talent when you lose someone r
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