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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: Feb 10, 2022

Braun Ambulances Celebrates 50 Years in Business

Braun Ambulances proudly celebrates a major milestone today of 50 years in the business of custom ambulance manufacturing. The Ohio-based company has various special events and initiatives planned in the upcoming months to commemorate its golden anniversary. Since building their first unit in 1972, Braun Ambulances has focused on safety, quality, and innovation to earn the reputation as the premier ambulance brand in the Fire/EMS industry. 

“As a third-generation family leader, it’s an honor to see Braun celebrate fifty years as a custom ambulance manufacturer. We know that our success is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from our loyal employees, dealer network, vendors, and customers,” shares Kim Braun, U.S. President. “It is humbling to reflect upon our growth spanning five decades, knowing the challenges we faced and our unwavering commitment to safety and innovation for our customers. Since merging with our partner brands, Demers Ambulances, Crestline Coach, and Medix Specialty Vehicles, we have only added to our bench strength in delivering the best custom ambulances in the industry. We are truly excited to see what the next fifty years hold for us.”

Charles C. Braun started the family business in 1961 as a pattern shop. One can trace the history of emergency vehicles for patient transport back to 1487, but it was the early 1970s that ushered in the era of modern ambulances. Braun won their first ambulance bid with Bloom Township Fire Department in 1972, positioning them as an established manufacturer in the emerging ambulance market.

Since then, the organization has seen many evolutions in product development, process improvements, industry requirements, and even family leadership through three generations. However, one thing that remains consistent is their mission to “make life better, one relationship and one vehicle at a time.” Braun Ambulances operates two facilities in Van Wert, Ohio, with nearly 400 employees. They build six unique ambulance models specific to customer specifications, delivering hundreds of units each year.  

Braun kicks off anniversary celebrations today with an employee luncheon to celebrate this big milestone. On June 11, 2022, they will host an open house offering facility tours for the community, and for those interested in joining the organization. Past and present employees and partners will come together for a special evening celebration on June 18, 2022. Details for public events are forthcoming; stay tuned throughout 2022 for more 50th anniversary-related announcements.

To learn more about Braun celebrations or employment opportunities, please contact Madison Braxton, U.S. Marketing Coordinator at 419-232-7020 or mbraxton@braunambulances.com.

About Braun Ambulances

Since 1972, Braun Ambulances has been a custom ambulance manufacturer focused on safety, quality, and innovation. Serving small volunteer EMS services to large municipalities and all size departments/private organizations in between, Braun delivers hundreds of new ambulances each year with the help of their dealer partners. Their current product lineup includes six unique ambulance models and countless customizations. In 2018, they merged with Demers to create the parent company Demers Braun Ambulance Manufacturer.

About Demers Braun Ambulance Manufacturer
Through its strong family of brands – Demers, Braun, Crestline, Medix – the Company operates six production/service sites across North America and employs over 1000 team members. The Company is the second-largest ambulance manufacturer in North America. Its offering of ambulance products range from the price-conscious value ambulance to the highly-customized specialty vehicle. To learn more about how Demers, Braun, Crestline, and Medix can help you save more li

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Posted: Feb 10, 2022

Thief Steals Toronto (Canada) Fire Truck; Is Promptly Arrested

Police officials say a person is in custody after allegedly stealing a fire truck from a firehall in Toronto (Canada), reports globalnews.ca.

Officials say the incident happened at Station 227 on Queen Street East near Woodbine Avenue in the city’s east side around 4:51 Thursday morning.

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The suspect drove the apparatus right through the firehall door, the report says. He didn’t get far, though, as police pulled over the suspect after a short while; its lights were not activated.

The suspect’s age and gender were not divulged, and, aside from the bay door, no damage or injuries were reported.

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Posted: Feb 10, 2022

Oberlin (OH) Fire Department Getting New Extrication Tools

Oberlin (OH) firefighters will soon have new $50,900 extrication tools with which to cut through wrecked cars, reports chroniclet.com.

The department’s current 1998 extrication tools are nearly worn out, which doesn’t bode well for rescues as newer car technology uses stronger metals, the report notes.

Plus, the new extrication tools will be battery-powered, so the gear no longer needs to be hindered by electrical cords.

The deal with Hurst eDraulic Extrication Tools of Warren includes the purchase of four mini-cutters, which can be used inside buildings, according to the report.

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Posted: Feb 10, 2022

Photo of the Day: February 10, 2022

Marion—Gansevoort (NY) Volunteer Fire Department, Northumberland Fire District No, 1 pumper. Spartan Metro Star cab and chassis; Cummins L9 450-hp engine; Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm pump; UPF Poly III 1,500-gallon water tank; 20-gallon foam cell; FoamPro 1600 Class A foam system. Harrison 6-kW generator. Dealer: Jason Harris, CW Fire Innovations, Valley Falls, NY.

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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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