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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 22, 2016

MSA Debuts 'Game-Changing" Breathing Apparatus

In today’s fast paced and ever changing world of technology – what’s “hot” today is often obsolete tomorrow. That’s not the case, however, with MSA’s (NYSE: MSA) revolutionary G1 breathing apparatus for firefighters. This week, the global safety equipment manufacturer unveiled, at the annual Fire Department Instructor’s Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, In., a series of safety innovations that demonstrate just how fast technology is advancing firefighter protection.

Among these innovations is a new thermal imaging camera (TIC) that is part of the self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) itself. Introduced as a concept just one year ago, MSA’s integrated thermal imaging camera has since been submitted for regulatory approval and is now available for pre-order. An industry first, the G1 Integrated TIC now makes the concept of personal thermal imaging a reality.

“The G1 SCBA is the single largest new product development effort in MSA’s history,” said Steven Blanco, Vice President and General Manager of MSA’s business in the U.S. and Canada.  “But we are certainly not done, and this integrated TIC is evidence of that commitment. Our brand promise to firefighters – When you go in…We go in with you – is what drives us. And it’s consistent with MSA’s long-standing mission to protect people in the workplace. In that spirit, our vision is to continually raise the bar to protect workers with technology that, in this case, has the potential to genuinely change the way fires are fought.”

Compatible with any G1 SCBA, via factory installation or a simple field upgrade, the G1 ntegrated TIC is patent-pending and takes advantage of the only full-color display control module available on the market today. With five user-selectable color palettes, it represents a concept that just ten years ago was considered out of reach by many in the fire service industry, Mr.  Blanco commented.

In addition to the new TIC option, MSA unveiled three new and patent-pending concepts that likewise leverage the flexibility of the G1 SCBA platform. These include a fall detection system, a breathing rate detection system and a firefighter ranging system, all of which have the potential to take firefighter safety to the next level.

“While the these three new technologies are still in prototype form, showcasing them at FDIC allows our product designers to gain important, first-hand feedback from the fire service community,” explained Jason Traynor, Global Product Business Director for Respiratory Protection and Fire Helmets.

Falls are recognized as the number one cause for “MAYDAY” emergencies on the fireground, Mr. Traynor explained. Taking advantage of existing hardware within the G1 SCBA, MSA’s fall detection concept triggers an audible alarm that sounds well before a conventional PASS (Personal Alert Safety System) alarm would indicate a lack of firefighter movement. The result is a significantly shortened response time for a downed firefighter.

“Every second counts in a rapid intervention situation,” said Mr. Traynor. “Our goal is to give firefighters those extra critical seconds that could literally mean the difference between life and death.”

Also capitalizing on the G1’s versatile design, MSA introduced a breathing rate monitor that provides firefighters with increased awareness of their exertion levels, enabling them to take immediate action to avoid overexertion, another leading health and safety concern throughout the fire service.

In keeping with this “information is king” focus, MSA also showcased a firefighter ranging system that provides direction, distance and elevation data for firefighters at the scene. Displayed directly on the full-color control module of the G1 SCBA, with one glance firefighters can know of the whereabouts of fellow firefighters, thereby saving time should an emergency rescue situation occur.

Each of the innovations unveiled by MSA are

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Posted: Apr 22, 2016

Hale/Class 1 Successfully Debuts Four Products at FDIC Int'l 2016

Hale Products, Inc. has a lot to talk about at this year’s FDIC trade show. With four new product offerings, the company is excited to discuss its place in the industry as a total solution provider. Located in Ocala, Florida, Hale is part of the IDEX Fire Suppression Group (FSG) and encompasses five of the most recognized brands in the market-–Hale, Class 1, Godiva, Akron Brass, and Weldon.

John Dinning, director of marketing, is available for interviews.; a top-line summary of our announcements is below.

Visit FDIC Int'l 2016 Booth #1823B to see...(click to download specs)

 

SmartFOAM System

Introducing the Class 1 SmartFOAM System featuring an intuitive user interface, advanced safety interlocks, fully configurable presets and data logging; this is the first of its kind in the North America fire market.

Shift Interlock Module

Integrates Class 1 electronics to Hale’s reliable G gearbox ensuring shifts between road and pump modes can only occur when the apparatus is placed in neutral; increases firefighter safety.

KP Pump Series

A series of mid- or rear-mounted pumps including a multi-pressure option, low cost of ownership and easy installation, and maintenance; smallest and lightest offering on the market.

Dual Control Panels

Allow the engine and throttle to be controlled from the pump or the cab; for portable pumps.

