DITEK launches the DTK-120X12

DITEK, the provider of surge protection solutions, announces the launch of a new complete electrical surge protection solution for fire alarm systems. The DTK-120X12 combines protection for 120V system power with protection for up to 12 low voltage circuits to eliminate unnecessary damage caused by electrical surge events.

This unique and compact new combination simplifies implementation of comprehensive surge protection for critically important fire alarm systems while providing for remote monitoring of surge protection status using dry contacts.

The convenient, modular plug-in design simplifies installation of surge protection modules and allows for easy replacement when needed. The combination of complete system protection along with high quality construction and field-replaceable modules makes this new offering a perfect fit for protecting alarm systems and control panels.

“The new DTK-120X12 brings together a simple and complete solution for fire alarm systems,” said Michael Molinari, Director of Marketing, DITEK. “By expanding protection beyond the primary power supply to the low voltage signaling and control circuits, this new protection solution drastically reduces the chances that these wires can carry destructive surges back into the Fire Control Panel. There is no better way to quickly protect a fire alarm system.”

DTK-120X12

The DTK-120X12 base is designed to be wall mounted and hardwired, and includes the 120VAC power surge protection unit with dry contacts for remote monitoring of surge protection status. The 120VAC module also has LEDs for visual confirmation of status, as well as a loud audible alarm that sounds if protection has been compromised.

This three-way notification is designed to ensure that the system will not remain unprotected. The base also has space for mounting up to 6 compatible low voltage protection modules (DTK-2MHLP and/or DTK-2MHTP) that can be used to protect up to 12 SLC, NAC, IDC, PIV, and dialer circuit pairs (these modules must be ordered separately to match the needs of the installation).

All the protection modules are field-replaceable, allowing for quick restoration of protection when needed. A sliding cover is provided to prevent accidental contact. The DTK-120X12 is UL1449 listed as a Type 2 SPD and UL497B for surge protection, UL1283 listed for EMI/RFI noise filtering, and complies with applicable IEEE standards. The DTK-120X12 is made in the USA, with a 10-year limited warranty.

Oshkosh completes Pratt Miller acqusition

Oshkosh Corporation, a provider of mission-critical vehicles and essential equipment, today announced the completion of the previously announced acquisition of Pratt Miller, which specialises in advanced engineering, technology and innovation across the motorsports and multiple ground vehicle markets, for a cash-free, debt-free purchase price of $115 million.

“We are pleased to complete the acquisition of Pratt Miller, an organisation led by its world-class engineering and motorsports heritage,” said John C. Pfeifer, Oshkosh Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer. “This acquisition will allow us to leverage Pratt Miller’s experience and innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous and connected systems and electrification, positioning our Company for future growth.”

As a result of the completion of the transaction, Pratt Miller will maintain its name, team members, facilities, branding elements and will maintain focus on its motorsports business in partnership with General Motors. The acquisition will enhance the combined company’s product performance and provide Oshkosh Corporation with immediate access to additional and complementary engineering expertise.

Patol launches brand new website

Patol, the UK manufacturer of industrial fire alarm and heat detection products, has started the new year with the launch of a complete revamp of its website, with a clean new look and a more user-friendly platform.

The company is proud of its heritage, with more than 50 years of supplying fire detection solutions to projects throughout the world. This is highlighted on the homepage, with examples of the wide range of industries in which the company operates, from car parks and tunnels to power generation, warehouses and waste management.

Visitors interested in the products relating to specific markets can drill down directly via a single click while those wanting to know more about the complete range of Patol products can also easily access the information.

The homepage features Patol’s three most popular solutions: the aspirating smoke detector ASD 535 which can monitor an area of up to 5,760 square metres; the Digital Linear Heat Detection Cable (LHDC) which provides cost effective early detection of fire conditions and overheating; and the 5000 Series of Infrared Transit (Conveyor) Heat & Flame Sensors.

Iain Cumner, Patol Sales Director, comments – “a lot of information was available on the previous website but it wasn’t always the easiest to find. Ease of navigation was a fundamental requirement in the brief for this revamp and that has certainly been delivered with the new site.

This is illustrated by the simple drop-down menu on the homepage through which most of the information can be reached in just a couple of clicks. We have retained features of the previous site that had proved popular with our customers, including access to our Technical Library, but it is now more readily accessible. By providing just some very basic information, visitors can download datasheets on our full range.”

