KME Fire Apparatus, a subsidiary of REV Group®, and a leading manufacturer of fire apparatus, is pleased to announce Chris McClung has joined as the Director of Sales. Chris brings a successful 20-year track record in sales leadership within various industries. He will report to Mike Virnig, Vice President of Sales, REV Fire Group.
Before joining the company, Chris served as Southeast Region Director for Blue Bird Bus Company, a leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses. Prior to this, Chris held senior roles with other organizations serving municipal markets via dealer networks.
“Chris’ success within his previous sales roles as well as his understanding of operational practices will be a great addition to KME,” says Mike Virnig, Vice President of Sales. “We look forward to Chris’ contribution to KME’s continued growth.”
First Due and Brycer TCE join forces
First Due, known to fire and emergency response agencies across the US for developing a premier, next-generation suite of Fire & EMS software, have announced a partnership with BRYCER TCE (The Compliance Engine), the industry leader in system tracking and testing code compliance.
The partnership will enable agencies to access critical fire protection systems, backflows, and elevator inspection data recorded using The Compliance Engine, within First Due – before, during and after an incident.
“A major First Due feature is gathering information on every structure in a response area and empowering operations and prevention personnel with the data they need to make better decisions,” explains COO and Head of Product Rami El-Choufani. “The ability to know when critical fire protection systems are deficient or inoperable, helps agencies respond more effectively and reduce risk within the community.”
TCE information collected by service providers, will allow Inspectors to access system details, inventory information and statuses at the time of an inspection – driving compliance and allowing prioritisation of prevention activities. For Operations, crews with be able to easily drag-and-drop systems information onto the map within First Due’s pre-plan tool and more importantly, access critical system information alerts at the time of response.
“When crews are dispatched, knowing a fire pump is red-tagged and inoperable, will make a massive difference in how they approach the incident – reducing risk to first responders and the communities they serve” El-Choufani continues.
Users of Brycer TCE will be looking forward to adding a completely new dimension in the way they utilise system and compliance information. BRYCER TCE Vice President of Innovation Bryan Schultz elaborates, “Fire protection system reliability is a vital component of all fire department’s community risk reduction strategies. Putting the fire protection system compliance information into first responders’ hands is a giant step forward in BRYCER’s goal of ensuring safe communities by reducing fire risk. We are excited to partner with First Due on this project as our complimentary solutions will provide enormous benefits to any Fire Department.”
For more information about the First Due and TCE Partnership and to get-in-touch with both the First Due and BRYCER TCE teams about the project, please visit https://www.firstduesizeup.com/partnerships/tce.
ABOUT FIRST DUE
Backed by Collate Capital, NY Angels, Inc., Teamworthy Ventures and Technexus Venture Collaborative, New York-based First Due has reimagined public-safety technology for agencies nationwide. The SaaS First Due Suite provides Fire & EMS agencies an end-to-end solution to consolidate all core components of their operation in a single platform.
Departments with First Due are transforming how they function, before, during and after an incident – ultimately leading to better decisions and a safer community.
ABOUT THE COMPLIANCE ENGINE
The Compliance Engine is a simple, Internet-based tool for Fire Prevention Bureaus to track and drive inspection and testing code compliance, reduce false alarm activity, ensure clean drinking water and provide a safer community.
TCE provides a secure cloud environment in which third-party contractors that inspect, test, and maintain fire protection systems, submit their reports via BRYCER’s web portal directly to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, facilitating a more efficient review, tracking, and follow-up process with occupants to correct deficiencies and maintain systems.
BRYCER TCE provides proactive services, in addition to the web-based technology, that includes; hard and soft copy notifications, call services, analytics, consultation, 24hr support and market education to help increase testing and maintenance activity in a given jurisdiction. The end result is a comprehensive and accurate aggregation of data around which buildings have what types of systems when they were last tested, and if there are any open deficiencies that could jeopardise their successful deployment in the event of an incident.
Fire-Dex announce new ERP Administrator
Fire-Dex have appointed Amber Mcloud as their new ERP Administrator. Within this newly created position, she will work together with the ERP software provider, internal stakeholders, and third-party contributors, to build on the functionality of an ERP software package. Amber’s vast experience incorporates the skills required to deliver successful results for the Fire-Dex Family!
