The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) announced funding awards for the fourth round of the State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) Grant Program. The SPIRE program provides life-saving emergency response equipment to state, local, tribal and other eligible agencies across Oregon to strengthen statewide disaster preparedness and response.

More than 120 pieces of equipment will be distributed to 83 jurisdictions statewide, totaling more than $8.1 million in awards.

“Through the SPIRE program, we’re building a stronger, safer Oregon by ensuring our emergency response partners have the tools they need to protect communities,” OEM Director Erin McMahon, said. “This equipment strengthens local capacity, supports mutual aid across jurisdictions, and prioritizing life and safety during disasters.”

Funded projects include a wide range of equipment designed to meet local needs and strengthen Oregon’s overall emergency response network. Examples include:

• High-axle rescue water evacuation vehicles for Harney, Yachats Rural Fire Protection District and Curry counties to support flood response and swift-water rescues.
• Sandbagging machines for Harney, Malheur, Crook, Portland, North to quickly produce flood barriers during severe weather.
• Unmanned aerial vehicles with thermal imaging to assist search-and-rescue efforts in every region of the state.
• Communications unit leader kits, compact rapid deployables and resilient incident connectivity kits to bolster emergency communications when 911 systems or fiber lines are disrupted.
• Generators, mobile command centers, utility terrain vehicles, modular vehicle barriers, traffic message boards and heavy-lift airbags to improve readiness and on-the-ground response.
• Solar charging stations and dual-fuel transport trailers to ensure resilient power and fuel supplies during extended emergencies.

Procurement of SPIRE IV equipment will begin in the coming months. While the purchasing process can take time, OEM is committed to moving as quickly as possible to deliver equipment. All equipment is purchased and owned by OEM but is locally managed and maintained. As such, all vendor communication will be managed by OEM staff; applicants are asked to refer any direct vendor outreach back to OEM.

A complete list of funded and unfunded projects, as well as reviewer feedback, is available at the SPIRE site.

For questions about SPIRE IV, contact oem.spire@oem.oregon.gov.

About SPIRE

Authorized by Oregon House Bill 2867 (2017), the State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) Grant Program provides emergency response equipment to state, local, and tribal agencies to help increase disaster response capacity across Oregon. To learn more about SPIRE and see where equipment has been delivered, visit https://spire-geo.hub.arcgis.com.

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Palm Beach County (FL) Fire Rescue unveiled it’s newest pink pumper, a 2009 Sutphen, which will continue the mission of hope, strength, community, and remembrance during Breath Cancer Awareness Month, the department said in a Facebook post.

This engine replaces the original pink pumper, a 1989 Young Crusader engine, which has traveled across the county for more than a decade, supporting people and families affected by cancer.

As one survivor shared: “Whenever we see this truck, we know there’s a community behind us. We know we’re not going through this alone.”

During a transfer ceremony Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, cancer survivors and families took part in a “Transfer of Memories” hooking up the hoses between the old and new trucks, moving helmets, memorabilia, and the truck’s original flag forward to continue the fight. Afterwards, loved ones signed the new truck in honor of the journey, kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness Month a little early.

“To all who have fought, continue to fight, or who have stood beside a loved one—you are not alone,” the post said. “The Pink Pumper rides for you.

“We couldn’t continue the tradition of The Pink Pumper without recognizing the long hours of support from Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County, Local 2928, IAFF, our PBCFR Retirees, and the PBCFR FACE (Firefighters Attacking the Cancer Epidemic) Team.”

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The opening keynoter for the 2025 Fire Truck Training Conference was Assistant Chief David Griffin of the Charleston (SC) Fire Department. Chief Griffin was the pump operator of the first engine to respond to the Sofa Super Store fire that claimed the lives of 9 Charleston firefighters.

Since that fire, Charleston has implemented a variety of changes in their operations. The department budget was $14.7 million in 2007 but is now $62 million, and part of that budget is devoted to its fleet division. There was no fleet manager in 2007, but there is now, along with one lead repair technician, four additional repair technicians, and the division has requested a mobile technician be added to the budget.

Throughout the presentation, which included a recounting of the events of June 18, 2007, including his deficiencies as a pump operator that day—deficiencies he did not blame on the department but on himself for not striving to be better at that job. He challenged the emergency vehicle technicians in the audience and said, “Why would you not want to be the best?” He praised the technicians in attendance for choosing to come to the Fire Truck Training Conference to ensure they are the best at their jobs and cautioned that those who are not seeking out training are the ones to worry about in any organization. His comments naturally dovetailed with the theme of this year’s conference: The Best Techs Never Stop Training.”

As Griffin concluded his remarks by delivering advice that he said transcends any profession: Do the right things the right way for the right reasons. Doing so is not for you but the people around you.

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WYOMING, Minnesota (September 22, 2025) – Rosenbauer America, a leading manufacturer of fire apparatus, today announced its participation at the 35th Annual ARFF Working Group Symposium. As part of this, guests have the opportunity to attend a Rosenbauer America customer appreciation event and live vehicle demonstration, providing a first-hand look at the future of aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) with the PANTHER electric.

The event will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to ride in the cab of the PANTHER electric and experience its power and nearly-silent operation. This is more than a presentation—it is a live experience designed to showcase the vehicle’s revolutionary capabilities. Guests will also enjoy complimentary refreshments and a barbeque.

The PANTHER electric represents a monumental step forward in sustainable and effective ARFF response. Its innovative design and technology deliver uncompromising performance while significantly reducing environmental impact.

Key features and functions of the PANTHER electric include:

• Zero Local Emissions and Ultra-Quiet Operation: The all-electric powertrain eliminates exhaust fumes and drastically reduces noise and vibrations, creating a healthier and safer working environment for firefighters and airport personnel.
• Superior Acceleration and Driving Dynamics: With a powerful electric drive, the PANTHER electric outperforms its diesel counterparts, accelerating from 0 to 50 mph (80 km/h) in less than 25 seconds, ensuring a rapid response to any emergency.
• Full-Performance Firefighting Technology: The vehicle’s high-voltage batteries and electric pumps deliver the same powerful firefighting capabilities as a conventional PANTHER, with a pump flow rate of up to 2,250 GPM (9,000 liters per minute) and a turret throw range of up to 300-feet (100 meters).
• Integrated Energy Backup System (EBS): An on-board diesel-powered EBS provides seamless, continuous power to the pump and other systems, guaranteeing full operational readiness even during extended or unforeseen incidents.
• Rapid Charging Capabilities: The PANTHER electric can be fully charged from empty in approximately 45 minutes with up to 300 kW charging, and a typical operational charge can be achieved in as little as 15 minutes, ensuring a fast turnaround between responses.

To experience the next evolution of ARFF technology, noted event details are as follows:

Where: Foxwoods Resort Casino, Rainmaker Room, 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, CT 06338

When: Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm ET

Transportation: Shuttle bus departs from Mohegan Sun at 5:30 pm ET

About Rosenbauer America

Rosenbauer is the world’s leading manufacturer of firefighting vehicles and equipment. With a history of innovation spanning over 150 years, Rosenbauer is a full-line manufacturer, providing pumpers, aerials, rescues, and other specialized apparatus to fire departments across North America from its facilities in Wyoming, Minnesota; Lyons, South Dakota; and Fremont, Nebraska. Rosenbauer America is part of the Rosenbauer Group, which operates in more than 100 countries and is a trusted partner to fire services worldwide. The company is dedicated to developing and providing the most advanced and reliable firefighting technology to save lives and protect property. Learn more at www.rosenbaueramerica.com.

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