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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: Oct 7, 2016

Wireless Communications Making Great Strides in Fire Service

By Alan M. Petrillo

Technological advances have pushed wireless communications faster and farther than many have anticipated, and use has been more deeply integrated into the fire service.

Wireless headsets, wireless hotspots on apparatus, and wirelessly controlled equipment are some of the ways wireless has made a big footprint with fire departments.

Wireless Headsets

Bob Daigle, product manager for airline, fire and marine systems, and wireless for David Clark Co., says that most fire service customers like the idea of wireless communications for drivers, officers, and aerial operators. “We launched our wireless products about five years ago and see a trend upward in fire departments moving toward more wireless communication,” he says.

David Clark Co. offers a wireless gateway with two antennae that can be installed anywhere on a vehicle, along with two belt stations-the U9910-BSW, which transmits and receives all system audio to and from the gateway and the user’s headset, and the U9913 belt station, an intercom-only model. Up to four belt stations can be connected to one gateway.

“We use the Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology (DECT) protocol for wireless because we have found it to be the most reliable for this type of application,” Daigle points out, “especially over Bluetooth, because it is less susceptible to drop out.” David Clark Co. makes a number of wireless headsets to mate with the gateway, including a behind-the-head style that simplifies use when the user is wearing a fire helmet.

1 A pump operator wears a David Clark Co. wireless behind-the-head style headset that simplifies use when wearing a helmet. (Photo courtesy of David Clark Co
1 A pump operator wears a David Clark Co. wireless behind-the-head style headset that simplifies use when wearing a helmet. (Photo courtesy of David Clark Co.)

With David Clark Co.’s new digital systems, Daigle says, “you can program individual interface requests, assign frequencies to certain users, and integrate cell phones and tablets. The power button on the digital unit toggles through four selections that include intercom, auxiliary sound sources, and assigning different radios. It’s very versatile, so the fire department can craft the system to its particular needs.”

Jim Roberts, president of Setcom Corp., says his company’s move into wireless technology five years ago “was well received, and since then we have made four iterations on the product to continue to increase the quality of the sound the user hears and transmits.” He notes that version four of the Liberator Wireless Headset “has added features that make sense and don’t contribute to user confusion.”

The Liberator Wireless Headset has a motion sensor in the headset that turns the unit off when it is not in motion. When the user picks up the headset again or begins to move, the unit automatically turns on. “It also has a cell phone feature,” Roberts notes, “and can communicate over a mobile radio, a truck intercom system, or a handheld portable radio. It uses a Bluetooth module for its primary communications link.”

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Posted: Oct 7, 2016

Wireless Communications Making Great Strides in Fire Service

By Alan M. Petrillo

Technological advances have pushed wireless communications faster and farther than many have anticipated, and use has been more deeply integrated into the fire service.

Wireless headsets, wireless hotspots on apparatus, and wirelessly controlled equipment are some of the ways wireless has made a big footprint with fire departments.

Wireless Headsets

Bob Daigle, product manager for airline, fire and marine systems, and wireless for David Clark Co., says that most fire service customers like the idea of wireless communications for drivers, officers, and aerial operators. “We launched our wireless products about five years ago and see a trend upward in fire departments moving toward more wireless communication,” he says.

David Clark Co. offers a wireless gateway with two antennae that can be installed anywhere on a vehicle, along with two belt stations-the U9910-BSW, which transmits and receives all system audio to and from the gateway and the user’s headset, and the U9913 belt station, an intercom-only model. Up to four belt stations can be connected to one gateway.

“We use the Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology (DECT) protocol for wireless because we have found it to be the most reliable for this type of application,” Daigle points out, “especially over Bluetooth, because it is less susceptible to drop out.” David Clark Co. makes a number of wireless headsets to mate with the gateway, including a behind-the-head style that simplifies use when the user is wearing a fire helmet.

2 A firefighter for Central Pierce (WA) Fire and Rescue on an aerial ladder communicates wirelessly through a Setcom wireless headset and boom microphone. (Photo courtesy of Setcom
1 A pump operator wears a David Clark Co. wireless behind-the-head style headset that simplifies use when wearing a helmet. (Photo courtesy of David Clark Co
1 A pump operator wears a David Clark Co. wireless behind-the-head style headset that simplifies use when wearing a helmet. (Photo courtesy of David Clark Co.)

With David Clark Co.’s new digital systems, Daigle says, “you can program individual interface requests, assign frequencies to certain users, and integrate cell phones and tablets. The power button on the digital unit toggles through four selections that include intercom, auxiliary sound sources, and assigning different radios. It’s very versatile, so the fire department can craft the system to its particular needs.”

Jim Roberts, president of Setcom Corp., says his company’s move into wireless technology five years ago “was well received, and since then we have made four iterations on the product to continue to increase the quality of the sound the user hears and transmits.” He notes that version four of the Liberator Wireless Headset “has added features that make sense and don’t contribute to user confusion.”

The Liberator Wireless Headset has a motion sensor in the headset that turns the unit off when it is not in motion. When the user picks up the headset again or begins to move, the unit automatically turns on. “It also has a cell phone feature,” Roberts notes, “and can communicate over a mobile radio, a truck intercom system, or a handheld portable radio. It uses a Bluetooth module for its primary communications link.”

Read more
Posted: Oct 7, 2016

Wireless Communications Making Great Strides in Fire Service

By Alan M. Petrillo

Technological advances have pushed wireless communications faster and farther than many have anticipated, and use has been more deeply integrated into the fire service.