    

 

Learn more at www.haleproducts.com

 

Contacts  

Meara Lyons                                                 John Dinning

(704) 441-3449                                            (352) 208-2024

mlyons@wrayward.com                                 jdinning@idexcorp.com

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Posted: Apr 22, 2016

IMMI's RollTek Turns a Potentially Fatal Crash into a Walk-Away Event

IMMI invented RollTek, the advanced side-roll air bag protection system to keep firefighters, soldiers, truckers, and paramedics safer in the worst kind of crash–-a rollover. RollTek is custom engineered for each industry and has been extensively CAPE Tested to help turn what could be a fatal crash into a walk-away event.

 

RollTek for Heavy Trucks, Military, and Fire Apparatus

A vehicle can overturn in an instant, that’s why RollTek deploys in a quarter of a second.

HOW IT WORKS

A roll sensor monitors the truck’s position, and when a rollover is detected, up to three RollTek components are deployed per seating position

  • Seat pretensioners keep the driver or front seat passenger securely in their seats.
  • Suspension seats lower to increase survivable space in the cab.
  • Side airbags deploy to cushion the head and neck.

 

RollTek for Ambulance

RollTek, also available in the ambulance industry, deploys side airbags in a rollover to greatly reduce the potential for death or serious injury to EMS personnel riding in the patient compartment.

HOW IT WORKS

  • A roll sensor inside the vehicle continuously monitors ambulance stability
  • When a rollover is detected, the system deploys side airbags in all the seating positions where RollTek is utilized
  • Heads and necks of EMS personnel riding in the patient compartment are cushioned

Have questions? Contact On-Highway Sales & Service Manager Steve Lovelady at slovelady@imminet.com or call (317) 896-8531.

 

 

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Posted: Apr 22, 2016

Hendrickson Launches ULTIMAAX® Advanced Severe-Duty Rubber Suspension and STEERTEK NXT Fabricated Front Steer Axle

WOODRIDGE, IL (April 22, 2016) – Hendrickson Fire and Rescue officials announce the introduction of ULTIMAAX®, the next generation in rear tandem rubber suspensions, along with STEERTEK NXT fabricated front steer axle platform.

ULTIMAAX was designed specifically for severe-duty applications, tailored to the fire and rescue market. With durability being its cornerstone feature, “ULTIMAAX has truly raised the bar for durability, making it the ultimate in rubber suspension technology,” says Chris Batsch, director of Fire and Rescue at Hendrickson.  

In addition to its excellent durability, ULTIMAAX® delivers enhanced stability, handling and ride quality. The integration of Hendrickson’s proven walking (equalizing) beam technology with its patented progressive load spring provides a balance of loaded stability and unloaded ride quality.  As load increases, the progressive load spring engages and the ride and stability characteristics of the suspension change to meet the application’s needs without an abrupt change in ride quality.  This superior ride translates to reduced road shock and vibration to the vehicle, which contributes to longer service life of the cab, chassis and body equipment.

ULTIMAAX optimizes weight without sacrificing durability, resulting in a product that is hundreds of pounds lighter than competitive suspension systems and saving weight for other crucial components.  Available in capacities of 48,000 to 65,000 pounds, ULTIMAAX is the high capacity rubber suspension solution for the fire and rescue market.

STEERTEK NXT is now available in capacities from 16,000 to 24,000 pounds, expanding Hendrickson’s portfolio of front steer axle solutions.  While the Hendrickson axle platform is new to the fire and rescue market, Hendrickson’s STEERTEK fabricated axle technology has been proven in on-highway applications for 15 years.  Hendrickson’s proprietary manufacturing process achieves durability, rigid strength and weight efficiency.  Compared with traditional forged I-beam axles, STEERTEK NXT’s box-shaped cross section more effectively resists horizontal, vertical and twisting forces and provides up to 40 pounds of weight savings.  The innovative design easily integrates with a variety of suspension configurations, including integrated solutions with Hendrickson bushings and springs for optimized system performance.

For additional information on ULTIMAAX® or STEERTEK NXT, please contact Hendrickson Fire and Rescue at 1-866-755-5968 or www.hendrickson-fire.com.

Hendrickson, a Boler company, is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of heavy-duty mechanical, elastomeric and air suspensions; integrated and non-integrated axle systems; parabolic and multi-leaf springs; and bumper and trim components to the global commercial transportation industry. Hendrickson, based in Itasca, Ill., USA, continues to meet the needs
of the transportation industry after 100 years. Visit the Hendrickson Web site at www.hendrickson-intl.com.

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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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