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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: Mar 22, 2016

New Castle (PA) Welcomes Two New Fire Apparatus

Three generations of New Castle firefighters said their goodbyes to a faithful engine at the Central Fire Station Monday. A 30-year-old engine with 86,000 city miles on it was one of two engines retired on Monday during an informal gathering hosted by chief Mark Panella at the Central Fire Station on South Margaret Street.
The event, which included a luncheon, was aimed at thanking a number of city officials and representatives from area businesses and organizations that helped the New Castle Fire Department recently purchase two new state-of-the-art engines and other equipment.

The old engine -- complete with open air jump seats that the National Fire Protection Association no longer approves -- was used by three generations of firefighters in the Bulisco family, including 22-year-old Marco Bulisco.

Bulisco said his father, assistant fire chief Tom Bulisco and his grandfather, former chief Jim Shaftic, who served at the department from 1973 to 1993, both used the 1986-era truck.

That truck was recently replaced with Engine 2407, a $420,000 truck that services the Mahoningtown station and that was purchased through a FEMA grant and a number of matching donations, including money from the Ellwood Group Inc., the Hoyt Foundation and Central Heating and Plumbing. Engine 2407 was put into service about three months ago, according to Panella.

Panella said he is working with a city police officer to donate that old engine to an overseas department, as FEMA does not allow any fire department in the U.S. to use an engine that has been replaced through its grant program.

A second engine -- a 1994 model with around 104,000 miles on it that served as the department's main truck -- was replaced with the custom-built engine 2402 just last month. Panella said the second new engine, costing around $700,000, was purchased through the savings the city realized after refinancing a bond. The new truck will also serve as the department's main engine, and is housed at the Central Fire Station.

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Posted: Mar 22, 2016

Joseph Mirabile Named President of USSC Group

USSC Group

Exton, PA – USSC Group, a global leader in safety and survivability solutions for niche transportation markets, today announced that Joe Mirabile, VP Business Development and Corporate Counsel, has been named President.

“Over his past 5 years at USSC, Joe Mirabile has proven to be an innovative, hard-working addition to our Executive Team.  Holding multiple positions, Joe has been instrumental in directing the expansion of USSC into new markets. Under his leadership USSC has developed tremendous opportunities in the First Responder and FMNA Distributor markets. These efforts compliment the work done by Ray Melleady in the transit markets, Rick Klotz in the International and Rail Markets and David Kiernan in the Military Markets. Effective immediately Joe will be taking over as President of USSC. In this capacity he is responsible for all divisions and company operations. I’m confident that Joe will not only expedite our expansion, and with his staff improve operations, but will also improve communications and teamwork throughout the entire organization. ” said CEO Christian Hammarskjold.

“I look forward to engaging with the dedicated and passionate group of employees at USSC as we continue to expand our offerings and grow across our product group. The executive team will continue to be focused on supporting our rapid expansion. We have hired key personnel including Steve Toren as VP Sales First Responder, and Frank Rzeznikiewicz as COO. We are implementing key process improvements and will continue to invest in new equipment and tooling to support our growth,” said Joseph Mirabile.

http://www.usscgroup.com/

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Posted: Mar 22, 2016

Stuart (FL) Takes Delivery of HME MiniEvo Fire Truck

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Posted: Mar 22, 2016

St. Petersburg (FA) Fire & Rescue Installs Vehicle Exhaust Removal System

In April 2015, St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue received a FEMA grant from AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grants) to install a vehicle exhaust removal system. The primary goal of the AFG is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire-related hazards by providing direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments. This grant assisted in paying for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel in order to enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.

Now that the vehicle exhaust systems have been installed and the fire personnel have been trained, these systems went into use on Friday, March 18, 2016. The system that is being used is the MagneGrip Vehicle Exhaust Removal System, which will remove harmful emissions produced when fire apparatus engines are engaged inside the engine bay area. It will provide added protection in the stations when vehicles move in and out of the engine bays. This is accomplished by the direct capture and removal of harmful vehicle exhaust fumes that otherwise would be released into the open air while the engines are operating. This system will help ensure the highest quality of indoor air possible.

MagneGrip system meets NFPA 1500 for "no less than 100 percent effective capture of exhaust emissions." MagneGrip effectively protects the health of the firehouse personnel and it is fully automatic. When a fire apparatus starts up inside the engine bay, a wireless sensor automatically switches the MagneGrip exhaust fan on. Then all of the toxic exhaust soot and gases are extracted through sealed ductwork and safely dispersed outside the building, making a cleaner and safer working environment.

Photo by: Lt. Steven Lawrence, Deputy Fire Marshal

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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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