Wireless headsets, wireless hotspots on apparatus, and wirelessly controlled equipment are some of the ways wireless has made a big footprint with fire departments.

Wireless Headsets

Bob Daigle, product manager for airline, fire and marine systems, and wireless for David Clark Co., says that most fire service customers like the idea of wireless communications for drivers, officers, and aerial operators. “We launched our wireless products about five years ago and see a trend upward in fire departments moving toward more wireless communication,” he says.

David Clark Co. offers a wireless gateway with two antennae that can be installed anywhere on a vehicle, along with two belt stations-the U9910-BSW, which transmits and receives all system audio to and from the gateway and the user’s headset, and the U9913 belt station, an intercom-only model. Up to four belt stations can be connected to one gateway.

“We use the Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology (DECT) protocol for wireless because we have found it to be the most reliable for this type of application,” Daigle points out, “especially over Bluetooth, because it is less susceptible to drop out.” David Clark Co. makes a number of wireless headsets to mate with the gateway, including a behind-the-head style that simplifies use when the user is wearing a fire helmet.

2 A firefighter for Central Pierce (WA) Fire and Rescue on an aerial ladder communicates wirelessly through a Setcom wireless headset and boom microphone. (Photo courtesy of Setcom
1 A pump operator wears a David Clark Co. wireless behind-the-head style headset that simplifies use when wearing a helmet. (Photo courtesy of David Clark Co
1 A pump operator wears a David Clark Co. wireless behind-the-head style headset that simplifies use when wearing a helmet. (Photo courtesy of David Clark Co.)

With David Clark Co.’s new digital systems, Daigle says, “you can program individual interface requests, assign frequencies to certain users, and integrate cell phones and tablets. The power button on the digital unit toggles through four selections that include intercom, auxiliary sound sources, and assigning different radios. It’s very versatile, so the fire department can craft the system to its particular needs.”

Jim Roberts, president of Setcom Corp., says his company’s move into wireless technology five years ago “was well received, and since then we have made four iterations on the product to continue to increase the quality of the sound the user hears and transmits.” He notes that version four of the Liberator Wireless Headset “has added features that make sense and don’t contribute to user confusion.”

The Liberator Wireless Headset has a motion sensor in the headset that turns the unit off when it is not in motion. When the user picks up the headset again or begins to move, the unit automatically turns on. “It also has a cell phone feature,” Roberts notes, “and can communicate over a mobile radio, a truck intercom system, or a handheld portable radio. It uses a Bluetooth module for its primary communications link.”

Read more
Posted: Oct 7, 2016

Time to Shine

2 A firefighter for Central Pierce (WA) Fire and Rescue on an aerial ladder communicates wirelessly through a Setcom wireless headset and boom microphone. (Photo courtesy of Setcom
Chris Mc Loone   Chris Mc Loone

As we all know, each October, fire departments across the country participate in Fire Prevention Week. Activities include school and other organization visits, station tours, and general open houses where the public is invited en masse to visit the station.

Chiefs, line officers, and firefighters are all on hand to welcome the public and help the kids in and out of the fire apparatus. Honestly, as much as I love the bells on our fire trucks, by the end of Fire Prevention Night, I’m ready to unbolt them from cab after hearing them ring all night.

The kids generally love the open houses in my area. My department has five fire companies, and some of the families make it to each open house during Fire Prevention Week. As much as the kids love getting in and out of the apparatus over and over again and collecting whatever fire prevention-themed giveaways are available, we aren’t only there to shine for them. Sure, the firehouse sparkles a little more, and the trucks shine a little brighter, but we are there as much for the adults as the kids. And, it’s the adults who usually ask the tougher questions.

A few years ago, Fire Prevention Night fell on the exact day we placed a new pumper in service. We were all excited about it and looked forward to showing it off. Members of the apparatus purchasing committee were understandably proud of the apparatus they built. I was still a captain then, and Fire Prevention Week activities fell to me to coordinate. As happy as I was to be showing off the new rig, I was more elated that the night was going off without a hitch. And then, a parent came up to me, and I got the question: “How much did that cost?”

This is always a tricky question to answer. You would be amazed at how many people think Weldon Fire Company is a career fire company. The truck committee worked very hard on this truck with the manufacturer to negotiate a purchase price that was amenable to all parties. We are certainly not hiding anything, but we also don’t want to give the wrong impression. Luckily for me that night, this resident was not out looking for a fight or to poke holes in our purchasing process and genuinely appreciated the information I provided. Most people don’t have a good feel for the cost of doing business as a fire department-whether volunteer, combination, or career. Are your members, however, prepared to answer this question? Are they prepared to address possibly negative follow-up comments?

It’s critical that everyone involved in this type of event to be on the same page about how to handle situations like this. The easiest thing for any firefighter to do would be to refer these questions to one of the people wearing the white shirts at an event. Besides residents, very often elected officials attend these events, and the last thing anyone wants is for a fire company’s decisions to be called into question because of an ill-advised answer.

Getting back to the kids, they are our future. This week provides an excellent opportunity for us to put our best foot forward to “get them started” while they’re young. Their eyes light up when the get into a truck and put the SCBA straps over their shoulders, picturing themselves riding in the back in the future. At Independence Day parades, their eyes light up when we wave back to them. Now they get to meet us! This type of accessibility, especially on the volunteer side of the business, is critical to sustaining the future of the fire service. If kids are turned off at an early age, it is ver

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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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