For those who want to make enquiries, either through the UK HQ or the Patol office in India, simple forms are provided, while details of Patol’s numerous accreditations are also featured.

Cumner continues – “we recognise the ever-increasing role of websites as the first port-of-call for people seeking information. That, of course, needs to be backed by market knowledge and technical expertise from the people that we employ so we continue to invest in both.

We have retained SEO management of the site to help us ensure that we remain in front of existing and potential customers, providing the opportunity to highlight our wide ranging response to fire detection in many varied applications.”

Linear Fire Safety formed following acquisition

Linear Group have today announced the acquisition of a stake in Kyle Management Consultants Ltd, a leading fire safety solutions consultancy, to create Linear Fire Safety (LFS), as it continues to drive growth across the UK.

The launch of Linear Fire Safety reflects the growing importance of, and demand for, specialist solutions in this crucial area of building development, management, maintenance and safety.  The new division will have a clear, single minded focus on providing high-quality, industry leading and independent fire safety expertise and tailored services to a broad spectrum of business end users and properties across the UK.

Built on the fundamental principle that fire safety must be integral to each and every building, from design and construction through to long term management, Linear Fire Safety is committed to ensuring the optimal, and most effective strategy is identified and adopted, in line with the life stage of the building.

This move will see three new senior fire safety specialists join the Group, bringing over 100 years of hands-on fire safety experience to the business and providing essential insight for clients across the UK.

Former Assistant Chief Officer (Director of Operations) of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, Bill McDonagh, who brings 42 years of fire safety experience, will take up the post of Chairman of Linear Fire Safety.  Whilst Alan Macmillan becomes Managing Director, bringing an impressive career record of over 30 years with Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and Director Andrew McClure adds his own 30 years’ experience in local authority fire and rescue services to the team.

Commenting on the news, Bill McDonagh, said, “Since we began working with Linear, we’ve consistently acknowledged a strong synergy and connection with our collective skills and experience and their vision for growth, in adding vital specialists to the client offer.   Making this exciting move and joining the Group will enable us to build on our current client base, as well as provide comprehensive fire safety solutions to Linear’s existing, and future, clients.”

Stephen Holmes, CEO, Linear Group, said, “For some time, we have been working collaboratively with Kyle Management so we recognise the unquestionable value they add to our service offering.  By taking a stake in the business and formalising it as a key part of the Group, we are taking this a step further and ensuring this is integral to our business moving forward.

Bringing such highly regarded and experienced talent into the team will truly set us apart, as Bill, Alan and Andrew are arguably some of the most respected, skilled and knowledgeable figures from the industry, both in Scotland and across the UK.”

For more information on Linear Fire Safety visit https://linearuk.com/linear-fire-safety/

Omnigo acquires Incident Response Technologies

Omnigo Software, a provider of public safety, incident, and security management solutions, has acquired Incident Response Technologies, Inc., makers of the Rhodium Incident Management Suite.

With this transaction, Omnigo expands its suite of safety and security management solutions that help organisations improve operational efficiency, minimise risk and organise the entire safety and security management lifecycle, allowing institutions to focus on what they do best. Omnigo customers will now have the ability to extend their access to the entire Rhodium Incident Management Suite, including its incident and event pre-planning, enhanced ICS forms and incident management.

“With the addition of Rhodium’s loyal customer base, Omnigo now serves more than 2,700 organisations customer in 20 different countries, who in turn serve multiple jurisdictions in the US, Canada and abroad. We are positioned to help make a difference in our country’s future,” said Richard DeFrancisco, Omnigo CEO. “We’re bringing together two very innovative companies that are passionate about public safety and security. Current and future customers can expect significant benefits as a result of this transaction.”

Rhodium provides a complete command and control solution allowing users to quickly consolidate information, coordinate assets and act accordingly. From day-to-day incidents to large scale, multi-agency responses, Rhodium is intuitive and scalable to any situation.

We are thrilled to join an amazing team who, like us, works extremely hard to transform the systems and processes that make our communities and citizens safer,” said Jarret Winkelman, President and CEO of IRT. “This is great news for our employees and our customers. Omnigo shares our philosophy and vision for the future of public safety and security, and we are excited to help expand their industry-leading solutions.

