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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: Jul 28, 2025

Morongo Indian Reservation Celebrates Station Grand Opening

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians (CA) has unveiled a new, state-of-the-art Station #1. The goal of the new station is to enhance public safety throughout the reservation. The grand opening comes two years after Morongo launched a tribal medical helicopter and ground ambulance service.

1 Morongo tribal leaders, regional dignitaries and Morongo firefighters cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the Tribe’s new state-of-the-art fire station on Friday, July 18.

According to a press release posted on July 18, it is a 15,000 sq ft. facility that is located at the intersection of Morongo and Santiago Road on the reservation. Station #1 replaces the former station built in 1998.

2 Morongo firefighters take part in the traditional “push-in” ceremony, manually rolling a fire engine into the new Morongo Fire Station for the first time on Friday, July 18.

Tribal Chairman Charles Martin shares that this new fire station will strengthen the department’s mission to protect lives and property on the reservation, emphasizing that safety has always been top priority for the tribe.

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Posted: Jul 28, 2025

FEMSA Focus: Technology? Maybe–Not No

The fire service stands at a crossroads where tradition meets rapid innovation. As technology advances at an ever-quickening pace, fire departments and their allied industries face the challenge of integrating new tools while honoring the legacy and experience of their members. A recent conversation hosted by Chris Mc Loone of Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment spotlighted these issues, featuring David Askew, Secretary and Treasurer of the Fire Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA), and Kevin Sofen, a technology advisor with deep ties to the fire industry.

This dialogue made clear the fire service faces challenges not only from the evolving technological landscape itself but from the culture of cautiousness that protects its legacy and lives. Progress requires balance—honoring traditions and experience while actively fostering curiosity and experimentation with new tools.

Trial programs, “kitchen table” forums, networking, and vendor partnerships anchored in respect and open communication will speed the adoption curve. Meanwhile, smart investment in infrastructures and training ensures firefighters aren’t left exposed as technology reshapes their operational realities.

Adopting an attitude that embraces “maybe” over “no,” recognizing that failure in early trials is part of learning, and always centering on solving tangible problems—reducing risks, improving situational awareness, and saving lives—will define the fire service’s technological future.

This is just the beginning of ongoing conversations spotlighting technology’s role in firefighting prepared by Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment, with more deep dives planned for the coming year. 

The post FEMSA Focus: Technology? Maybe–Not No appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.

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Posted: Jul 28, 2025

PHOTOS: Annual Antique Fire Muster Held in Frankenmuth (MI), Part 1

Frankenmuth held the annual Antique Fire Muster, July 25-26, 2025. The event included fire truck displays, pumping events, and even a parade.

Photos by Dave Traiforos.

Posted: Jul 28, 2025

Officials Say CT FF Died After Piece of Fire Truck Broke Free

Jessica Bravo
Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
(TNS)

Jul. 27—PLAINVILLE — A volunteer firefighter, fatally injured while battling a fire on Maria Road on Sunday morning, is being hailed as a hero who died “answering the call.”

Plainville Firefighter Raymond Moreau, 60, was killed after a piece of fire truck broke free of the apparatus and struck him, Connecticut State Police Trooper Kate Coney said at a news conference late Sunday afternoon.

Coney said the impact caused catastrophic injuries to Moreau’s leg, and he was rushed to the hospital where he died during surgery.

Coney said firefighters had responded to Maria Road at 6:20 a.m. Sunday for a report of a fire. She said multiple units arrived at the scene and Moreau was one of those responders outside the structure when the incident happened.

Coney, speaking in front of a room of Moreau’s fellow firefighters, some of whom become emotional during the event, said he was a 35-year veteran of the fire department, having started there in July 1990.

“Ray has volunteered tens of thousands of hours to the community,” Coney said. “In addition to his service to the Plainville community, Ray was a loving husband and veteran of the United States Marine Corp. Firefighter Moreau was a consummate professional, dedicated servant, and will be missed dearly by his friends, family, and community.”

Coney said Connecticut State Police’s Central District Major Crime Unit is the primary investigating agency, adding they will be supported by the Connecticut State Police Fire Explosion Investigation Unit and the Collision Analyst and Reconstruction Squad.

“We are collaborating with OSHA and the State Attorney Christian Watson at New Britain Superior Court for this investigation,” she said, adding the investigation is still very much in its infancy.

The Plainville Fire Department said in a Facebook post to “please keep the family in your thoughts and we thank you all for the outpouring of support during our difficult time.”

Ronnell Higgins, the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, said Moreau’s death “cuts like a knife.”

“This isn’t a job or a hobby,” Higgins said. “Being a volunteer firefighter, it is a calling — and Ray answered the call.”

Plainville Town Manager Michael Paulhus said Moreau gave countless hours to the community and was a good person, calling him a “fallen hero.”

“This is a tremendous loss for the community,” he said.

Gov. Ned Lamont in a news release directed all state and U.S. flags lowered to half-staff effective immediately until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been determined.

“It is with extreme sadness today that we mourn the life of Plainville Firefighter Raymond Moreau, who selflessly put his life on the line to serve and protect his community,” Lamont said in the release.

In a post on X, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said his heart breaks at the tragic loss of Moreau, adding “a courageous, committed life cut short.”

“Firefighter Mor

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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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