“Amber’s versatile and strategic thinking will help continuously improve and build upon our relationship between the ERP software provider and system users,” states Dan Goble. “With 17 years of working operational experience, knowledge of policies, and systems related to integrated technology, Amber is the perfect candidate to ensure success within our existing platforms.”
This year, we were recognised with the Cascade Capital Business Growth Award for the fourth consecutive year and seventh time overall as one of the fastest growing businesses in Northeast Ohio and received the NorthCoast99 Best Workplaces Award for the fifth time! As we prepare for another triumphant year in 2021, we will continue to focus on building a successful team.
Motorola Solutions extend agreement to provide emergency data communications
Motorola Solutions has extended its agreement to provide the Victorian Government with a dedicated emergency data communications managed service for use by Ambulance Victoria.
Known as the Mobile Data Network (MDN), the network was the first emergency data communications network to be procured under a build, own and operate public-private services model in Australia.
It was first deployed in 2005 and provides secure, mission-critical emergency data communications for Ambulance Victoria, primarily to support ambulance dispatch capabilities across the greater Melbourne metropolitan area.
Under the extended agreement, Motorola Solutions will keep Ambulance Victoria at the forefront of innovation by integrating a number of its technologies within a single platform. This will ensure the state’s paramedics receive the right information at the right time so they can deliver better care and outcomes for all patients.
The extended contract with the State of Victoria is valued at approximately AUD$100 million, and ensures continuity of MDN services until 2025 with options to extend for a further two years.
Con Balaskas, Managing Director, Motorola Solutions Australia and New Zealand said the mission-critical service supports Ambulance Victoria in providing safe, high quality, timely and expert care for all of its patients.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with the Victorian Government and Ambulance Victoria as well as supporting the state’s paramedics in delivering their lifesaving daily work,” he said.
Key Facts:
- Motorola Solutions originally signed a groundbreaking five-year contract with the Victorian Government in 2003 to design, build and manage the MDN network, providing agencies across the greater Melbourne metropolitan area with direct access to data in the field for the first time.
- Since then, the service has consistently met and exceeded service levels, including stringent availability targets. This level of performance ensures an ‘always available’ service for emergency service agencies.
- The new agreement will see Motorola Solutions maintain the service to its current mission-critical standards whilst introducing new and emerging technologies.
- The Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) supports the delivery of the service through managing the contract and monitoring its delivery on behalf of the Victorian Government.
- In addition to mobile data service, Motorola Solutions manages the Metropolitan Mobile Radio network and related mission critical voice communications services for ESTA and the emergency services agencies it supports. Motorola Solutions designed and built the MMR network and has managed it for the Victorian Government since 2004.
Sutphen Corporation add new custom cab to prodution line
Sutphen Corporation, the largest family-owned fire apparatus manufacturer in the U.S, has added a 36-inch custom cab length to its product line up. The 130-year-old business now offers four different custom cab length options.
Measuring 36 inches from the center of the front wheel well to the end of the cab, the new two-door custom cab option allows departments the opportunity to reduce unused cab space while remaining in Sutphen’s renown custom cab and chassis. Sutphen now offers 36-inch, 56-inch, 62-inch and 73-inch cab length options, all of which are placed on the family-owned business’s renown Monarch extreme-duty chassis.
“This new cab is a testament to our innovative spirit,” said Zach Rudy, Sutphen’s director of sales and marketing. “As one of the core principles and driving factors of our business, this new cab option opens the door for customers who may need to reduce travel size or only use two-firefighter crews.”
Sutphen’s first 36-inch cab was designed and manufactured as an air and light truck for the Greensboro Fire Department in Greensboro, North Carolina.
“It does more than just fill bottles on calls,” said Eric Campbell a Greensboro Fire Department engineer. “It provides supplies for rehab; it also provides supplies for the guys whenever they’re done with a fire to clean their gear.”
Campbell continued by saying the truck only has one person assigned for each 24-hour shift, so the department doesn’t need room for extra people. With the extra room provided by the two-door cab, the truck is a catch-all and prepared for any situation the department may face.
