ELMHURST, Ill., November 10, 2016 — When responding to emergencies, firefighters need to get out the door as quickly as possible. This sense of urgency means the fire truck often exits the garage before it is completely clear of the automatic door, leading to unplanned repairs to the door and vehicles. LiftMaster® – the number one brand of professionally installed garage door openers and access solutions – is helping firefighters and other emergency personnel respond safely and swiftly, and preventing costly repairs and damage to equipment and property, with integrated Emergency Response Solutions.
 
Firehouses can select from a variety of advanced technology and safety accessories that best suit their needs, including LiftMaster’s new Light Curtain (LC-36A). The Light Curtain forms an invisible zone of coverage with 22 infrared cross-beams across the door that prevent contact by stopping and reversing when any of the cross-beams are broken. When used with primary photo eyes, a set of Light Curtains provides an additional 36 inches of vertical coverage, optimal for detecting vehicle bumpers, fire truck ladders and hi-lift work buckets. The Light Curtain also integrates with a Red/Green Traffic Light that flashes green when the door is fully open, alerting firefighters when it is safe to exit the station. The Light Curtain is NEMA 4 rated and designed to work on doors with a maximum width of 33 feet.
 
“At LiftMaster, safety is at the core of everything we do” said John Villanueva, Vice President, Marketing, LiftMaster. “It is this dedication to safety and our commitment to quality that led our team to expand our Emergency Response Solutions and accessories to help first responders do what they do best – protect the communities they serve.”
 
In addition to the Light Curtain and Red/Green Traffic Light, LiftMaster offers commercial door operators, such as the Logic 5.0, that complete with these advanced features:
•    MyQ Technology – ensures secure monitoring and control of the operator with a smartphone, tablet or computer and provides emergency personnel with the ability to confirm door closure while enroute or on-site.
•    Built-in Security+ 2.0™ – provides enhanced range through radio communications and reduced interference – ensuring the door opens and closes reliably every time.
•    Timer-to-Close – increases functionality of th

By Alan M. Petrillo

Tucson (AZ) Fire Department conducted a firefighters' memorial ceremony in early November to honor firefighters who have died while on active duty, in the line of duty, and after retirement.

The department had one active duty death in August 2016, that of Captain Martin Green, says Laura Baker, Tucson Fire's assistant chief.

Six Tucson firefighters have died in the line of duty, Baker says, including Investigator Tom Quesnel in 2014, Firefighter Samuel M. McAnally in 1987, Firefighter Edward H. Bell in 1979, Hoseman Fred L. Van Camp in 1946, Assistant Chief William Katzenstein in 1902, and Chief William "Jack" Boleyn in 1910.

Firefighters who died after retiring from the department also were among those honored at the ceremony. They were Engineer Don Schwarzman, who died in 2005; Firefighter Norm E. Hall (1994); Battalion Chief Frederick K. Ruyner (1984); Battalion Chief Eugene Velasco (1984); Inspector William J. Martin (1980); Engineer Wilfred Discher (1978); and Captain Albert B. Aguilar (1973).

The ceremony was conducted at the firefighters’ memorial located outside the main entrance to Fire Central, also home to a five-bay station, in downtown Tucson. The memorial features a life-sized bronze statue of a firefighter, created by local artist and former Tucson Firefighter Paul "Oly" Olesniewicz.

A granite wall stands at the far end of the monument and is engraved with the historical milestones of the department and the names of those who died in the line of duty. A second bronze statue of firefighter turnouts is placed in front of the wall, and the walkway surrounding the monument is paved with personalized commemorative bricks purchased by members of the community.

The memorial ceremony was attended by approximately 150 people, including active and retired Tucson fire officers and firefighters, families of deceased firefighters, representatives of other fire departments, city of Tucson and Pima County government representatives, and friends of the department.

Tucson Assistant Chief Joe Gulotta gave the welcoming and closing remarks, an invocation was given by Chaplain Mike Coyle, and the bell ceremony was performed by Firefighter Mario Carrasco. Chief Jim Critchley made remarks to the assembled guests, as did Tucson Firefighter's Local 479 President Josh Campbell. The keynote speaker was Brian Jeffries, president of Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona (PFFA).

A Tucson Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums procession was performed, and Brittany Mazur sang the Star Spangled Banner and Not a Day Goes By. Refreshments were served in the fire station after the ceremony.

ALAN M. PETRILLO is a Tucson, Arizona-based journalist, the author of three novels and five nonfiction books, and a member of the Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment editorial advisory board. He served 22 years with the Verdoy (NY) Fire Department, including in the position of chief.