The Northbridge (MA) Fire Department recently broke ground on a new fire station with the intentions of replacing outdated facilities that no longer meet the needs of the community, according to a report published by the Blackstone Valley Tribune.

The paper reported that the new fire station will be the first built from the ground up, specifically designed as a fire station for the community.

A ribbon cutting for the new facility is anticipated for Fall 2023, according to the report.  

A Bacon District (VA) Volunteer Fire Department truck was damaged when it went off the road on a curve after it met a car too far over the center, according to a report published by The Charlotte Gazette.

The paper reported no injuries occurred when the driver of the pumper ran off the right side of the road and then over corrected. The truck did not rollover, but it sustained damage and is being evaluated to see to what will need to be repaired, according to the report.

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)