“After speaking with the Greensboro Fire Department and understanding their needs and wants, we were able to work with them to provide this new two-door custom cab,” said Justin Howell, Sutphen’s senior sales territory manager. “It is a first for Sutphen, but as a long-time customer, the Greensboro Fire Department trusted us to provide them with their exact needs and wants. We thank them for their trust in our process, our engineering and our innovation.”
The chassis is complete with Sutphen’s cathacoated 10” double frame rails, a 214 ¼-inch wheelbase, an exterior cab compartment for the driver’s gear, Sutphen’s classic Federal Q2B in the center of the grille and more.
The body of the truck was built through Sutphen’s partnership with SVI Trucks. The two engineering departments worked closely together to create the best possible apparatus for the department.
The body is complete with a 40KW generator, a 7,000 PSI Bauer air compressor, two double bottle cascade fill stations, a recessed light tower on top of the body, three electric retractable awnings and 55 individual SCBA bottle holders.
For additional information regarding this unique two-door custom chassis and the apparatus as a whole, follow this link: https://www.sutphen.com/deliveries/air-and-light-unit-greensboro-fire-department-nc
Survitec LIFERAFTS in near perfect condition after 30 months
Survitec has carried out a combination of more than 50,000 liferaft exchanges and inspections since 2012 with technicians recording that the liferafts inspected are in perfect condition even after 30 months of service.
Revised guidelines (MSC.1/Circ.1328) introduced in June 2009 permit extended service schedules of up to 30 months if they incorporate protective arrangements that give the liferaft, its fittings and equipment adequate protection to withstand the environmental influences imposed by the extended interval.
Inspections and service records in Survitec’s database show that liferafts were found to be well within the requisite parameters set out in MSC guidelines for extended service liferafts.
Survitec was one of the first maritime safety companies to offer the extended service solution concept.
Malcolm Barratt, Technical Sales Manager – Liferafts, Survitec, said: “That liferafts are in near perfect condition after 30 months is specifically due to the water- and air-tight environment in which the extended service liferaft is contained. The hermetically sealed bag inside the container prevents water ingress and salt erosion.”
A large number of Flag Authorities now accept use of extended service liferafts for ‘serviceable life,’ “When we have presented liferafts after 30 months of service to Flag State inspectors, they have thought we were showing them a newly manufactured liferaft; they’re in perfect condition!” said Barratt.
Tommy Scott, Head of Engineering – Survitec Liferafts, added: “State-of-the-art sensors within the liferaft allow operators to take as many readings as they need to with a unique handheld device to ensure the liferaft is in good working order.”
The handheld device takes readings from a low powered CO2 sensor – making it suitable for use aboard oil and gas carriers and platforms governed by ATEX (Atmospheres Explosible) requirements.
Once all parameters have been recorded using the ATEX-compliant handheld reader, data is recorded on the provided inspection log form and uploaded to the database.
Unlike alternative solutions, which recommend limiting the number of readings to preserve battery life, Survitec’s handheld reader takes a standard 9V alkaline battery that can be easily replaced, allowing crews to take accurate readings more frequently.
“If any readings reveal the liferaft is outside the requisite parameters – by displaying a red light for either incompliant CO2 or humidity levels – remedial action is required. For a CO2 anomaly, this means immediate replacement. For increased humidity, replacement would be required within three months.”
Barratt said the tanker segment, in particular, has been quick to take up the extended service liferaft solution with charterers and oil majors often mandating the concept as part of the Tanker Management and Self-Assessment (TMSA) programme. TMSA is an administrative process that provides tanker operators with a means to improve and measure their own safety management systems.
“Another reason for the wide take up is the cost-savings associated with crews trained to take the readings. At no extra cost to the company, we certify crews to inspect the liferafts themselves, negating the need for external technicians onboard,” he said.
Operators can access 30-month service intervals through a Survitec RaftXChange+ liferaft rental agreement. With unrivalled global coverage and a range of predictably priced exchange options, RaftXChange+ means operators can tailor their liferaft contract to suit individual operational requirements.
Victaulic appoint new CEO, effective January 2021
Victaulic have announced the appointment of Rick Bucher as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding John F. Malloy, effective January 31, 2021. Dr. Bucher was named President in April of 2020, following a June 2019 appointment as Chief Operating Officer.