Winkelman has been instrumental in shaping Rhodium’s culture and the evolution of incident management products, and he will continue to do the same in his new role as Director of Products at Omnigo.

“I am very excited about Rhodium and Omnigo coming together,” said Cris Esquivel, retired Chief of Police at McAllen ISD. “With the increased scale and resources, I’m confident that we will all see significant innovation as a result of this combination.”

Fire-Dex announces 8 staff promotions

Fire-Dex, a family-owned global PPE manufacturer for first responders, have announced the promotions of eight key associates: Lauren Burke DeVere, Taylor Burke Gilman, Todd Herring, Jenny Surovey, Amanda Yandell, Bart Brown, Ryan Holliday, and Michelle Guthrie.

The immense growth Fire-Dex has experienced continuously enables the company to invest in its internal resources. Owner and CEO Bill Burke, witnessed both daughters join the organisation in 2019, making it a family-owned and operated business.

The eldest daughter, Lauren Burke DeVere, immersed herself in her metro sales role and quickly earned her new title of Director of Metro Sales, while the youngest daughter, Taylor Burke Gilman, led the onboarding of two acquisitions in Milwaukee and Hudson granting her the promotion to Director of Gear Wash. 

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“Lauren has brought an aggressive approach that has tested the norms of the metro sales process in a way that is making us more successful,” said Steve Allison, President of Fire-Dex. “Taylor’s commitment to maintaining the existing backbone of our Gear Wash businesses while transitioning them into the Fire-Dex family has been seamless, and we expect high levels of performance from both sites in 2021. I look forward to what Lauren and Taylor will accomplish in the coming year.” 

Allison restructured departments as he promoted Todd Herring to Vice President of Product Innovation and Strategy. Herring will be leading a newly formed group at Fire-Dex called Product Innovation and Strategy which will include Product Management, Design, Supply Chain, and Quality.

As the new Director of Marketing and the newest addition to the executive management team at Fire-Dex, Jenny Surovey will take the lead on all Fire-Dex marketing initiatives. Since joining the organisation in July 2015, Jenny has demonstrated exemplary skills as shown in the annual revenue of the company. 

“Todd’s contributions to our culture, strategy, and overall success have been powerful, he has been one of my most trusted associates” states Allison. “Jenny has led to the transformation of the Fire-Dex Marketing team while becoming the best in our industry. I have no doubt she will continue to brilliantly represent Fire-Dex and shine as our Director of Marketing.” 

Contributing to many marketing growth strategies on Surovey’s team is Amanda Yandell, who now holds the title of Brand & Events Manager. Since joining Fire-Dex in 2017, Amanda has frequently aided various successful marketing projects. “Amanda’s passion for Fire-Dex shines through in everything she does,” says Surovey. It has been amazing watching her grow, and I know she will continue to do incredible work in her new role.”

The sales team at Fire-Dex continues to display rapid growth with the recent addition of new associates and now the promotion of Bart Brown. Since joining the company as a Territory Sales Representative in 2019, Bart has shown immense dedication to each of his customers while continually building long-lasting relationships within his region. With his new title of Regional Sales Manager, Bart will now oversee AL, AR, MS, KY, and TN where he will continue to strengthen customer relationships and loyalty.

“Bart’s consistent work ethic, enthusiasm, and passion for serving his customers are just a few of the many exceptional characteristics that have driven Bart’s success,” states David Moore, Regional Zone Director. “His commitment to continuous improvement and leadership at Fire-Dex has earned him a well-deserved promotion.” 

Two associates within Fire-Dex’s operations department also received promotions this year. Taking on the lead management responsibilities as the Operations Manager is Ryan Holliday, who joined the company back in 2011 and has become a critical player in the organisation’s success. Taking the lead on warehouse management and inventory control is Michelle Guthrie who started as a Production Associate in 2007 and has grown through the ranks now taking on the title of Warehouse Supervisor.

“Ryan brings an enthusiastic leadership approach anchored to high expectations with a philosophy for having great teamwork while Michelle’s commitment to continuously improve has been a key part of our success,” said John Karban, Vice President of Operations. “I am thrilled to announce each of their promotions.” 

