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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 30, 2016

ISFSI Announces Launch of Fire Training Certification Program

 ISFSI Announces Launch of Fire Training Certification Program

The International Society of Fire Service Instructors, known collectively as the Society, announced the launch of the Fire Training Certification Program (Fire TCP), a new certification program that aims to elevate the quality standards of training courses made available to firefighters. The announcement was made at the Society’s Fall Instructor Development Conference 2016, held in Cincinnati September 27 through October 1. 
 
Launched with the support and technical expertise of Envisage Technologies, Fire TCP is a revolutionary program designed to enhance standardization and quality within fire training. By setting minimum standards that training courses must meet prior to being certified as the highest quality for use in training programs, Fire TCP will be the benchmark that determines the quality of courses offered to firefighters. Fire TCP standards are designed to meet or exceed individual state certification requirements ensuring that certified training will be accepted by all participating fire service organizations. Acceptance of the standard will also enhance the portability of training in the fire service, allowing firefighters to more easily transfer their training when changing departments, saving time and money through the elimination of re-training costs. Prior to Fire TCP, no standard system for certifying training courses existed, though there are similar programs that certify testing for fire service personnel. 
 
Courses subject to certification are screened by industry subject matter experts and must meet a set of predetermined certification criteria in order to earn the Fire TCP seal. Courses certified through Fire TCP will be available through an international catalog hosted on Envisage Technologies’ FirstForward® training network. By compiling certified courses, Fire TCP fundamentally improves access to quality training, reduces costs, and improves training efficiency. 
 
“I believe that Fire TCP is a catalyst that will lead to significant improvement in the quality of training provided to the fire service. Quality training keeps firefighters safe and departmental costs down. The Society remains committed to ensuring that only the best training is available to our firefighters on the front lines,” said Steve Pegram, President of the Society. 
 
“I am pleased that the Society has been so highly involved in creating this new standard of quality for training courses,” stated Leigh Hubbard, Executive Director of the Society. “The Fire TCP seal on training courses means not only that the training is of the highest quality, but also that that training will be accepted across a wide geographical area as states and local departments begin to embrace the standard.”
 
“It is an honor to help launch this important initiative, and I look forward to seeing the positive effects that Fire TCP will undoubtedly have on the industry,” added Envisage CEO, Ari Vidali. “Envisage is deeply committed to the safety of our first responders and we are passionate about providing easy access to training programs that have met the highest quality standards in the nation. To accomplish this goal, we have launched FirstForward, the nation’s only platform where firefighters can access certified training from the best providers in the industry.”
 
As of the date of this release, Fire TCP is accepting applications from vendors interested in having their courses certified through the program.  Further information

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Posted: Sep 30, 2016

Coxreels Announces Expansion of Current UL-Approved Products

Coxreels, the industry leader in hose, cord, and cable reels, announced the addition of two models (PC19 and PC24) to our UL-Approved product line. UL’s (Underwriters Laboratories) standards and certifications are universally recognized as important indicators of product safety and reliability. The vigorous tests conducted by UL Laboratories are essential to  helping ensure public safety and confidence, reduce costs, and improve quality of market products and services.

Millions of products and their components are tested to UL's rigorous safety standards with the result that consumers live in a safer environment than they would have otherwise. The new additions to Coxreels’ UL-Approved product line demonstrate Coxreels’ dedication to ensuring that each one of our products has been built to standards only depicting the utmost levels of safety, performance, and customer satisfaction.

Coxreels’ PC (Power Cord) Series reels are heavy duty, industrial-grade power sources. They replace tangled extension cords and self-retract to increase safety, productivity and efficiency. The PC Series are designed for long-lasting, hassle-free performance even under the most demanding conditions. The PC19 and PC24 models now proudly accompany the PC13 and PC17 models amongst the Coxreels’ products that currently maintain the UL stamp of approval. The new UL approvals represent Coxreels’ continued commitment to meet the needs of their customers.

Coxreels® has remained steadfast and focused on manufacturing high quality, industrial grade hose, cord, and cable reels with leading industry innovation since 1923. Offering a full product line serving the industry in every channel and application, Coxreels® takes great pride in designing, building, and supporting each and every product made exclusively in the U.S.A.

For further information on Coxreels® new line of UL-approved products, contact Customer Service at
(800) 269-7335 or visit www.coxreels.com.

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Posted: Sep 30, 2016

EPA Started It, but McCain Ended the 'War On Fire Trucks'

The Environmental Protection Agency may have started the War on Fire Trucks, but Sen. John McCain of Arizona helped end it - but not before losing tens of thousands of acres of trees at one of his state's parks.

According to the wrapup, the EPA banned the transfer of fire trucks and related vehicles from the Department of Defense to Arizona firefighters at the height of the wildfire season.

"Roughly $150 million worth of surplus military equipment is transferred to local fire departments every year," the document said. "In the summer of 2014, during the middle of an active wildfire seasons, the EPA forced the Department of Defense to halt two programs that donate surplus military trucks and other equipment used to fight wildfires by rural fire departments.

"Why would the EPA ban such an important program? The EPA was worried that the fire trucks might not meet vehicle emission standards," the wrapup said. "Of course, the EPA neglected to consider that smoke from wildfires is extremely toxic and releases many tons of harmful chemicals and ash. The EPA's own studies show that exposure to these chemicals can cause asthma, [and other breathing disorders], childhood respiratory disease and other public health hazards."

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Posted: Sep 30, 2016

Marion Fire Department Gets New Engines and Donates Another

MARION -- Folks in Marion, and those who travel there, might feel a little safer knowing about a big improvement to public safety. Thanks to a grant, the Marion Fire Department managed to purchase two custom-made fire engines. But the deal also requires the town to donate an older truck.

Over a year ago, Marion Fire Chief Jerry Odum began looking into purchasing a new engine. Marion bought its last trucks in 1999. Before that, the last trucks were purchased in 1982.

"They take good care of them, keep maintenance up on them very well, so they do, they last us quite awhile," said Chief Odum.

The fire department has four engines and two ladder trucks. Odum said Marion City Council budgeted for one new engine.

But with grant money, he replaced one engine with two new ones.

"They're nice looking trucks. They're a little larger, a little taller. We have more storage space on top," said Odum.

The cost of one engine can break a city budget. Odum hoped for a truck that would meet the departments needs.

"All of our extrication tools is now mounted in the front bumper for quick access," he said.

He said that makes rescues quicker and more efficient. The engines have more safety features, like backup cameras.

" When you turn the turn signal, there's also a side camera so you don't have any blind spots down the side," explained Odum.

With a few more things to add, Odum said the new trucks will soon hit the road.

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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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