Prior to joining Victaulic in 2009 as Vice President of Engineering, Dr. Bucher worked for 15 years for W.L. Gore, a manufacturer of technologically advanced composite materials. Dr. Bucher received a B.S. and M.S. in engineering from Rice University and a Ph.D. in material science from Virginia Tech.
Dr. Malloy, who will remain Chairman of Victaulic’s Board, commented, “Rick has consistently demonstrated the intelligence, judgement and courage to make wise and sometimes difficult decisions while preserving the compassion and concern for everyone associated with Victaulic – employees, customers, shareholders and our community.
Since joining the company in 2009, Rick has reinforced Victaulic’s long-standing commitment to innovation. Under his leadership Victaulic’s patent portfolio has grown substantially with the issuance of over 3,200 patents globally while our research and development organisation has doubled in size.
Since its first patent was received in 1919, the company has grown to be the world’s leading producer of mechanical pipe joining solutions. Victaulic systems are at work in more than 140 countries in diverse businesses including oil and gas extraction and processing, chemical processing, mining, power generation, water and wastewater treatment, military facilities, shipbuilding and shipping, plumbing, heating, air conditioning and fire protection systems.
Last year, they celebrated its Centennial Anniversary as a family owned company, adding close to one million square feet to the company’s manufacturing operations. These investments included a new, 400,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing center in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, as well as investments and expansion of the company’s facilities in Dalian, China; Drezdenko, Poland; and Ontario, Canada.
Spartan Fire launch purpose built FC-94
Spartan Fire, LLC, a subsidiary of REV Group®, and leading manufacturer of fire apparatus have introduced the new purpose-built FC-94, developed specifically for the North American fire service and is available industry-wide.
Designed as a better fit to an all-purpose conventional commercial chassis, the new Spartan FC-94 offers fire departments a cab and chassis specifically designed to meet their specific mission critical requirements.
Built NFPA compliant, the all-aluminum 94” wide cab provides a more spacious interior with multiple seat configurations and internal storage options.
FC-94 delivers a balanced function
In addition, the FC-94 chassis steering cramp angle and shorter wheelbases provide a superior turning radius and increased maneuverability, ideal when responding to emergencies. Compared to a commercial chassis, the new Spartan FC-94 delivers a balanced combination of functionality, reliability, and safety at an affordable price point.
“Delivering a purpose-built cab and chassis has been in Spartan’s DNA for over 45 years,” said Kent Tyler, President for REV Fire Group. “Since REV Group’s acquisition of Spartan, we have diligently pursued an innovative alternative to traditional commercial chassis products for the fire service.
“We are excited to add the FC-94 to our product offering which will allow more departments to experience the safety, comfort, and performance of a Spartan Fire Chassis within given budget requirements.”
Responding to the Challenge
For years, municipalities and their fire departments have asked the question, commercial or custom? Departments are constantly faced with the challenge to balance the purchase of safe, cost-effective apparatus while being mindful of budget constraints. The Spartan FC-94 answers that question with a solution that delivers more performance and features which meet fire departments’ response needs.
- Vocation: Built and tested to handle the requirements of pumper, tanker, and rescue configurations.
- Safety: NFPA compliant with a reinforced cab structure that exceeds FMVSS safety standards.
- Maneuverability: Designed to handle heavy-duty applications with a low center of gravity and a cramp angle of 50° for increased maneuverability.
- Spacious cab: Flat floors, low step heights, and raised roof lines give firefighters more space inside the cab.
- 47” driver and officer head room
- 65” interior space (floor to ceiling)
- 87” crew width
- Additional features:
- 94” wide aluminum cab
- 10” raised roof
- Available in 2-door and 4-door
- 380 to 450 hp engine
- Aluminum interior severe-duty dash
- Custom switch panel layout
- 6” or 24” front bumper extension
- Individual seating configurations
- Maintenance friendly
Oshkosh to finalise acqusition of Pratt Miller in 2021
Oshkosh Corporation , a leading innovator of mission-critical vehicles and essential equipment, has announced that it has entered into a denitive agreement to acquire Pratt Miller.
