Posts in category: Americas – Featured News

Baltimore Police Department has connected more than 3,000 officers, first responders and other key personnel to FirstNet® – the only network built with public safety, for public safety. With this tech advancement, the department is equipping its first responders with new capabilities and reliable access to critical information while in the field, allowing them to better serve those who live, work and visit Baltimore.

FirstNet is designed to improve communications across public safety entities nationwide, allowing first responders to communicate with one another easily and quickly during everyday situations, big events or emergencies. This network is integral to solving the communications challenges public safety has experienced in the past. 

Starting in January 2020, Baltimore Police Department began using FirstNet agency-wide on its department-issued smartphones, laptops, in-vehicle routers and modems. Additionally, Baltimore Police Department worked with AT&T to install in-building solutions at many of its facilities, increasing the coverage and capacity on FirstNet and helping to ensure 24x7x365 coverage.

These investments proved especially important in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As public safety personnel in the area moved to a more mobile workforce, the platform was crucial in the effort to respond and serve the local community as Baltimore Police Department managed public safety during the pandemic.

“FirstNet is an important part of our technology mobilisation efforts that assist our department in advancing our communications and policing goals in our communities,” said Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael S. Harrison. “Having access to this dedicated public safety network is important in improving our service to our communities and working environment.”

Baltimore Police Department joined the platform to provide its first responders with reliable, modern communications tools needed to perform at their best, including:

• One, nationwide communications platform that allows them to coordinate emergency responses efficiently and effectively across agencies and jurisdictions.
• Always-on priority and preemption to give them reliable access to the connection they need – even when the network is congested.
• A separate, dedicated and highly secure network core purpose-built for public safety’s sensitive communications.
• Planned increases in coverage and capacity, enabling them to better respond to emergencies in all areas of Baltimore – and across the state.
• Innovative tools – like relevant applications and connected devices – to give them more actionable information for heightened situational awareness.

“I began looking to improve and modernise our mobile services over a year ago and working with AT&T has been one of the best investments we’ve made,” said Edward “Woody” Davis, Chief Technology Officer, Baltimore Police Department. “The improvements in service across the department, coupled with the network enhancements AT&T has made with FirstNet locally, have greatly improved communications and interoperability for us. Ultimately, these improvements are enabling us to keep Baltimore residents and our officers safe.”

FirstNet, Built with AT&T is a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). It’s designed with and for public safety.

“We’re honored that Baltimore Police Department chose FirstNet to elevate its communications capabilities,” said Stacy Schwartz, vice president, FirstNet Program at AT&T. “It’s our mission to give first responders the cutting-edge tools they need to safely and effectively achieve their mission. FirstNet will help first responders in Baltimore and across the country perform at the highest levels to keep themselves and those they serve out of harm’s way.”

“FirstNet is the exclusive communications platform being built with AT&T for public safety, inspired by public safety. There is no substitution for this dedicated platform,” said FirstNet Authority CEO, Edward Parkinson. “We look forward to supporting Baltimore Police Department and all of Maryland’s public safety community with FirstNet, making sure the network delivers what they need, when they need it.”

The global connectivity solution provider Fischer Connectors has extended its flagship series of ultra-rugged and harsh-environment connectors with two new products: the Fischer UltiMate™ 80, a field-ready NATO STANAG 4695-compatible connector offering unparalleled functionality and ruggedness in comparison with similar harsh-environment quick-release connectors; and the standard Fischer UltiMate™ connector now available in size 15 with various pin layouts of up to 27 signal and power contacts.

Intermateable with other NATO STANAG 4695 connectors, the field-ready Fischer UltiMate™ 80 connector comes in two layouts featuring 6 or 7 signal and power contacts (size 08) with up to AWG 22. Engineered in Switzerland, it offers an ultra-rugged, lightweight and IP68-sealed connectivity solution for any harsh environment, especially for defense & security applications and soldier modernization programs. Its design is exceptionally rugged by any market standards and compliant with MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-202, providing environmental and mechanical performance and endurance that outperform by far other suppliers’ similar connectors:

• Ruggedness: high resistance to corrosion (500h salt mist), up to 10,000 mating cycles for the plug / 5,000 for the receptacle, random vibration 7.7 Grms, shock resistant (100 G), cable bending resistance (+/-45° for 5000 cycles), temperature (-55 °C to +135 °C), triple key coding

• Light weight: housing material in aluminum: 2,7 g

• Environmental sealing: connector Ingress Protection mated and unmated: IP68 sealing 2m/24h.

