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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: Sep 30, 2022

Black Mold Discovered in Pittsfield (MI) Township Fire Station

Firefighters in a Pittsfield Township noticed a damp floor in one of their fire stations this spring, MLive.com reported.

After several months of searching, they determined the leak stemmed from a faulty shower pan, and specialized testing revealed black mold had taken hold, a fire official told township leaders during their meeting September 28, the report said.

The first tests at Fire Station 3 at 705 West Ellsworth Road came back with results the official described as “doomsday.” Officials sought another opinion. Further testing showed slight mold, not dangerous, according to the report.

Officials taped off the area and explored both the costs of remediating the issue and potentially finding temporary housing for firefighters, the report said.

The Pittsfield Township board OK’d paying for remediation costs up to roughly $43,700, as well as up to $25,000 for temporary rehousing of firefighters, should it be necessary, according to the report.

For now it appears they will be able to stay in the station safely, in rooms that haven’t been affected, the report said.

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Posted: Sep 30, 2022

Storied Seaside Park (NJ) Fire Truck in Roadside Lot For Years: Here’s Why

About 14 miles away from its longtime home on the barrier island, a Seaside Park fire truck that served residents well for decades sits seemingly abandoned, Lavallette-Seaside.Shorebeat.com reported.

Technically, it’s not abandoned – it’s for sale – and the story of how it ended up parked on the side of the road in Lakewood for years is emblematic of the many injudicious consequences of Superstorm Sandy, the report said.

The 1983 Mack bucket truck can be found in a gravel lot on Route 88 in Lakewood, just off the Garden State Parkway and down the road from a string of gigantic car dealerships, according to the report. There are just under 18,000 miles on the clock and, presumably, it remains for sale. The aforementioned gravel lot belongs to a small used car dealer who came to own the fire truck in the storm’s aftermath.

The classic fire engine wasn’t lost in a flood or consumed by the ocean’s wrath, the report said. Instead, firefighters in Seaside Park took it over the bridge before Sandy hit in order to make sure it would not be destroyed in the oncoming storm. After the system moved out, members of the volunteer department headed back to the island to rescue stragglers and make sure the town was secure.

The aging truck suffered a breakdown in the midst of the storm response, with mechanics determining an axle needed to be replaced, as well as some other work – a major project for an aging fire truck, the report said. An insurance carrier offered $28,000 for the value of the truck, however the deductible was $25,000.

For more on this story, please go to Lavallette-Seaside.Shorebeat.com.

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Posted: Sep 30, 2022

Spartan Emergency Response to Host 26th Annual Fire Truck Training Conference in Lansing (MI)

BRANDON (SD) – (September 30, 2022) –  Spartan Emergency Response, comprised of several subsidiaries of REV Group, Inc., and a leading manufacturer of fire apparatus, will host the 26th Annual Fire Truck Training Conference (FTTC) Oct. 2-7 at The Lansing Center in Lansing, MI.

FTTC is the largest and most in-depth combined training symposium and testing event in the nation, attracting over 300 first responder driver-operators, technicians, equipment manufacturers, dealers, service center representatives and more from across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Asia. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn directly from the manufacturer, to test to certify or re-certify on EVT standards, and network with fellow technicians and driver-operators.

Spartan Emergency Response’s 26-year history of hosting this event reflects the company’s commitment to provide first responders with the safest, most effective fire apparatus possible, and to empower them with the skills and knowledge to keep their fleets well maintained and in service. This year marks the return of the popular event, which was cancelled the last two years due to COVID. 

FTTC provides multiple training tracks with 45 individual courses over five-days that spans repairs of brake systems, pumps, valves, roll-up doors, and more. Attendees of the training seminars can meet with component suppliers one-on-one to address specific troubleshooting issues and learn the latest maintenance techniques.

“FTTC demonstrates Spartan’s commitment to the first responder community,” said Mike Virnig, Vice President of Sales, REV Fire Group. “We’re proud to build the finest fire apparatus on the road, but equally gratified to know we’re doing our part to educate and share best practices that enhance the safety and wellbeing of the individuals we ask to protect our communities.”

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About Spartan Emergency Response

Spartan Emergency Response, comprised of REV Group subsidiaries Spartan Fire, LLC, Smeal SFA, LLC, Smeal LTC, LLC and Smeal Holding, LLC, is a North American leader in the emergency response market and offers brands including Spartan Authorized Parts, Spartan Factory Service Centers, Spartan Fire Chassis, Smeal, and Ladder Tower. Spartan Emergency Response vehicles are well known for safety, quality, durability, aftermarket product support, and first-to-market innovation. The company operates facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Nebraska.

About REV Group, Inc.

REV Group® companies are leading designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, which serve a diversified customer base, primarily in the United States, through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation. They provide customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public services (ambulances, fire apparatus, school buses, and transit buses), commercial infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers), and consumer leisure (recreational vehicles). REV Group’s diverse portfolio is made up of well-established principal vehicle brands, including many of the most recognizable names within their industry. Several of REV Group’s brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years. REV Group trades on the NYSE under the symbol REVG. Investors-REVG

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Posted: Sep 30, 2022

East Taylor (PA) VFC to Replace 44-Year-Old Attack Truck

Since 1978, East Taylor Volunteer Fire Company has relied on the same modified pickup truck to battle brush fires and other blazes, a fire official said, TribDem.com reported.

Such trucks are designed and equipped to allow responders to get to fire scenes faster than larger apparatus, and to start fighting flames as soon as possible. But after 44 years, the company’s truck can’t match up to modern models, according to the report.

That will change though, even if it won’t be immediate.

The fire department was one of seven across the 13th Congressional District notified that federal funding is flowing in to replace antiquated apparatus and gear, the report said.

East Taylor is receiving more than $261,000 to add a new mini-pumper Quick Attack truck, while nearby Cover Hill received funds to purchase new gear to protect them on scene, the report said.

A new model will enable crews to carry more gear, valuable lighting for nighttime emergencies and bolster the truck’s pumping force to 750 gallons per minute, according to the report.

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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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