Atlantic Emergency Solutions expands with acquistion

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company have announced that Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Inc. has acquired Finley Fire Equipment Co. Inc., serving Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

The acquisition includes Finley Fire Equipment’s existing four service locations with plans to add five more in the next 12 to 24 months. Atlantic has over 300 employees across 18 locations and supports seven states and the District of Columbia.

“For nearly 50 years, John Finley and his family have built an extraordinary legacy providing fire equipment and serving departments throughout Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky,” said Joe Pack, President and CEO of Atlantic Emergency Solutions.

“This expansion represents a new era for Atlantic and our growing family of sales and service professionals. We’re looking forward to building relationships with customers across the region and are fully committed to providing world-class service for decades to come.”

John K. Finley established Finley Fire Equipment in 1972 and set out to provide the finest products, services, and training available for those who work in the fire service. His son, John W. Finley, took over as President & CEO in 1999. “I am grateful for the foundation my father created, and incredibly proud of the relationships and trust our team has established with our customers over the years,” said Finley. “Together, we made a remarkable impact, and I am confident that our alignment with Atlantic Emergency Solutions will only build on the successes our company has experienced over the years.”

With Atlantic Emergency Solutions’ expansion, an immediate focus on additional sales and service support in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia includes:

  • Strategic investments in additional locations across Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia (locations will be at least 10,000 sq. ft. to accommodate apparatus of all sizes and outfitted with modern electric lifts, tools, and diagnostic systems)
  • Recruitment initiatives for EVT, ASE, and Cummins-certified technicians
  • Full-time sales teams (Fire, EMS, and Equipment) to actively support departments throughout the region
  • A full-time team responsible for Pierce field stock units at customer locations

Atlantic Emergency Solutions currently offers a multi-state service network, large-scale parts inventory, and a knowledgeable team known for their dedication to around-the-clock roadside assistance. To support growing demand, the dealership is actively looking to increase their service network from 18 to 26 locations across their region.

“It has been an honor to partner with the Finley family and the Finley Fire Equipment team since they became a devoted Pierce dealer in 1974,” said Jim Johnson, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “The company has not only been recognised for its leading role in our dealer network but most crucially for their commitment to serving fire departments. Now, as two remarkable teams combine, we are confident the collaboration and shared expertise will be vital to the sales and service experiences of our customers.”

To learn more about Atlantic Emergency Solutions territory expansion, visit www.atlanticemergency.com.For more information about Pierce’s expansive dealer network, visit www.piercemfg.com.

Emergency Reporting releases report for AFG applications

Emergency Reporting, the provider of Fire & EMS records management software has released a new report to assist customers with their applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The application period for this grant opened January 4. With fire department budgets being significantly challenged in today’s climate, the AFG program provides some much-needed relief.

Completing a grant application can be daunting and time-consuming, but with so many fire departments struggling to budget for adequate staffing, protective equipment and gear, software, and other resources, grants can be essential for keeping first responders and communities safe. To help make the AFG application process simpler, Emergency Reporting created an easy-to-use report that significantly reduces the time needed to compile all of the data required in the AFG Application Checklist Table 4: Call Volumes. 

The report is designed to provide a nicely formatted lookback of three years’ worth of response data for fire departments that use Emergency Reporting software to document and submit incident reports, and it closely matches the layout of the actual table in the AFG application that must be submitted to apply for funding.

In addition to the many challenges faced by those in the fire and EMS service during the current pandemic, fire departments across the country are being forced to propose significant budget cuts. Emergency Reporting CEO David Nokes says that many fire agencies are using their Emergency Reporting software during this time to help save time and money, and to secure crucial grant funding.

“Cloud-based fire software like Emergency Reporting can save departments thousands, as well as many hours of personnel time,” Nokes says. “The benefits gained from a high-quality RMS becomes especially clear in times like these.”

First responders collect information daily that has the potential to provide life-saving insights to fire service and community leaders. “Unfortunately, some fire departments are still playing technology catch-up when it comes to actively using this data to support initiatives within their department,” Nokes says.

This point is also clear in the FY2020 AFG Communications Project Guide released by FireRescue1, where reviewers state that they would have given many applications higher scores if the applicants had only presented a more complete picture of their situations. Nokes adds, “A comprehensive Records Management System can help harness a department’s data in order to paint that picture clearly in a grant application.”

For more grant resources and a free white paper download about how to get more grant funding, visit https://emergencyreporting.com/grants/.

