Lubbock Fire Rescue announced recently that it has placed in service a new helmet and a newly dedicated blocker truck for roadway incidents, everythinglubbock.com reported.

The department will use a helmet with foam on the inside, like what skateboarders and motorcyclists wear, for roadway incidents.

The rig, a re-purposed pumper given a second life with LFR, has been retrofitted with directional lighting, additional LED lighting, and a lighted sign board, the report said.

The blocker truck will provide an additional layer of safety for first responders working on roadways during emergency incidents.

The department made a video (above) about the reason behind the new helmet and blocker truck.

“January 11, 2020, was a tragic day for Lubbock Fire Rescue and the Lubbock Police Department—one that brought important lessons for our department,” LFR said in a Facebook post. This informational video highlights key initiatives developed by the Roadway Safety Committee, including:

• Roadway Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Updated Response Packages for Roadway Incidents
• Our new Blocker Program — the latest addition, going into service in the coming weeks

The post Lubbock (TX) FR Places New Helmet, Blocker Truck In Service for Roadway Incidents appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

One point to highlight from this Podcast is whether or not we are evolving our fire apparatus designs to be in line with the needs of contemporary firefighters. While many apparatus features have been heavily influenced by traditional practices, there is a clear call for department to rethink these designs. The advent of electronic pump controls showcased at the conference raised important questions about whether modern apparatus is being built with today’s firefighters in mind.

Firefighters currently entering the profession are accustomed to user-friendly technology, like touchscreens on personal devices. However, many existing apparatus designs closely resemble those from decades ago. This generational difference can create a disconnect between the tools available and the operators’ capabilities and comfort levels. Rethinking apparatus design to accommodate the preferences and skills of younger firefighters could significantly enhance their effectiveness in emergency situations.

One observation from FDIC International 2025 was the number of stock rigs on the floor. These vehicles, often pre-manufactured and ready for quick deployment, have become an attractive option for many departments facing protracted procurement timelines. These apparatus do not equate to a lack of options; they can still be customized to a degree depending on the specifications needed by the department.

The strategic advantage of acquiring stock rigs can be particularly critical, as departments seek to address immediate operational needs without the long lead times typically associated with custom orders.

Overall, as fire departments navigate a rapidly evolving landscape characterized by technological advancements and market fluctuations, the insights shared during the FDIC International 2025 podcast serve as a timely reminder of the pressing need for adaptation, innovation, and collaboration within the fire service community.

FDIC International 2025 offered an invaluable platform for exploring the intersection of technology and firefighting practices. By embracing these emerging trends, fire apparatus manufacturers and emergency responders can work together to craft solutions that are both effective and relevant, ensuring that the fire service continues to evolve and effectively meet the demands of modern emergencies.

The post FDIC 2025 and the Broader Fire Apparatus Context appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Two teenage girls were hospitalized with severe injuries after they were allegedly run over by a Sarasota County Fire Department lifeguard truck recently, wltx.com reported.

The truck, a Ford F-150, was being driven by a Sarasota County Fire Department lifeguard, the report said.

The victims, 14 and 15 years old, were reportedly lying behind a berm and the lifeguard didn’t see them, the report said.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the incident, said the lifeguard was slowly leaving the beach to enter a closed-off parking area when he hit the teens, according to the report.

The post Two Sunbathing Teens Injured After Being Run Over by Sarasota County (FL) FD Lifeguard Truck appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

PITTSBURGH (April 28, 2025) – Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety, Inc. (NYSE: MSA) today announced it has secured a $10 million contract to provide respiratory protective equipment to the Orange County Fire Authority in Southern California.  With this order, MSA continues to strengthen its breathing apparatus market presence in the Southern California region.  Over the past two years, MSA Safety has secured similar breathing apparatus contracts with both the Los Angeles County and the Los Angeles City Fire Departments. 

The decision to upgrade Orange County Fire Authority’s self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) technology was made after a comprehensive evaluation process. Factors that influenced the department’s selection of the G1 SCBA were its advanced technology and connectivity features, as well as the ability to upgrade the breathing apparatus with new technologies as they become available.

With 15 U.S. patents, the G1 SCBA is the centerpiece of the MSA Connected Firefighter platform – a suite of safety technologies that work in concert to significantly improve firefighter monitoring, accountability and communication.  The SCBA utilizes embedded technology to transmit important data, including cylinder air pressure, battery status and various alarm indicators, to incident commanders via MSA’s FireGrid^® system. The FireGrid system is a software service that gives incident commanders the ability to evaluate and manage on-scene fire crews in real time.

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“When it comes to protecting first responders, our vision at MSA Safety is to provide fire departments with the most advanced and versatile safety solutions available today,” said Bob Apel, MSA Safety Executive Director, Global Fire Service and Digital Experience.  “Our G1 breathing apparatus is a fitting example of that vision. The platform provides ongoing value to fire departments because it enables us to continuously add new technologies to the SCBA that enhance firefighter health and safety.  That vision is consistent with our growth strategy to be the leading innovator in head-to-toe protection for the fire service.”

Also included among the G1 SCBA’s advanced features is an integrated thermal imaging camera (iTIC).  The iTIC places thermal imaging capability into the hands of individual firefighters, as opposed to sharing a handheld device among multiple firefighters.  The camera is part of the SCBA control module that houses a video screen and other electronics that enable many G1 features.

Founded in 1995, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is a regional fire service agency that serves 23 cities and all unincorporated areas within Orange County.  With 78 fire stations, the OCFA protects nearly two million residents.  It is a premier public safety agency providing superior fire protection and medical emergency services to its communities.

“We are incredibly proud to establish this new partnership with the Orange County Fire Authority,” said Joann Serakowski, MSA Safety Vice President, Fire Service – U.S. and Canada.  “Most importantly, we’re honored the department has entrusted MSA with the responsibility of protecting the men and women who help keep the residents of Orange County safe each day.”

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Delivery of the new SCBA units is expected to be completed in 2025.

About MSA Safety

MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE: MSA) is the global leader in advanced safety products, technologies and solutions. Driven by its singular mission of safety, the company has been at the forefront of safety innovation since 1914, protecting workers and facility infrastructure around the world across a broad range of diverse end markets while creating sustainable value for shareholders. With 2024 revenues of $1.8 billion, MSA Safety is headqua