The Fischer UltiMate™ 80 connector comes as a pre-cabled plug, and a pre-cabled and/or panel receptacle. As for the new Fischer UltiMate™ connector in size 15, it meets special power and high-speed data requirements for further design and technology developments with various contact layouts (2, 4, 8, 4+12 or 27 signal and power contacts).

These new connectors are part of the world-renowned rugged, compact, and lightweight Fischer UltiMate™ Series used to ruggedize technology for field operations in extreme environments. Environmentally sealed to resist extreme shocks and vibrations, these durable and reliable connectors are ideal to interconnect devices, equipment, hubs and embedded electronic systems where weight matters, for example in defense & security, industrial, instrumentation, marine & underwater, as well as robotics and unmanned vehicles.

The Fischer UltiMate™ connectors’ resin-sealed contact block offers extreme sealing (up to IP68 / IP69 even unmated, gastight, CBRN decontamination), high shock and vibration resistance, as well as superior cable resistance in terms of traction.

With the new Fischer UltiMate™ 80, Fischer Connectors has been able to design a highly reliable and cost[1]effective product offering best value for money. The new Fischer UltiMate™ in size 15 features up to 27 signal and power contacts.

Codan Limited has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in US-based company, Zetron, Inc., from JVCKENWOOD Corporation. Established 40 years ago, Zetron is a leading US based company providing mission critical communications and interoperability solutions for public safety, transportation, utilities, healthcare and natural resources customers. The company operates from locations in the US, Australia and the UK, with more than 200 employees.

The acquisition comprises an upfront cash payment of USD45 million (approximately AUD59 million), which will be funded through a combination of existing cash and a recently approved banking facility of AUD100 million. The acquisition is on a cash free, debt free basis and is expected to complete by 30 April 2021, subject to obtaining change of control consents and other conditions precedent standard for transactions of this nature.

Zetron is expected to contribute approximately AUD67 million of sales and AUD8 million in EBITDA under Codan’s ownership in FY22 and therefore it will be earnings-per-share accretive.

Chief Executive, Donald McGurk, said “The acquisition of Zetron is in line with Codan’s well- publicised strategy to transform our Communications businesses from products to solutions. This acquisition allows us to capitalise on Zetron’s extensive distribution network, brand strength and customer loyalty.”

Zetron offers a suite of integrated emergency response technologies which are complementary to Codan’s existing products. These include voice dispatch, emergency call taking including Next Generation 911 (NG911), mapping, computer aided dispatch and fire station alerting. An infrastructure bill which includes USD15 Billion in NG911 funding is currently under consideration by the US Government. If passed, this will enhance emergency number services to allow voice, photos, videos and text messages to flow seamlessly from the public to the 911 network.

The company has an exceptionally strong brand in North America with an extensive network of more than 300 distribution partners and has made sales into more than 100 countries. Codan’s existing North American will be added to the company’s presence, growing the current employee base from 140 to 320 as a result of this acquisition. Codan will merge the Critical Communications and Zetron businesses to create a single mission critical communications company trading under the stronger Zetron brand.

Codan’s President for Critical Communications, Scott French, said “Zetron and Codan have a proud history of providing mission critical communications and the combination of the two companies will enable us to better meet our customers demand for integrated solutions. By combining Codan’s Land Mobile Radio products and solutions with Zetron’s Command & Control capability, we will be in a position to better serve the growing NG911 market, whilst maximising value and choice for our customers.”

Super Vac, one of the leading manufacturers in fire ventilation equipment, has redesigned its website, supervac.com, to better promote its full lineup
of ventilation equipment for firefighting and industrial applications.

With dual product lines and the largest breadth of ventilation equipment in both industries, this website makes it easier to navigate Super Vac’s offerings.

The website is divided into “Firefighting” and “Industrial” ventilation equipment and offers a number of resources, like fan comparison guide, ventilation duration calculator and fan placement guidance to help departments and companies select the best ventilation equipment for their needs. The site also includes a number of tools for existing customers, including product manuals, technical videos and a new replacement parts store.

The new website also puts special emphasis on Super Vac’s popular battery fan lineup, touted in the fire industry for its compatibility with other battery-operated tools. (Super Vac will soon be expanding this lineup, so watch for more news to come.)