NFPA releases new energy storage system fact sheet

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released a new energy storage systems (ESS) safety fact sheet as President-elect Joe Biden, a strong clean energy proponent, is set to take office on Wednesday.

The 46th president and his Administration are expected to spearhead a Clean Energy Revolution via a 9-step plan their campaign laid out. That strategy states, in part, that, “On the first day of Biden’s Administration, according to the intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, there will only be nine years to stop the worst consequences of climate change.

Biden will act on climate change immediately and ambitiously, because there is no time to waste.” Biden will invest $400 billion over ten years, as part of a broad mobilisation of public investment, in clean energy and innovation – an investment (in today’s dollars) that is twice what was made in the Apollo program that put man on the moon.”

As a global organisation devoted to eliminating loss from fire, electrical and related hazards, NFPA is no stranger to clean energy safety. Over the past 10 years, the Association has introduced groundbreaking training for the fire service and others on topics such as solar energy, energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and flammable refrigerants to ensure that as communities embrace and incentivise the use of green technologies, first and second responders are well-informed about potential safety issues.

Policy makers, code officials, manufacturers, designers, engineers, skilled labor, and the public also share responsibility in ensuring the safety of people and property and have also found enormous value in the NFPA guidance.

With more and more countries, states, and communities putting forth zero emissions deadlines, tax breaks and other changes, NFPA developed the at-a-glance Energy Storage Systems Safety Fact Sheet to bring the safety considerations of ESS to the forefront. The resource distills key points identified in NFPA ESS training, NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Energy Storage Systems, and a myriad of related materials, with an emphasis on:

  • The meaning of ESS
  • The advantages of supplemental service, peak-shaving, load-leveling, and uninterruptible power supply
  • Hazards such as thermal runaway, stranded energy, toxic and flammable gases, deep-seated fires, mechanical/thermal/electrical abuse and environmental impacts
  • Designer/contractor considerations for safety – explosion protection/prevention, fire protection systems, battery management systems, and ESS spacing
  • Permitting checklist for authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs)
  • Pre-incident planning and emergency operations planning highlights
  • Available resources such as research, other fact sheets, and related standards

Additionally, the Fire Protection Research Foundation, the research affiliate of NFPA, is in the process of finalising an Energy Storage Research Consortium for interested members of the energy storage and fire protection industries to discuss industry-relevant fire protection issues and related research needs.

According to the Biden renewables strategy, a target will be set to reduce the carbon footprint of the U.S. building stock 50 percent by 2035 and incentives for deep retrofits that combine appliance electrification, efficiency, and on-site clean power generation will be introduced. Biden will also work with governors and mayors to support the deployment of more than 500,000 new public charging outlets by the end of 2030, an infrastructure issue that NFPA is currently focused on as part of the NFPA Spurs the Safe Adoption of Electric Vehicles though Education and Outreach effort.

NFPA has dedicated microsites for ESS, alternative fuel and electric vehicles, and the flammable refrigerants that are part of a global accord signed by nearly 200  countries including the United States; as well as insights from the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Policy Institute. All these resources stress that safety is a system.

KME® introduces new X-series custom pumpers

KME Fire Apparatus, a subsidiary of REV Group®, and a leading manufacturer of fire apparatus, is pleased to introduce the new X-Series Custom Pumper where performance, value, and reduced delivery time meet. 

The new X-Series is designed to help fire departments navigate the challenges associated with specifying and procuring fire apparatus by offering multiple core models that can be customised with thousands of options to meet their unique needs. This allows KME to build and deliver custom pumpers that fit fire departments’ budgets and best serve their communities with reduced lead times.  

Some core features of the X-Series include:

  • Custom fire apparatus aluminum cab
  • Optimised pump and body configurations to meet a variety of fire departments needs
  • Maximum compartment space for equipment storage
  • 750 to 1,000-gallon water tank capacities
  • Hale or Waterous pumps
  • Side or top-mount pump control configurations

“We’ve listened to the marketplace and developed the X-Series to deliver custom fire apparatus at a competitive price with industry leading delivery times,” said Chris McClung, Director of Sales for KME.  “With all the uncertainty and challenges faced by today’s fire service, we made it our mission to deliver quality custom pumpers in the most efficient means possible that perform day in and day out,” added McClung.