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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: Jan 6, 2022

Rome (NY) Fire Department Orders Two Sutphen Apparatus

When in Rome, purchase two new Sutphen fire apparatus—well, that’s what the Rome (NY) Fire Department did at least, reports romesentinel.com.

Department officials say they’ve ordered a new ladder truck and a new mainline pumper, both of which will take more than a year to build, the report says.

The tower truck will feature a 100-foot ladder and cost about $1.4 million; it will take 18 months to build. It will replace a 16-year-old tower, which will be moved to reserve status, the report says.

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The engine will hold 1,000 gallons of water and pump 1,500 gallons per minute and will cost about $640,000; it will take about 14 months to build. Officials say it will replace a 14-year-old engine that was seeing recurring problems but will be moved to reserve status.

The money for the trucks will come out of the city’s COVID-19 government relief funds.

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Posted: Jan 6, 2022

Hoover (AL) Fire Department to Apply for $212k Grant

City council recently approved the Hoover (AL) Fire Department’s request to apply for a $212,250 grant to help replace three command vehicles, reports hooversun.com.

The department, which expanded last year from one district commander to three, has a reserve vehicle and pulled another from headquarters so each district commander has a responding vehicle, the report says. They’re housed at Station 4 on Municipal Drive, Station 7 in Inverness, and Station 11 in Trace Crossings.

The department now boasts four Chevrolet Tahoes; two are 2016 models with 89,000 and 98,600 miles, while the other two are 2007 models with 166,000 and 168,000 miles, officials say. The department wants to replace three and keep one as a reserve, the report notes.

Related Articles:
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If the grant is, uhh, granted, the city would have to contribute $21,225, which would come from the 2023 budget, the report says. Last year, the department received two grants: $205,000 for a medial rescue vehicle and almost $44,000 for fitness equipment for each of its 11 stations.

In addition, the report says, city council approved a contract with The University of Alabama Health Services Foundation to provide a medical director for the fire department to review the department’s emergency medical practices and protocols and provide training updates to staff.

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Posted: Jan 6, 2022

Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Using Fire Apparatus to Transport Certain Patients

Much like Baltimore County (MD), the Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department has adjusted its policy to allow certain patients to be transported on fire apparatus, reports losangeles.cbslocal.com. A pandemic-spurred lack of ambulances and resources brought on both decisions.

The policy allows fire apparatus to transport patients, albeit under strict guidelines: the patient must be conscious and alert, able to walk and stand, and must be able to sit in a seat on the truck. Also, they’re only to be used if ambulance response times are exceptionally high, according to the report.

The move comes parallel to the department implementing a new dispatch system for ambulances, as officials say the ambulance companies that the county contracts have also been decimated by COVID.

Related Articles:
Baltimore County (MD) Using Fire Apparatus to Transport Low-Priority Patients
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Posted: Jan 6, 2022

Two WI Firefighters Killed in Semi Collision Involving Apparatus

Two Mineral Point (WI) firefighters were killed when the fire apparatus they were traveling in was struck during a roadway response.

According to the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa County 911 Communications Center received a report of a crash that occurred near Mile Marker 38. Emergency units were responding to the scene, and a Mineral Point fire truck responding to the scene was northbound on USH 151 with two firefighters on board.

The fire truck was attempting to turn into an emergency crossover when it was struck by a northbound semi-tractor trailer that was also traveling northbound on USH 151.

Both firefighters were killed in the crash, although the driver of the semi was uninjured. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage. The apparatus caught fire as a result of the crash. The names of the deceased were not available as of this writing.

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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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