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety have acquired Gerry’s Fire & Safety, Inc. located in south Saint Paul, Minnesota. The purchase was finalized at the end of March and follows Pye-Barker Fire’s recent entrance into the area with the addition of Nardini Fire Equipment. Financial details have not been disclosed.  

Gerry’s Fire was established in May 1990 when it was purchased by current owner, Gerry Rohr. Rohr chose to enter the fire protection industry after working with a friend in the field.  He started as the company’s sole employee and added eight additional team members as his business grew. He also expanded from only offering fire extinguisher service to becoming a comprehensive fire safety service provider.

The Gerry’s Fire team will merge with PBFS Saint Paul, formerly Nardini Fire Equipment, and continue to support their customers while expanding their service opportunities.

“It is great knowing that, through Pye-Barker Fire, my employees and customers will be left in the best of hands, with limitless growth potential,” shared Rohr. Rohr will be retiring from fire protection to pursue other endeavors. It is Pye-Barker Fire’s honor to carry on his legacy!

Pye-Barker Fire is focused on growing its core markets while adding strategic new territories as opportunities arise. The Company’s main focus is to acquire market-leading businesses with a solid historical financial performance to join its impressive and expanding footprint. Pye-Barker Fire values its culture and promotes an entrepreneurial environment where individual performance is recognized. The Company works with sellers to develop a post-close plan that aims to minimize business disruptions while offering professional employee development into the future.

Perimeter Solutions announced that it has acquired its long-time Australian distributor PHOS-CHEK^® Australasia. The PHOS-CHEK Australasia business has supported the long-term fire retardant aerial program across Australia and New Zealand for over 20 years. Joining Perimeter Solutions will be Helen Barker, Jim Gillie and Rob Mayne, who have worked in operations, mixmaster, supply and customer management positions. The acquisition is effective immediately.

According to Shannon Horn, Business Director, North America Retardant and Services for Perimeter Solutions, the effect of the acquisition will be to provide enhanced direct product support along with added equipment and personnel resources to fire safety agencies throughout the region. “PHOS-CHEK Australasia personnel have worked side-by-side with the Perimeter Solutions Asia-Pacific team in providing fire retardant solutions to fire safety agencies throughout Australia and New Zealand for years,” he said.

James Perriss, General Manager – Asia-Pacific for Perimeter Solutions, said: “This acquisition is a natural step toward solidifying Perimeter Solutions as the premier fire safety technology supplier in the area. We’re excited about having Helen, Jim and Rob joining our team and look forward to taking the next step in providing our customers with the best technology and best support.”

Perimeter Solutions offers the most comprehensive set of fire retardant solutions on the market today – featuring technology development, products, services, training and equipment. Perimeter Solutions’ PHOS-CHEK and FIRE-TROL^® fire retardants help slow, stop and prevent the start of wildfires by making wildland fuels non-flammable. Aerial retardants are applied by air – via fixed or rotor wing aircraft. They are also applied on the ground using standard engines or one of Perimeter Solutions’ dedicated ground-applied retardant units. All products have a high level of fire retardant effectiveness, with differences in visibility, viscosity, adherence to vegetation and persistence through weathering.

Perimeter Solutions supports its long-term fire retardants with a broad range of service and equipment solutions. These include a complete line of mixing systems for all PHOS-CHEK products. Systems range from small scale hopper mixer systems designed to use pails of powder to large-scale eductors, batch mixers and liquid blender systems. Systems can be fabricated and customized for a particular need. In support of firefighting operations, PHOS-CHEK personnel are fully National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG) trained and fire ground certified.

For more information, visit www.perimeter-solutions.com.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has launched free NFPA 1700, Guide for Structural Fire Fighting online training for firefighters to learn safer and more effective ways to handle fire incidents involving modern day materials and contents. The all-new instructional course, centered around NFPA 1700, Guide for Structural Fire Fighting, is based on extensive scientific research and testing on contemporary structures from the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute.

