The latest episode of FEMSA Focus, brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech and hosted by Chris Mc Loone of Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment, dives into the evolving landscape of extrication tools through a conversation with two industry leaders: Shelly Elliott, President for North America at Holmatro, and Emilie Maheu, President of AMKUS. Their insights speak directly to the fire service’s current challenges and the path forward for extrication tool development. Here are three key takeaways from the discussion.

Both Elliott and Maheu emphasized that the fire service’s evolving operational environment heavily influences extrication tool design. Increasing complexity in vehicle construction, including use of high-strength alloys, advanced materials, and expanding electric vehicle (EV) presence, demands that manufacturers keep pace with rapidly shifting technology. Elliott pointed to the rise in natural disasters, tighter budgets, and staffing shortages as additional factors shaping customer needs.

Maheu echoed this, explaining how many departments still rely on tools that are decades old simply because funding to replace or upgrade equipment is scarce. “Fire departments using tools 30 to 40 years old” is a stark reality that contrasts with the significant advances made in extrication technology. The challenge lies in balancing cutting-edge features with affordability and reliability, ensuring tools meet the demands of modern rescue scenarios without pricing out struggling departments.

A strong theme running throughout the episode—and one resonating beyond extrication tools—is the value of industry collaboration through FEMSA membership. Both Elliott and Mayhew highlighted how FEMSA amplifies their voices on critical issues like funding, regulation, and training through unified advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. This coordination helps secure much-needed resources and policy support for fire departments nationwide.

Additionally, FEMSA provides an important forum for manufacturers to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and form meaningful relationships. Given that only about 5-6% of the fire industry workforce is female, organizations like FEMSA also foster inclusion and mentorship networks, helping newcomers and diverse leaders thrive.

This sense of community strengthens both the manufacturers’ ability to serve their customers and the fire service’s ability to access advanced tools and training solutions. As Elliott put it, rescuing lives is “very purposeful and meaningful,” and FEMSA helps all stakeholders stay connected and focused on that mission.

Listen to the whole Podcast for more.

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There’s a lot going on in Michigan when it comes to fire trucks these days. On September 18, Spartan Chassis celebrated its 50^th anniversary in Charlotte, and the 2025 Fire Truck Training Conference got underway in Lansing on September 22.

Walking into the main hall, your attention is immediately drawn to Ol’ No. 1, Spartan’s first chassis manufactured in 1975 at 426 Sumpter Street in Charlotte, Michigan It features an FMC cab that Spartan trimmed out and installed on the chassis. And, you can’t think of Ol’ No. 1 without thinking of Bill Foster, one of Spartan’s founders who passed away in January 2025.

Foster is the man who, in 1994, recognized the need to provide technicians with an opportunity to get the education they need to stay abreast of new developments as fire apparatus evolve and to stay up to date on their emergency vehicle technician (EVT) certifications.

Besides the EVT test preparation classes, the conference features supplier-lead classes that focus on specific apparatus components, as well as more advanced classes, many of which are hands-on.

Many may not realize that your fleet maintenance division services much more than trucks. Valves, monitors, nozzles, supplemental restraint systems, seats, and more all fall under the fleet maintenance division. Today’s apparatus repair technicians need to know a lot more about electronics than ever before. Programming a monitor, while not impossible, does take some training to learn how do to it.

This year’s conference is a mix of return attendees and first timers. I had the pleasure of sitting with two technicians from Charlotte, North Carolina—one a return attendee and one a first timer. There’s sometimes no better marketing than that which comes from repeat attendees. He said, “If you get the chance, go to the aerial maintenance class. It’s really good. The instructor who teaches it has been doing it for 20 years.” And the first timer? He had just moved over to repairing fire apparatus nine months ago after servicing other vehicles in the city’s fleet. He said, “I have always been fascinated by airplanes and fire truck

SPOKANE, Washington (September 18, 2025) – MES Life Safety, the national leader in fire and emergency response solutions, has announced the acquisition of General Fire Apparatus, a premier fire apparatus sales and service company with a four-decade legacy serving fire departments across the Pacific Northwest. This move significantly strengthens MES Life Safety’s apparatus sales capabilities across Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and Oregon, while also deepening its service support network.

A Legacy of Apparatus Sales and Support

For more than 40 years, General Fire Apparatus has supplied fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment to departments of every size. With a reputation built on both reliable sales expertise and responsive customer service, General Fire has been a trusted partner to municipal, volunteer, and wildland agencies throughout the region.

“We’ve always focused on making sure fire departments have the right apparatus to meet their mission, backed by dependable service and support,” said Steve Wickwire, Vice President of General Fire Apparatus. Brenden Feist, CEO of General Fire Apparatus, added, “Becoming part of MES Life Safety allows us to join forces with a strong brand that will increase our access to national resources—while continuing to provide the trusted local service our customers expect.”

Strengthening Apparatus Sales Nationwide

“General Fire Apparatus has an outstanding history of not only servicing but selling and delivering critical fire apparatus throughout the Pacific Northwest,” said Marvin Riley, CEO of MES Life Safety. “Their deep expertise in apparatus sales and long-standing customer relationships make them the ideal partner as MES Life Safety continues to expand its role as the nation’s most trusted provider of emergency vehicles and equipment.”

About General Fire Apparatus

Headquartered in Spokane, WA, General Fire Apparatus specializes in fire apparatus sales, emergency vehicle service, pump testing, apparatus repair, and firefighting equipment sales. Its footprint spans Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and Oregon, where it supports departments of all sizes with both apparatus delivery and responsive service.

About MES Life Safety

Since 2001, MES Life Safety has been dedicated to protecting heroes from heat, hazards, and heights in the most challenging environments. As a trusted supplier to the fire service, law enforcement, and industrial safety markets, MES Life Safety equips at-risk workers with apparatus, gear, and high-performance products from leading brands such as 3M Scott, Honeywell, ISC, Fire-Dex, Seek Thermal, Hurst Jaws of Life, Matex Hose, Elbeco, and 5.11 Tactical. With the nation’s largest network of specialized sales representatives, mobile service technicians, and strategically located service centers, MES delivers unmatched equipment, apparatus, and support to ensure readiness and safety on every mission.

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Avery Sloan – The Virginian-Pilot

CHESAPEAKE — Two people died in a head-on crash very early Sunday morning on Interstate 464, according to Virginia State Police.

Around 2:33 a.m., police were called to a crash on I-464 which involved two vehicles, including a 2024 Ford Econoline ambulance. The ambulance — owned by Midwest Medical of North Carolina — was traveling south on the highway when it was hit head-on near the Military Highway exit by a 2022 Lexus sedan that was traveling north in the southbound lanes, state police said in a news release. The crash caused both vehicles to catch fire.

Both the driver and a passenger in the ambulance were taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said. The passenger, who was in the front seat, later died. He was identified as Stephen Michael Anderson, 53, of Trenton, North Carolina. The driver of the ambulance, Skye A. Oraczewski, 22, of Elizabeth City, remains in critical condition.

The driver of the Lexus, Shakena Shamae Taylor-Pannell, 39, of Virginia Beach, died at the scene. Alcohol and speed are being investigated as contributing factors in the crash, police said.

The crash closed southbound lanes of I-464 for several hours.

No other information was immediately available.

Correction: An earlier version of this report incorrectly indicated the crash happened on I-64. It happened on I-464.

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