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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

Posted: Apr 20, 2016

Jackson (MO) Approves Purchase of Fire Apparatus

The Jackson Fire Department will get an upgrade next year after the Board of Aldermen approved just over $440,000 for the purchase of a new fire truck. It will replace one in service the fire department has used for 36 years. The old firetruck will be retired, and a 26-year-old firetruck will be moved to reserve status.
Jackson fire chief Jason Mouser said a FEMA grant helped the department obtain a new ladder truck in 2012, but the last time the city was able to purchase a new fire engine was 1998.

The engine will be custom-made by Precision Fire Apparatus of Camdenton, Missouri, but that takes months, Mouser said.

"We think it's probably going to be early January, February of 2017 before we'd be putting the new apparatus into service," Mouser said, adding the new truck would likely improve the department's safety and effectiveness.

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Posted: Apr 20, 2016

FDIC International 2016 Hangout, Day 3

Join us live from FDIC International 2016 in Indy for Day 3 of our hangout series.

1:00 - 1:30  Danny Sheridan

1:30 - 2:00  Mike Dugan/Mike Gagliano

2:00 - 2:30  Avillo/Duffy

2:30 - 3:00  Sons of the Flag

3:00 - 3:30  Mike McEvoy

3:30 - 4:00  Traditions Training

4:00 - 4:30  Ray McCormack/Erich Rhoden

All times are EDT.

FDIC International 2016 Hangout, Day 1

FDIC International 2016 Hangout, Day 2

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Posted: Apr 20, 2016

Why I Teach: Gary Ludwig

Gary Ludwig, Chief, Champaign (IL) Fire Department


Dead Men Do Tell Tales: Crime Scene Preservation for Fire and EMS Personnel


Friday, April 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

The fire service continues not to learn the lessons of the past when it comes to crime scene operations. My goal is to educate fire professionals on how they should avoid inadvertently destroying evidence that could allow a criminal to go free. There are new methods for collecting and documenting evidence on crime scenes now. DNA sequencing has truly evolved; simple things like saliva on cigarette butts can make the difference.

My inspiration comes from a strong desire to make a difference and help others. A career in the fire service affords me that opportunity when you can help someone on medical calls or save the valued and irreplaceable possessions of someone whose home is burning. One lady lost every picture she had of her deceased husband in a house fire. I only wish we had been able to do more for her.  

However, the high points are when a life or property is saved.  Because of my training, I twice have been able to save the lives of people who were choking when I was in a restaurant off duty. We once saved an old lady's dog in a house fire. The dog was everything to her in the world—all she had.  The joy she had when the dog started responding to oxygen cannot be described.  

My low points include three separate fires where there were six children dead at each fire. A mother who shot her daughters—all under the age of 7—because she did not want to go on welfare. An 18-year-old high school student, working part-time at a gas station to earn extra money, who was forced to kneel in a corner, facing the wall, and executed during a robbery.

I have been teaching since the mid-1980s. Instruction is important to prepare those who follow you to do an excellent job and prepare them for what you have already seen and experienced. This will enable them become better at what they do or maybe even prevent them from being injured or killed.  

At FDIC, there is so much to see and learn. The value of networking and fellowship with other fire service professionals cannot be calculated.

When off-duty, I enjoy spending time with my family and grandchildren. I love boating and own two boats.  My children and I are certified divers and love diving when on vacation in the Caribbean.

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Posted: Apr 20, 2016

Paul Conway Shields Spotlights Three New Products at FDIC International 2016

Paul Conway Shields announced that it will highlight three of its products at FDIC International 2016: the Blastmask; the Hydrovent; and its Web-based, customized uniform/equipment management program.

The BLAST Mask™

Click HERE to learn more about the Blast Mask

"We want to create a lasting impression with our customers and vendors, allow individuals to personally connect with our representatives, learn more about our full line of products and services and have their questions answered on the spot," said Marketing Director Lisa Le Strom.

Hydrovent

Click HERE to learn more about the Hydrovent.

Le Strom said that she enjoys FDIC because, "Attendees get to see the new products and the suppliers of the products that these heroes use on a daily basis. They get to experience live interaction, the ability to place orders on the spot or get quotes for their department and more."

She concluded, "FDIC is a wonderful show for individuals from across the country to come learn about the latest advances in the industry. Individuals have the opportunity to meet with instructors, vendors and fellow brothers and sisters, to learn best practices, attend seminars, team building events, see product demonstrations, and more."

To learn more, visit fire.paulconwayshields.com or call (800) 955-8489.

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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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