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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: Apr 21, 2016

Sutphen Introduces Rear-Mount Aerial

At FDIC International, 2016, Sutphen is offering a first ever rear-mount aerial ladder. “The SLR 75 is the first in the new line of rear mounts, and we plan to expand the line in the near future,” says Alissa McGlone, marketing and trade show manager for Sutphen Corp. “If attendees haven’t seen it yet, I strongly encourage you to come by our booth or check out our social media pages and Web stie for all the details. This is a first for Sutphen, and we are excited to offer another solution to our firefighters’ needs.” She adds that when it comes to aerials, “We want to change the way firefighters think about Sutphen.”

FDIC International is well known as a show where fire service vendors introduce new innovations. But, McGlone says that the most important part of exhibiting at FDIC International is the attendee. “As a company, when we make a commitment to exhibit, we make a commitment to the attendee that we will put our best product on that show floor and that we will make sure attendees see everything Sutphen has to offer at its absolute best,” she says. “We want to impress the attendees and have them walk away saying, ‘That is the fire truck manufacturer I want to build my next truck.’ We do it all for them.”

McGlone adds that for attendees, the exhibit floor is something they do not want to miss. “Attendees have access to the industry’s premier manufacturers of equipment—large and small,” she says. “The industry’s best and most innovative products are on display. This is definitely the place to be if you are looking to spec or buy equipment.”

McGlone adds that the atmosphere is a big part of the show. “FDIC International is truly an event centered around the advancement of the industry and the firefighter,” she says. “When you combine the best in education and training, exposure to industry and equipment nnovation, along with community and team building events, it’s just something that you can’t help but want to be a part of. The atmosphere is electric!”

As shown at the show, here are some specs:

  • Sutphen 62-inch extended cab with flat roof
  • 206-inch wheelbase
  • 12-foot, 1¾-inch travel height
  • 36-foot, 2-inch travel length
  • Four-door, six-person cab
  • 400-hp Cummins ISL 9 Engine
  • Allison Gen 5 EVS3000 Automatic Transmission
  • Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm pump
  • 300-gallon tank
  • Stainless Steel Body
  • 222 cubic feet of compartment space
  • Safety Vision Camera System
  • 24-Inch Bumper
  • 10-kW Smart Power Generator
  • Body chute ladder storage

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Posted: Apr 21, 2016

New Research Shows GORE Protective Barriers to be Best Choice for Reducing Firefighter Heat Stress

Indianapolis, IN (April 20, 2016) - At the FDIC International 2016 Conference, W. L. Gore & Associates presented the results of a human study that evaluated the physiological impact of protective barriers currently available in turnout gear. Conducted by a third party, this study confirmed that wearing the GORE® PARALLON™ liner system delivered the highest breathability followed closely by CROSSTECH® black moisture barrier, with both significantly better than the competition.

A group of firefighters wearing turnout gear completed a defined work/rest cycle in a controlled environment while their body core temperatures, heart rates, and skin temperatures were monitored. Over a period of several weeks, the same participants repeated the trial three times so they could wear each set of gear containing one of the three different protective barriers.

Before the trial began, each turnout gear composite was tested for Total Heat Loss (THL) and Resistance to Sweat Evaporation (RET) to determine which test method was more aligned with human physiological results. Several results of the trial were significant:

  • First, the firefighters’ physiological responses were the best when they were wearing gear with Gore’s protective barriers.
  • Second, all of the firefighters were able to complete the trial while they were wearing gear with Gore’s protective barriers. On the contrary, 40 percent of them could not finish the test when wearing the competitive barrier because their heart rates exceeded their maximum rates, which were established as part of the safety criteria before the trial began.
  • Finally, the RET results directly correlated with the participants’ physiological response, whereas THL did not.

Visit www.GoreProtectiveFabrics.com/Heat-Stress-Management for more information about this study.


About W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Gore is a technology-driven company focused on discovery and product innovation. Well known for waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® fabric, the company’s portfolio includes everything from high-performance fabrics and implantable medical devices to industrial manufacturing GORE® Protective Barriers Shown to Reduce heat Stress Better CROSSTECH, GORE‐TEX, PARALLON, GORE and design are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates components and aerospace electronics. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Newark, Delaware, Gore employs more than 10,000 associates worldwide. Gore is one of a select few companies to appear on all of the U.S. “100 Best Companies to Work For” lists since the rankings debuted in 1984.The company also appears regularly on similar lists around the world. Learn more at www.gore.com

 

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Posted: Apr 21, 2016

INNOTEX Launches INNOTEX ENERGYTM – Latest Turnout Gear Technology at FDIC International

Indianapolis, IN (April 20 2016)INNOTEX®, one of the top five turnout gear design and manufacturing firms in North America at the Fire Department Instructors Conference International (FDIC) in Indianapolis, unveils today their latest NFPA 1971 turnout gear, INNOTEX ENERGYTM.



