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Welcome

The Finest Supporting the Bravest!

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

Underwater Cameras, Sonar Latest Addition to Howard Fire Department's Water Rescue Crews

Posted: May 26, 2016

Underwater Cameras, Sonar Latest Addition to Howard Fire Department's Water Rescue Crews

Climbing aboard a rescue boat, five-year Howard County paramedic Andrew Froom sits in the driver's seat and starts the Yamaha jet-propelled motor. Lowered into the water, the engine's growl softens as the boat glides across a lake, creating ripples across the calm surface.

Sunlight reflection and murky waters make it difficult to see far below the surface, but Froom says the Howard fire department's latest water rescue sonar and underwater camera equipment enhances emergency responses when saving lives of people and animals.

On May 25, special operations Capt. Vince Baker unveiled the new remotely operated vehicle underwater camera, known as the ROV, and the side-scan sonar-detecting rescue boat at the Centennial Lake boat ramp in Ellicott City.

Fire Chief John Butler and County Executive Allan Kittleman were there to see the unveiling.

Using underwater cameras and sonar technology, water rescue crews are shortening time periods in finding, rescuing and recovering drowning victims. Baker said the equipment also assists in police investigations, hazmat detection and bridge and dam damage assessments and inspections.

"[Divers are] crawling through the water and it takes multiple hours to just eliminate this area" where victims were last seen, Baker said. "When we put the ROV into the water, we immediately see targets and images on the screen and eliminate them."

Purchased using department budget funds, the side-scan sonar cost roughly $2,400, Baker said, and an additional $80,000 for the ROV and its sonar. The equipment was put into service in mid-October.

Medical Response Motorcycles Added to Local Fire Department

Next week, the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department will roll out their newest form of medical response. It's a team that leaves fire trucks behind, and hits the street on two Harley-Davidson motorcycles, rigged to carry lifesaving equipment.

The "RIDER" team - or "Rapid Incident Deployment and Early Response" will focus on city events where crowds and congestion could slow traditional emergency vehicles. Chief Ken Perkins said, "When you get pedestrian traffic and vehicle traffic that's just logjammed down there it's almost impossible to make a quick response." Chief Perkins says motorcycle units have been successful in Daytona Beach and other areas. With downtown events growing every year, the department decided this would be an effective way to help people quickly. One might look at two shiny Harleys and wonder what the program costs. Turns out, it's not much. Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson is leasing each cycle to the city for a dollar a year. The fire department provides the manpower and gear. Chief Perkins said, "That's the real jewel of the whole program, is that it's a public private partnership."

StreamlightÂ® Launches ProTacÂ® 1L-1AA Tactical Light

EAGLEVILLE, PA—StreamlightÂ® Inc., a provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the lightweight, high lumen, ProTac 1L-1AA. The latest compact addition to the ProTacÂ® series of tactical lights offers the added convenience of using either one CR123A or AA lithium battery, or an easy-to-source AA alkaline battery. Its size and “dual fuel” options make it the perfect Everyday Carry (EDC) light.

The ProTac 1L-1AA uses a high power C4Â® LED to deliver up to 350 lumens, depending on the battery source selected. Offering high, low and strobe settings, it features a TEN-TAPÂ® programmable switch that allows user selection of one of three different programs: high/strobe/low (factory default); high only; or low/high.

“The ProTac 1L-1AA is the latest addition to our ‘dual fuel’ lights, which provide multiple battery options, depending on availability or user preference,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “The combination of its size, output and battery versatility makes its one of the brightest and most versatile everyday carry lights available. It’s ideal for tactical, military, outdoor and other users when conducting maneuvers or search operations, or performing other tasks under low-light conditions.”

When using one 3 Volt CR123A lithium battery, the ProTac 1L-1AA on High provides 6,400 candela and 350 lumens over a 160-meter distance, with a runtime of one hour and 30 minutes. On the Low setting, the light delivers 720 candela, a 53-meter distance and 40 lumens, with a runtime of 14 hours.

With a AA Alkaline or AA Lithium battery inserted, the light on High provides 2,750 candela, 150 lumens and a 105-meter beam distance; on Low, it offers 720 candela and 40 lumens over 53 meters. Runtimes on the High setting are 1 hour and 20 minutes with a AA Alkaline, and 4 hours and 15 minutes with a AA Lithium battery; on Low, they are 7 hours and 30 minutes and 14 hours, respectively. The Strobe setting runs for up to 8 hours.

The light features a multifunction, pushbutton tactical tail switch, which allows for one-handed operation of the momentary, variable intensity or strobe settings. Fabricated from 6000 series machined aluminum with a black anodized finish, the light features a high temperature, impact-resistant Boro Float glass lens. The ProTac 1L-1AA measures 4.25 inches in length and weighs 2.5 ounces with an included CR123A battery, and 2.8 ounces with an included AA alkaline battery.

The new light is rated IPX7 for waterproof operation to 1 meter for 30 minutes and is impact resistant tested to 2 meters. Packaged with a removable pocket clip and holster, it comes with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. The MSRP is $68.00.

For more information, visit www.streamlight.com.