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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: Sep 15, 2016

Aurora (CO) Using Pickups Instead of Fire Apparatus

Unlike in years past, the department is relying more and more on their Medical Services Units — specially outfitted pickup trucks staffed by a paramedic and a firefighter — to handle calls that don’t require a full-fledged fire truck.
The department first started using the MSUs a few years ago, and last month expanded the program from two fire houses to three. They also extended the hours the units operate to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, up from 10 hours a day, four days a week. Aurora Fire Commander Mike Stanley, who oversees the department’s medical branch, said the trucks allow the department’s fire engines and ladder trucks to respond only to calls where that equipment is really needed, such as fires and traffic accidents.

With the MSU covering many of those medical calls — such as slip-and-falls, strokes, seizures and others — the engines can maintain quick response times.

Aurora City Councilman Bob LeGare has long advocated for the department to use the smaller trucks for medical calls, which make up more than two thirds of the department’s calls.

While the department largely sees the trucks as a way to keep response times down and save the fire engines for fires or other more-serious emergencies, LeGare said there is also a cost benefit to using the MSUs.

For now, Stanley said, the MSUs are deployed at three of the department’s busier stations — Station No. 1 near East 16th Avenue and Dayton Street, Station No. 4 near East Mississippi Avenue and South Peoria Street and, now, Station No. 7 near East Iliff Avenue and Interstate 225.

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Posted: Sep 15, 2016

Fireaway Inc. Builds Full-Scale Fire Research and Test Facility

Stat-X products

Fireaway Inc., the manufacturer of Stat-X® condensed aerosol fire suppression generators, is constructing a new fire research and test facility in the United States.

This facility will be capable of full-scale testing of fire extinguishing systems in a volume exceeding 500 cubic meters. The capability will include data acquisition, video, IR imaging, and gas analysis. It will be the only facility of this size and capability in North America.

Once completed, this new capability will be used for testing to confirm the suitability of Stat-X aerosol systems to meet customers’ demanding requirements, further development of Stat-X aerosol extinguishing systems, testing for new applications and obtaining additional international approvals.

This new facility reinforces the company's commitment to innovation in fire extinguishing. It is located at Fireaway’s agent manufacturing plant in Minden, Louisiana.

About Stat-X Fire Suppression Systems

Stat-X First Responders® and Stat-X fixed systems are highly-advanced automatic condensed aerosol fire suppression solutions. These fire suppression units are UL Listed, made in the USA, and approved for normally-occupied spaces. Their product is used to save lives and protect assets. These units are deployed in the toughest conditions worldwide, including surface and underground mines, military vehicles, long haul buses, rolling stock, remote telecom sites, wind turbines, power substations, electrical cabinets, and various marine and off-shore settings.  Capable of being manually, thermally or electrically activated by industry-standard control panels, Stat-X provides highly effective and economical fire suppression solutions to customers around the world.

Stat-X is manufactured by Fireaway Inc., an ISO 9001-2008 certified company with production facilities in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Minden, Louisiana.   

Visit www.statx.com, for further information or to locate a certified distributor in your area.

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Posted: Sep 15, 2016

TFT/AMKUS Announces "Powered by Innovation" Media Day

Amkus headquarters

Task Force Tips and AMKUS Rescue Systems invite you to join them for a day of tours, product and service demonstrations, food, and conversation at their first annual “Powered by Innovation” Media Day celebration on Wednesday, October 19th, 2016 in Valparaiso, Indiana.

“This is the easiest way for TFT to show everyone that although it is the parent company of AMKUS, the two businesses have separate, unique and independent operations,” explained Rod Carringer, TFT Chief Marketing Manager. “Both companies are devoted to designing and manufacturing tools that exceed the expectations of those who risk their lives to save others. But visitors will see firsthand how each of the companies goes about doing that in its own unique way.”

AMKUS, which was acquired by TFT in February 2016, is one of the nation’s leaders in providing cutting edge hydraulic extrication equipment and rescue systems to emergency responders worldwide.  Formerly of Downers Grove, IL, the Midwestern company began business as a fledgling family start up in 1971 – mirroring the year and means that TFT broke into the marketplace with its revolutionary automatic nozzle.

