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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: Aug 30, 2016

Richmond Fire Station Set for $1.3 Million Renovation

A Richmond fire station that's more than 75 years old is undergoing a $1.3 million upgrade. Drive down Forest Hill Avenue and you'll notice Fire Station 20 is under construction. The firehouse was built in the 1940s and needs some serious upgrades.
"One of the things that has changed since 1943, has been women in the fire service," Chief Taylor pointed out. "And so, in recognition of that we are upgrading the bathroom facilities to include more privacy."

Before the renovations were underway there were firefighters sleeping and resting on one side of the dormitories and working out on the other side of the same room. With the new renovations, the area will all be sleeping quarters and a fitness area will be added on.

The firehouse will also see a new fire alarm and a separate area for storing used fire gear, that can continue to give off gasses. The total renovation is expected to be completed in April.

This is the third firehouse upgrade. Fire station 13 was upgraded in 2013, Fire Station 10 was renovated in 2015, and officials are already talking about upgrading Fire House 21.

At the same time, approximately 30 firefighters have been moved out of Station 1 in Church Hill to three other stations for mold concerns.

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Posted: Aug 30, 2016

Police: FDNY Ambulance Strikes, Kills 81-Year-Old Man

An 81-year-old man is dead after authorities say he was hit by a fire department ambulance in Manhattan. The New York Police Department says Gen Zhan was crossing a street about 2:20 p.m. Monday when the ambulance hit him. He was found on the pavement with severe body trauma and was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he later died.
Authorities say the ambulance struck Zhan while he was in a crosswalk. The operator of the ambulance remained at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation.

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Posted: Aug 30, 2016

1970 International Harvester 1300D Fire Apparatus a Time Capsule

How often do you get to drive an unrestored classic truck that appears brand new? This is a unique occurrence. Now, this particular truck is rare by itself. It's a 1970 International Harvester 1300D "All Wheel Drive" 4×4 Dually fire truck.

The truck is powered by a 345 cu-in V8 motor that was rated at precisely 196.7 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque, which is a lot of power for 1970. The “All Wheel Drive” label does not refer to a computerized AWD system of today’s trucks. It simply means that you can lock the hubs and make it so all wheels on this truck are driving it when 4×4 is selected.

The truck has no regular radio or air conditioning, but every feature works, including the strobe lights and the sirens. This truck is a true time capsule from the 1970s.

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Posted: Aug 30, 2016

Alcohol Involved in Vanleer (TN) Fire Apparatus Accident

A tanker truck with three Vanleer volunteer firefighters overturned and wrecked on Highway 49 West while traveling to a lightning strike-caused house fire early Saturday morning -- and alcohol was involved, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol report.
The volunteer firefighters in the tanker truck were David Boutcher, 36, of Vanleer; Michael Bunn, 28, of Cumberland Furnace; and Jessica Leege, 24, of Vanleer.

The THP report states that Boutcher, the driver, and Leege had been drinking alcohol.

The 2008 Kenworth T-370 tanker was traveling west on Highway 49 when it "failed to negotiate a curve to the right and ran off the road on the left side," according to the THP report.

The truck overturned and came to a final rest in the ditch.

Boutcher told the THP trooper that the air brakes "had not built up enough air and did not work at the time of the crash," the report states.

Charges are pending, according to the THP.

While the tanker was traveling to the fire scene, a Vanleer Volunteer Fire Department crew was already fighting the fire, said Vanleer Fire Chief Scotty Ingham.

“The house unfortunately was a total loss,” said Ingham about the home located on Highway 49 West near Jarman’s Market.

Also providing mutual aid were other local volunteer organizations Cumberland Furnace and Sylvia-Yellow Creek fire departments and Dickson County Fire and Rescue, Ingham said.

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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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