As designers race to keep up with high-performance turnout gear, INNOTEX ENERGYTM innovates on two pivotal features: enhanced mobility and evaporative cooling. The gear’s technology increases firefighter’s comfort by reducing heat stress and enabling an increased ability to move. With INNOTEX ENERGYTM, INNOTEX® seeks to balance ergonomics, durability and design appeal.
During the development of INNOTEX ENERGYTM, protection without compromise, unprecedented comfort, increased durability and added usefulness were the four key guiding design principles for the firm.



An INNOTEX® advisory group of firefighters, distributors and industry experts was formed. Together, they came up with a list of 75 recommendations rated by importance for the firefighter.

From the synthesis of these recommendations, INNOTEX ENERGYTM was born incorporating a long list of new improvements, including the following innovative features each with pending patents:

• AirflowTM – a three-dimensional padding system with air channels that manage perspiration while eliminating the sealed-envelope effect area when wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).



• Pockets – complete with a utility hook, glove pouch and glove strap with an integrated safety release system.

• Dual metabolic zones – optimized outer shell and thermal barrier properties that increase total heat loss (THL) in high-perspiration zones.

• DuraHemTM – a rounded hem edge made of polymer coated aramid designed to increase durability.

INNOTEX® General Manager, Claude Barbeau, explains:
“We are particularly proud of the integrated Airflow technology that was inspired by technical features found in hiking backpacks. Each improvement from our new line was tested in professional training centres and by several fire departments nationwide. We are confident that INNOTEX ENERGYTM is advancing the level of sophistication of turnout gear while maintaining that rugged powerful look that firefighters seek.”

INNOTEX ENERGYTM turnout gear is available as of today. Visit innotexenergy.com for more details.

About INNOTEX®
INNOTEX® specializes in the design and manufacturing of turnout gear, providing for hundreds of municipalities, some of the largest North American and international fire departments, including the military. Innovation, quality and confidence are the firm’s cornerstones and protecting firefighters is their singular objective.

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Posted: Apr 21, 2016

Cummins Showcasing 2017 L9 Engine and Cummins Onan 10 KW Diesel Generator at FDIC International 2016

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 21, 2016) - Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) delivers the performance, readiness and reliability that fire and emergency vehicle customers demand. Those three factors are what continue to make Cummins engines and Cummins Onan generator sets the leading power choices for first responders in North America. The ISL9 is the most popular engine in the fire service. This year, Cummins is showcasing the new 2017 L9 engine at FDIC International Booth 4501, along with a Cummins Onan 10 kW diesel generator for vehicle idle reduction.

2017 L9
With emergency vehicle tailored ratings from 270 hp to 450 hp and 720 lb-ft to 1250 lb-ft of torque, the 2017 L9 will continue to lead its class with the highest power-to-weight ratio. This design includes an integrated fire pump governor interface, and no derates for emissions-related faults. The L9 is built on a legacy of over 5 million C and L Series engines built and 27 years of continuous improvement, for total confidence. The new Single Module(TM) aftertreatment package offers further reliability improvement and weight savings for the 2017 L9. With further enhancements in reliability on an already proven heavy duty design, the L9 will continue to be an engine that firefighters and rescue crews can depend on.



2017 Single Module Aftertreatment
The new Single Module aftertreatment system is up to 30 percent lighter and up to 70 percent smaller than current aftertreatment solutions. The Single Module is a customer-voice-driven design that combines the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems into a single canister. Simple and optimized Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) dosing with the UL2 Urea Dosing System eliminates the need for engine coolant lines to and from the DEF injector, reducing installation complexity and allowing for easier serviceability. The injector's proprietary atomization nozzle minimizes the risk of deposit formation, and offers a freeze-robust design and improved reliability. Furthermore, a range of systems ideally sized for each engine rating ensures the most efficient operation, for improved thermal management across a diverse range of duty cycles.



Cummins Onan 10 kW Generator For Vehicle Idle Reduction
The 10 kW standard diesel generator for idle reduction technology was developed specifically for the emergency vehicle market. This liquid-cooled diesel generator features a 200-amp DC power system with an optional air conditioning compressor. The 10 kW generator eliminates the need to run the chassis engine, resulting in fuel savings, lower emissions and extended aftertreatment regeneration intervals. This unit offers exceptional value, with features to match.



Unmatched Support
In addition to the traditional service network, Cummins provides a number of ways for you to stay directly connected to your engine. The Cummins Fault Advisor is a free app available for Android(TM) devices. This free app is downloadable for Android devices from Google Play,(TM) and the readily available ELM327 OBD2 Bluetooth(R) and SAE J1939-to-OBD2 adapters are available through many online sources. Cummins Connected Diagnostics(TM) is an innovative way to remotely monitor engine fault codes. A diagnosis of the fault, and clear recommendations regarding continued vehicle operation or the need for immediate service, are sent instantly to you either via e-mail or the new mobile app. QuickServe(R) Mobile is just one more way to stay connected. Available for Android and Apple(R) iPhone, this free app provides instant access to parts and service information, including engin

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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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