By Alan M. Petrillo

W.S. Darley & Company has launched a new technology division that will encompass all of the company’s current drone, virtual reality, and training programs, while expanding to meet emerging customer needs in the unmanned systems market. The new entity is called the Unmanned Systems, Metaverse & Robotics (USMR) Division.

“There is a strong demand across the fire, rescue, law enforcement, and defense markets to align unmanned systems capabilities from low earth orbit to under the water,” said Peter Darley, Darley’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Using a ‘system of systems’ approach with our strategic partners, Darley’s USMR Division will work to bridge the technology gap between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), surface/ground systems and undersea systems to provide technology integration for future capabilities.”

Dave Givey, Darley’

Task Force Tips (TFT) has introduced a new version of its CrewProtect product specifically designed for smaller spaces. The new unit was developed for enclosed cabs on SUVs, wildland vehicles, tillers, and commercial cabs on fire trucks and ambulances. The new 20 CFM version is only 6 lbs (2.75 kg) and fits in a 7.25″ × 6″ × 4″ (185mm × 153mm × 102mm) space. It is available in a 12V or 24V version with a grey or white exterior. 

Like the 100 CFM version of CrewProtect introduced in 2021, the new CrewProtect 20 tackles all three major air threats in the cab and ambulance body: particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and aerosols carrying bacteria and viruses. Other systems only tackle one or two. Most importantly, CrewProtect is safe. Many other systems are ineffective at particulate and VOC removal or have the unintended consequence of adding more harmful elements, such as ozone and formaldehyde, to the air during operation. 

TFT designed CrewProtect specifically for fire apparatus and fire ground contaminants. Installation is easy in a new truck or as a retrofit into an in-service unit. Like the larger unit, CrewProtect 20 is made from steel and powder coated for added durability. CrewProtect is also fast and effective, filtering the air in the average cab every 3.5 minutes, which exceeds the air exchange rate of “clean rooms” and operating rooms in hospitals! Lastly, CrewProtect is hardwired to the ignition, allowing it to automatically protect occupants whenever the apparatus is in use without switches or adjustment controls. 

For more information, contact your local TFT dealer or go to Task Force Tips – Firefighter Learning Hub (tft.com) 

A shot of Stamford (CT) Fire Department Rescue 1 during recent fire department dive team training.

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House Leader Jim Durkin, officials, members of the Western Springs (IL) Department of Fire and EMS, Village staff, and residents, recently gathered at Fire Station 1 to celebrate the arrival of a new fire engine.

The 2021 Pierce Saber Pumper replaces a 2001 Laverne engine, which served the Village for over 21 years. The new Engine #1711 was purchased at a cost of more than $500,000 using legislative appropriated grant funds from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

It was manufactured in Florida and recently arrived in Illinois. Fire Chief Mike Kelly described some of the features of the new engine, including onboard vehicle extrication equipment and the ability to pump up to 1500 gallons of water a minute.

Village President Alice Gallagher expressed appreciation to House Leader Durkin for his role in acquiring the newest addition to the Fire Department’s fleet. “It is unlikely we could have allocated the funds necessary for this public safety improvement without Leader Durkin’s strong support to secure the grant,” she said.

Leader Durkin began his remarks by lauding the Department of Fire & EMS. “First of all, I’d like to thank all of the men and women of the Department for their service to this Village” he said. He went on to describe his willingness to offer assistance to secure funding for the new fire engine.

The Department operates out of two fire stations in Western Springs, and Durkin noted the importance of both stations being fully equipped to respond to emergencies. The Department of Fire & EMS is staffed mostly by paid-on-call personnel along with full[1]time, contracted paramedics/firefighters, and seeks new recruits from within the community annually.

The Department’s fleet includes an engine, ladder truck, two ambulances and a command vehicle, in addition to the newly acquired Saber engine.