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.

Coxreels is pleased to offer various stainless steel grade choices to our customers, ideally servicing exact specification needs. Coxreels offers complete stainless steel reels and powder-coated steel reels with stainless steel fluid paths. Now customers can choose between 316 and 304 grade stainless steels for their fluid paths on many reel types to best match the necessary corrosion resistance of their reel according to the application. Coxreels stainless steel reel spools and frames will remain 302/304 grade stainless and are optionally available in an electro-polished finish for additional corrosion resistance.

302/304 and 316 are the two primary stainless steel types used in the reel industry. With inherent metallurgical differences, each category offers different levels of corrosion protection and cost. The 302/304 are the most commonly used stainless steels and are found in most applications where corrosion resistant steel is required such as food and beverage, sanitation, dairy, pharma, appliances and sinks. 316 grade stainless steel is commonly considered the most corrosion resistance of the stainless steel grades and can be up to 4X more resistant to corrosion than 302/304.

Selecting the proper stainless grade for the application is important to balance the cost vs needed corrosion resistance. 316 is usually recommended for marine applications, some acidic fluids, chemicals that end in “ine” such as chlorine, bromine, etc, and is also often specified when long lasting appearance is desired. Regardless of your specific application, Coxreels has the stainless material to meet your needs.

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.

Coxreels offers both grades in several of the larger series. Most series have a default standard which can be altered through the custom reel (CP) process. For further information on the Coxreels® stainless steel product line, contact Customer Service at (800) 269‐7335 or visit www.coxreels.com.

At FDIC International 2016, Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Editor Chris Mc Loone had a chance to demo Glob’s new ATHLETIX™ turnout gear. The turnout coat and bunker pants are contructed of TenCate KOMBAT™ STRETCH PBI®/KEVLAR® fabric, NOMEX® NANO thermal barrier material, 3M SCOTCHLITE™ COMFORT TRIM reflective material and CROSSTECH™ BLACK moisture barrier.

According to Rob Freese, senior vice president, marketing, the company started work on the ATHLETIX project three years ago and went to customers at all levels: chiefs, station house officers, line firefighters, distributors, purchasing folks and asked them three questions:

1.       What do you like?

2.       What do you not like?

3.       What would you change if you could?

“Those questions lead to all sorts of insights into how fire departments and firefighters are thinking about their job and the evolution of how they fight fire.” says Freese. After asking those three questions, Freese says that the company received 20,000 inputs that Globe distilled into eight distinct categories “Out of those categories, we learned things that fire departments are looking to incorporate in the next generation of gear.”

Globe is preparing to ramp up production on ATHLETIX once it receives its final certifications, at which point, the new turnout gear will become commercially available. Globe’s booth (#2522) is located in Hall D at the Indiana Convention Center.

More: www.globeturnoutgear.com.

By Joe Pronesti

If you were lucky enough to be there in person or even had the opportunity to watch on the Web site, Chief Derek Alkonis, while delivering his rousing keynote address, discussed a tidbit on video training that he picked up on while attending previous FDIC. His point was: attend FDIC with the intent of picking something up and taking back to make your department better. In following his lead, I too picked up a wonderful tip while at this year’s FDIC International, and the best thing was that it didn’t come from any of the awesome instructors there.

Wednesday morning at FDIC International was the Opening Ceremony, followed by the presentation of the annual Courage and Valor Award. This year’s winner was Firefighter Jason Rivera from the New Haven (CT) Fire Department. Firefighter Rivera performed an amazing act of bravery that recalled our service’s highest standards. While on a hoseline protecting a search during a residential house fire in March of 2015, he also sustained some serious injuries that kept him out of work for an extended period. You can search the specifics or watch the ceremony replay for more info, but it was after the ceremony that Firefighter Rivera's performance had the biggest impact on me==an act that I wish all firefighters could’ve seen and been a part of.

When you receive the Courage and Value Award from Pennwell Publishing, you receive a medal and a check for $35,000 dollars--for us firefighters that’s a pretty nice chunk of change and, when combined with the medal and notoriety given early on Wednesday morning, it's probably enought to make recipients feel like celebrating with family and friends after. No one could have blamed him if he left the stage and went somewhere for a few morning mimosas. But here is where Firefighter Rivera gave me the best takeaway from FDIC International 2016. Immediately afterward, he attended a CLASS!

After the ceremony ends, classes begin. Every 90 minutes, 25 instructors deliver every type of conceivable class on firefighting, from elevator emergencies to high-rise fire size-up. As I settled into the class I selected, a group of firefighters dressed in their Class A uniforms came into the room and sat next to me in the front row; one of them was Firefighter Jason Rivera. Jason stayed the entire class, listening intently to the instructor, and anyone not knowing what took place only a half hour before wouldn't have had the slightest clue to his award and accolades.

Humility and the thirst for continued knowledge is what makes a leader, and on Wednesday April 20, 2016, a brother firefighter taught me way more than courage--he reminded me of how to conduct myself. In turn, this provided one of the best learning experiences I could possibly share with my firefighters back home. It was one that will resonate with me long after the conference, and well into my life.

Thank you, Jason Rivera.

JOSEPH PRONESTI is a 26-year veteran of the Elyria (OH) Fire Department, where he is an assistant chief and shift commander. He is a graduate of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Executive Officer program and a lead instructor at the Cuyahoga (OH) County Community College Fire Academy. He is a contributor to fire service publications and sites, including Read more

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