ACE is born from over a decade of development. Initially introduced in a nascent form at FDIC about ten years ago, the technology was ahead of its time. However, with changing dynamics and an increase in interest from various sectors, FRC decided to reintroduce ACE, believing the market is now more receptive to such advancements.

ACE is designed to augment the capabilities of firefighters. Acknowledging that many firefighters may feel uneasy about automation, the title “Advanced Control Environment” emphasizes better interaction rather than outright automation.

At its core, ACE is designed for accessibility. By transforming complex pump operations into manageable tasks, ACE equips new firefighters with a tool they can navigate easily, allowing them to focus on their critical roles during emergencies.

The ACE system automates several tasks that traditionally required constant manual adjustment. For instance, upon switching water sources during operations, ACE can intuitively manage the tank refilling process or regulate pump pressure, minimizing the risk of oversight that could occur in high-stress situations.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio — A Cleveland Division of Fire Academy cadet has died after experiencing a medical emergency during a physical fitness session on Friday afternoon, according to city officials.

The cadet, whose name is being withheld out of respect for the family, was rushed to a local hospital where he later died. His sudden death prompted an outpouring of grief and support from the city’s public safety community.

City leaders, including Mayor Justin Bibb, Public Safety Director Wayne Drummond, Fire Chief Anthony Luke and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 93 Union President Jake Konys went to the hospital after the cadet’s death to offer condolences and stand with the family and classmates.

Bibb reflected on the personal nature of the loss.

“I am absolutely devastated to learn about the tragic death of one of our cadets – who is also a friend I’ve known for many years,” he said in a statement. “He was excited to further his commitment to helping others by joining the fire academy, and that has tragically been cut short. I will do everything I can as mayor to ensure that his legacy is not forgotten.”

The cadet had only recently begun his journey in the fire service, but his presence had already left a mark. Luke called it a difficult day for the department.

“Our entire Cleveland Fire Family is saddened by this loss,” he said in a statement. “We offer our condolences to his family and will stand with them through the difficult days ahead.”

Konys also spoke to the emotional toll of the loss on the firefighting community.

“Words cannot describe this great loss,” Konys said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and classmates of our brother. While his time amongst our ranks was cut short, he will forever hold a place within our fire family.”

Officials have not released further details about the cadet’s medical emergency, and the incident remains under investigation. More information will be shared in the coming days, the city said.

Kaylee Remington is a trending news and metro reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Read her work online.

©2025 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit cleveland.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The post Cleveland (OH) Fire Cadet Dies Following Medical Emergency During Training appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

Getting your specifications right at the outset is more important today than ever before. You communicate to the builder you choose through the specification you generate. You want to ensure that you are getting the apparatus you want and need for the price you are paying. This month, we ask Bill Adams and Ricky Riley: What is the biggest mistake fire departments today are making with their specs?

 Not Having Situational Awareness

I am seldom at a loss for words discussing fire apparatus purchasing specifications (specs). Its been a favorite topic for years (e.g., https://www.fireapparatusmagazine.com/fire-apparatus/apparatus-purchasing-decep- tive-and-confusing-boilerplates/ and www.fireapparatusmagazine.com/fire-apparatus/apparatus-purchasing-deceptive-specification-writing/). Having written specifications as both buyer and seller, I’ll attempt to answer the question from each perspective while treading lightly. The way the question is framed, a response taken out of context could be construed as saying fire departments make willful mistakes during the process. There is no allegation of that. At the same time, there’s no way to describe what the biggest mistake might be without possibly and unfairly accusing the spec writers. I’m not going there.

An observation relevant to both career and volunteer entities is that a fire department might not be aware of the complexities and legalities when writing purchasing specifications. According to the Oxford Dictionary, unfamiliarity is the “fact of not knowing something.”

That is not claiming the spec writer is uneducated or uncaring. Fire department members tasked with the duty of writing specifications may not have been taught how to accomplish the task-through no fault of their own.

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

A politically correct response to this month’s question is: “Not having situational awareness of the spec writing process is detrimental to achieving the apparatus desired.” That statement sounds good. It shouldn’t aggravate people. But unfortunately, it really doesn’t say anything definitive that you can hang your hat on. It sounds like a politician talking.

Two pragmatic statements are: “People not well-versed or educated in the competitive bidding process can be placed in a position where they are responsible for writing the purchasing specifications for a million-dollar fire truck. It is possible there may be no oversight or accountability for their actions.” It is human nature for some spec writers to become defensive if challenged. If it’s too hot, decline getting into the kitchen.

The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) signing the check is ultimately responsible and accountable regardless of who physically writes the purchasing specification document-a task usually delegated to the fire department. Large departments purchasing scores of apparatus per year have more experience and expertise in writing specifications than small fire companies that might only purchase a new rig every two decades. My comments can be applicable to both.

FACT OF LIFE

Fire departments don’t really write specs on their own. They need outside help regardless of whether they are provided by vendors, manufacturers (OEMs), professional spec writers, or outside consultants. Apparatus OE

A Maysville firefighter was struck by a tow truck while assisting another department whose fire truck had become stuck in a ditch, according to a Facebook post by the Maysville (AR) Volunteer Fire Department.

Maysville Assistant Chief Braxton Handle announced on Facebook that the firefighter was airlifted to a trauma center. Handle confirmed the firefighter underwent surgery, is out of recovery and doing well.

The department had responded to a structure fire earlier that day when a neighboring department’s fire truck got stuck in a ditch, 5newsonline.com reported. 

A tow truck was called in to assist, but during the recovery process, it struck the Maysville firefighter, the report said.

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