The company specialise in advanced engineering, technology and innovation across the motorsport and multiple ground vehicle markets, for a cash-free, debt-free purchase price of $115 million. Additional terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Pratt Miller to maintain staff members
The company will maintain its name, team members, facilities and branding elements. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in New Hudson. They brings over 30 years of experience solving its customers’ most complex and technical challenges.
Led by its world-class engineering and motorsports heritage, they have made signicant advances in dynamic growth areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous and connected systems and electrication.
“We look forward to welcoming the Pratt Miller team to Oshkosh Corporation,” said John Pfeifer, Oshkosh Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer. “We believe combining Pratt Miller’s engineering expertise with Oshkosh’s innovation and operational strengths will enable us to better serve customers and position our Company for growth.”
“Pratt Miller’s motorsports heritage has created a culture of speed and agility that has dened our success. Oshkosh is an ideal partner for us to apply that mindset to some of the most signicant challenges facing
customers today,” said Matt Carroll, Pratt Miller Chief Executive Officer.
“Together, we expect to grow our decadelong partnership and expand our pipeline of new business opportunities. We look forward to learning from one another and continuing to innovate to bring market-leading products to our customers.”
The transaction is expected to close in the first calendar quarter of 2021 and is subject to customary closing conditions.
Latest video in Faces of Fire/Electrical series campaign released
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors have introduced the fifth video interview of their six-part campaign series, Faces of Fire/Electrical, which features personal stories of people impacted by electrical incidents, demonstrating the need for continued education and awareness about electrical hazards at home and in the workplace.
Pam Elliott is the latest interview in the video campaign. In the spring of 1959, then five-year old Elliott suffered third degree burns over 50 percent of her body from a fire ignited by a damaged lighting fixture that destroyed her family home.
She spent months during her elementary and high school years undergoing reconstructive surgery to help restore the function of her hands, arms, and legs, and the appearance of her injuries.
Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was the leading cause of home fire property damage, according to the latest NFPA research. An average of 33,900 such fires caused 470 deaths, 1,100 injuries and $1.4 billion in direct property damage annually from 2014 – 2018.
Electrical failures or malfunctions were a factor in nearly nine out of 10 home fires involving wire and related equipment each year between 2012 – 2016.
“Equipment and devices powered by electricity as well as faulty structural wiring are potential sources for electrical fires,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy.
“Electricity makes our lives much easier but today homeowners expect more out of their electrical systems than ever before, especially with more family members working from home amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Faces of Fire/Electrical campaign reminds us about potential home electrical hazards, how to recognize the warning signs, and the action steps homeowners need to take to reduce associated risks.”
While new home construction equipped with the latest electrical systems is built to meet the demand of today’s busy households, Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) states there are still more than 47.5 million homes in the U.S. that are at least 50 years old and built before many modern day electronics and appliances were invented.
The need for energy to power these devices, coupled with the increase of computers, phones, and new technologies that use electricity and the number of aging electrical systems and components in older homes, significantly contribute to a greater risk of electrical home fires.
Through more awareness and education, homeowners and renters, with the help of a qualified, licensed electrician, can find and correct fire safety hazards in the home before a serious incident occurs.
Overall, Faces of Fire/Electrical features six personal stories of electrical burn survivors whose lives have been forever altered and how more understanding, training, and a change in work culture could have significantly impacted these outcomes.
Woven into these stories of resilience is an additional interview with a physician dedicated to the complete physical and emotional healing of patients suffering from a burn injury.
Through these video interviews, written profiles, and related information, Faces of Fire/Electrical is a resource for electrical and non-electrical workers, and the general public to learn more about the importance of electrical safety.
While many electrical injuries prove fatal, those that are not can be particularly debilitating, oftentimes involving complicated recoveries and lasting emotional and physical impact.
The Faces of Fire/Electrical campaign ultimately works to help build a safer world by teaching others and supporting the burn survivor community in advancing lifelong healing, optimal recovery, and burn and injury prevention.
Today, Elliott shares her personal burn story to advocate for home fire sprinklers and home fire safety and speaks for the most vulnerable people in house fires including infants, children, the elderly, and the disabled.
Visit www.nfpa.org/facesoffire each month to watch the videos. Free resources are now available to download and share, and additional information about the Faces of Fire/Electrical campaign can be found on NFPA’s website.