Task Force Tips headquarters

“As guests tour our new 55,000 square foot plant, they’ll be introduced to our newest acquisition – the 911 Tools Rescue Strut product line,” said Kyle Smith, president of AMKUS Rescue Systems. “The 911 Tool line will allow AMKUS to offer an even wider range of high quality rescue products at an affordable price.”

The 911 Tools Rescue Strut line is a patented, state-of-the-art vehicle stabilization and rescue system that integrates the dependability of hand-powered hydraulics with the time honored structural components of the strut. Its ease of set up and structural load rating will allow rescue professionals to confidently raise and lower materials as quickly as emergency circumstances allow.

“When people visit us on Media Day, they’re going to see that we’re still the AMKUS that everyone has grown to know and trust, but we’re also embracing change and growing with the needs of those whom we service,” Smith said. “We still have our own distribution network, field managers and marketing network. The part people may or may not notice is the growth we’ve already experienced with our new ability to tap into TFT’s extensive research, development and new product innovations resources.”

TFT, located at 3701 Innovation Way in Valparaiso, Indiana, is a leader in the development and delivery of high-performance firefighting products to emergency responders worldwide. AMKUS Headquarters, located at 4201 Montdale Drive in Valparaiso, is a brisk walk or short drive from TFT’s front door.

For more information about Media Day, lodging for out-of-town guests, or to RSVP for the event, please call Jennifer Lemmon at (800) 548-5000 or send an email to jennifer.lemmon@amkus.com Onsite parking will be available.

AMKUS Rescue Systems Acquires 911 Tools

TFT Rolls out the IMPULSE Nozzle Internationally at Interschutz 2015

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Posted: Sep 15, 2016

New Color Block Soft Shells Available from Elbeco - Firefighter Clothing

Color Block Soft Shells Color Block Soft Shells from ElbeCo

Threats against police officers have prompted the innovation of Elbeco’s Shield Color Block Soft Shell Jackets, specifically designed to distinguish Fire and EMS professionals from Law Enforcement. Fire and EMS professionals have been searching for products that offer them their own identity, as a defensive deterrent and to keep personnel safe on the job. Elbeco, a leader in the manufacture and supply of professional uniforms for over a century, is excited that the on-shelf date is now here for the outerwear solution to this growing national trend.

The Color Block Soft Shells are a collection of stretch micro fleece soft shells in color block styles and can be found at authorized Elbeco dealer locations. You may also request more information by completing the form at http://elbeco.com/color-block-soft-shell-video/. With the same great features as the original Shield HiVis Soft Shell, the Color Block Soft Shells for Fire and EMS are available in Red/Midnight Navy and HiVis/Red.

Features and Benefits Include:

  • HiVis/Red Jacket is ANSI 107-2010 Class 2 Level 2 Certified
  • Heat sealed 3M patterned hivis reflective striping
  • Two-way full length Vislon zipper with abrasion resistant chin protector
  • Six functional pocket storage options: Large lower dual entry pockets with fleece lined hand warmer pockets with zipper closure and “D” ring in right pocket. Dual large internal patch pockets with zipper closure and communications access openings
  • Multiple concealed zipper secure utility pockets
  • Sleeves have articulated elbows and adjustable hook and loop storm cuffs
  • “Quick Release” side zipper vents with stability tab with adjustable snaps
  • Tricot-lined sleeves
  • Fleece-lined body and collar
  • Shirred, elastic hem with soft gripper strip
  • Low-profile utility shoulder straps
  • Stealth loop at cuff for attachment into multiple outer shell options
  • Optional badge tab, mic loop, and name tape included

The Shield Color Bock Soft Shells are now available on shelves at authorized Elbeco dealers and is offered in Red/Midnight Navy (SH3704RN) and HiVis/Red (SH3706RY). For more information, contact your Elbeco Sales Representative today by calling 1-800-468-4654 or locate a dealer near you by visiting http://www.elbeco.com/find-a-dealer. For more details and videos, visit Elbeco’s website at http://elbeco.com/product/shield-color-block-soft-shells/ or our YouTube channel for the St. Louis Fire Department review.

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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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