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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: Apr 9, 2025

MSA Safety Announces Enhancements to Its G1 SCBA Platform at FDIC 2025

Company Also Highlights Continuous Innovation with New Globe Turnout Jacket

PITTSBURGH (April 9, 2025) – Innovation in the fire service is a continuous journey, where changing customer needs are driving forces in developing the newest safety solutions. For MSA Safety (NYSE: MSA), that means taking the best and making it even better with the latest edition of its market-leading self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and designing an all-new turnout jacket. This week at FDIC International, MSA Safety will do just that by announcing the MSA® G1 SCBA XR Edition and all-new Globe® G-XTREME® PRO Jacket.

The G1 SCBA XR Edition and G-XTREME Pro Jacket join the MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet as a trio of new fire service safety innovations introduced by MSA Safety in just the past year. These build on the growing list of solutions designed to help protect firefighters and enhance safety by assisting with accountability and situational awareness.

“Our customers drive our innovation and lead us to design safety solutions that best meet their safety needs,” said Stephanie Sciullo, President of MSA Americas. “In the past decade the fire service has evolved, and so has MSA by bringing new safety solutions to the market. As the leader in head-to-toe firefighter protection, we’re committed to helping advance firefighter safety, and we’ll continue to evolve and innovate by designing the next generation of safety equipment.”

Building on 10 years of continuous innovation, the MSA® G1 SCBA XR Edition is the latest evolution of the G1 SCBA, featuring enhancements to the breathing air regulator and to various soft goods, including the straps, lumbar pad, and emergency and quick-fill pouches. All soft goods are removable for easy cleaning, and all enhancements are backwards-compatible to existing G1 SCBA units. The G1 SCBA XR Edition will be available for order beginning in May.

With 15 U.S. patents, the G1 SCBA has a broad range of innovative features to enhance firefighter safety, comfort, situational awareness and operational efficiency, including standard voice amplification and radio interface capability, an advanced

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Posted: Apr 9, 2025

MSA Safety Announces Enhancements to Its G1 SCBA Platform at FDIC 2025

Company Also Highlights Continuous Innovation with New Globe Turnout Jacket

PITTSBURGH (April 9, 2025) – Innovation in the fire service is a continuous journey, where changing customer needs are driving forces in developing the newest safety solutions. For MSA Safety (NYSE: MSA), that means taking the best and making it even better with the latest edition of its market-leading self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and designing an all-new turnout jacket. This week at FDIC International, MSA Safety will do just that by announcing the MSA® G1 SCBA XR Edition and all-new Globe® G-XTREME® PRO Jacket.

The G1 SCBA XR Edition and G-XTREME Pro Jacket join the MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet as a trio of new fire service safety innovations introduced by MSA Safety in just the past year. These build on the growing list of solutions designed to help protect firefighters and enhance safety by assisting with accountability and situational awareness.

“Our customers drive our innovation and lead us to design safety solutions that best meet their safety needs,” said Stephanie Sciullo, President of MSA Americas. “In the past decade the fire service has evolved, and so has MSA by bringing new safety solutions to the market. As the leader in head-to-toe firefighter protection, we’re committed to helping advance firefighter safety, and we’ll continue to evolve and innovate by designing the next generation of safety equipment.”

Building on 10 years of continuous innovation, the MSA® G1 SCBA XR Edition is the latest evolution of the G1 SCBA, featuring enhancements to the breathing air regulator and to various soft goods, including the straps, lumbar pad, and emergency and quick-fill pouches. All soft goods are removable for easy cleaning, and all enhancements are backwards-compatible to existing G1 SCBA units. The G1 SCBA XR Edition will be available for order beginning in May.

With 15 U.S. patents, the G1 SCBA has a broad range of innovative features to enhance firefighter safety, comfort, situational awareness and operational efficiency, including standard voice amplification and radio interface capability, an advanced

Read more
Posted: Apr 9, 2025

Fire Apparatus at FDIC International 2025: Wednesday

Check out the rigs on display Wednesday, April 9, at FDIC International 2025. Fire apparatus will be on display at the Indianapolis Convention Center and in Lucas Oil Stadium. Photos by Jonathan Miller.

Posted: Apr 9, 2025

How to Handle Warranty Repairs and Maximize Manufacturer Support

APPARATUS: THE SHOPS

MICHAEL HUBER

Handling fire apparatus warranty repairs and maximizing manufacturer support require a proactive and organized approach to ensure the apparatus remains in optimal condition and any issues are promptly addressed.

Through trials and tribulations and a lot of frustration, here is some information I have learned along the way that could help you manage this process.

Know the Warranty Terms

Review the warranty documentation. Understand the warranty coverage, including the duration and what parts and services are covered. Ensure labor for the repair is included and understand any exclusions of the policy. This will allow you to identify what is eligible for repairs or replacement.

Ensure the correct registration. Ensure you register the fire apparatus with the manufacturer as soon as you purchase it or take delivery. You can often do this online. It ensures that you’re covered by the warranty from day one. Coordinate this with the dealer, as the dealer is the one profiting from not only the sale of the apparatus but the warranty repair reimbursement. A proficient sales representative will perform this task either with you or for you.

Keep all records, including proof of purchase, maintenance logs, and repair history. Manufacturers may require this for warranty claims.

Develop a Maintenance Schedule

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and procedures. This ensures that warranty coverage is not voided and helps prevent issues that could arise from neglect. In the case of engines or generators, make sure you use the specified lubricants so your warranty is not voided. The last thing you want is for the manufacturer to perform an oil analysis and determine that someone added the wrong fluid. This could potentially put you on the hook for high-dollar repairs.

Conduct regular inspections to catch minor problems early. Otherwise, they can escalate into major failures that could require expensive repairs.

Establish Clear Communication Channels

Identify a specific contact person or department at the manufacturer or dealer for warranty claims. This ensures faster and more direct communication.

When reaching out for support, be clear and detailed about the problem. Include information such as the model number, the serial number, the nature of the issue, and any diagnostics you’ve already performed. A picture is worth a thousand words in some cases.

Document All Issues and Repairs

Create an organized repair log of all warranty-related issues, including dates, nature of the problem, repairs, and parts replaced. This can be useful if disputes arise or if follow-up repairs are needed.

Take photos of any damage or defects for documentation. This helps in case the manufacturer requests visual proof before proceeding with repairs or replacements.

Use the Manufacturer’s Network

If possible, use authorized service centers for warranty work. Manufacturers are more likely to support claims made by recognized professionals familiar with their products. Warranties often include direct support from the manufacturer. This can be invaluable, as you’ll have access to technicians with deep knowledge of the specific apparatus and its systems.

Many manufacturers offer training programs for maintenance and troubleshooting. Consider using these resources to better understand the apparatus and reduce the likelihood of issues.

Follow UP on warranty Claims

Submit warranty claims as soon as you

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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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