Today’s home fires burn faster, reach flashover quicker, collapse sooner, and result in reduced escape times largely due to synthetic contents including furniture, plastics, rugs, and composite materials versus the wood-constructed legacy furnishings of days gone by. These days, residences also tend to be constructed on smaller lots, include a second story, feature more open floor plans, and house all kinds of new technologies. These components and evolving fuel loads have prompted changes to the tactics that firefighters have used for decades; and led to the November release of NFPA 1700, the first NFPA document connecting fire dynamics research to response strategy, tactics, and best practices

The all-new instructional course is designed to help the fire service evolve the way it responds to incidents and provides evidence-based recommendations and methodologies so that first responders are operating with updated strategies. The course provides:

• Guidance focused on interacting within a structure on-fire to achieve the most successful outcome based on documented fire investigations, research, and testing
• Interactive modeling of residential structural firefighting with simulated training scenarios and coaching throughout exercises
• Concepts based on NFPA 1700 principles and tactical advice for effective search, rescue, and fire suppression operations, as well as civilian and responder safety

“NFPA 1700 and its corresponding free training for the fire service are prime examples of the investment in safety and skilled workforce components that are essential in the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem,” NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley said. “Both NFPA and UL work to help responders better protect people, property and themselves. This provides the nation’s 1.1 million firefighters with a way to learn about the new fire dynamics research in NFPA 1700 and to skill up on the fire response strategies that reflect current considerations and concerns.”

NFPA 1700 online training puts firefighters in an immersive digital environment that replicates in-person, hands-on learning. Ideal for both new and seasoned structural firefighting personnel, the online program offers an introduction to NFPA 1700, followed by a series of interactive learning modules. Each session offers a 360-degree, full-3D virtual experience featuring realistic scenarios and requires firefighters to make observations and decisions on how to respond and fight the fire. The course covers how to enter buildings, where to apply hose streams, and when to stand down due to potential life-threatening situations; and culminates with a Capstone exam to help firefighters synthesize learning and put knowledge to the test.

Upon completion, members of the fire service should be able to:

• Explain why firefighting tactics are changing based on modern construction, newer on-scene technology, and evolving fuel loads
• Gain an understanding of how to assess and approach the scene of a fire based on the latest science-based fire dynamics research and testing
• Be more prepared to assess a fire’s growth and spread, and consequently utilize up-to-date control methods

The training takes into consideration fundamental occupancy, building construction, while addressing the health and safety of firefighters by reinforcing the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) and methodologies for contamination control.

 Emergency Reporting, the leading provider of Fire & EMS records management software headquartered in Bellingham, Wash., announces the launch of its podcast, “Fired Up and Plugged in,” now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. The new podcast is intended for current and emerging leaders in fire and emergency services.

The podcast’s producer, Tom Louis, Enterprise Training Manager & Subject Matter Expert at Emergency Reporting, says the episodes will offer insight to help fire and EMS personnel effectively lead their departments in the 21^st century. In the first of the six episodes now available for download on podcast-hosting sites, podcast host Randy Bruegman (a retired fire chief whose career in local government spanned 40 years) and Emergency Reporting CEO David Nokes discuss organizational intelligence, strategic planning, and visionary principles applicable to any fire or EMS organization. In subsequent episodes, Chief Bruegman and his guests discuss topics like creating a world-class community risk reduction program and measuring a fire department’s performance from the customer’s perspective.

Louis explained the inspiration behind starting a podcast: “The impetus for a podcast came from David Nokes and Chief Randy Bruegman as they discussed ways Chief B could contribute content as a member of ER’s Customer Advisory Board,” he said. “Chief B was instrumental (vital, actually) in the success of our first virtual summit, ADAPT 2020. His exceptional reputation in the worldwide fire service is now helping us secure top speakers for our podcast.”

The initial plan was to release one episode quarterly, but Louis says the energy, collaboration, technology, and commitment of the ER team is enabling them to do at least two per month. The episodes run about 20-30 minutes long and are free to download.

“We felt it important that, to represent the culture and values of Emergency Reporting, making this podcast available to all in the fire service at no cost was essential as a way for Emergency Reporting to help pay it forward,” Chief Bruegman said.

Louis said that launching “Fired Up and Plugged In” is Emergency Reporting’s way of giving back to the fire and EMS community in a fun yet meaningful way. “The podcast adheres to our company pillar of ‘Relationships,” he explained. “Even though data drives the fire service, it’s people in the driver’s seat…the podcast is a way for people to learn from and connect with each other.”

Subscribe and listen to available episodes of “Fired Up and Plugged In” for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and The Public Consulting Group (PCG) has once again partnered to educate the fire and EMS Community.

The organisations first partnered in 2019 to assist fire departments in understanding new federal regulations which require ground ambulance transport agencies to gather data on their agency’s ground ambulance transportation services, also known as the Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection (MGADC) program.

This partnership continues in 2021 and will help fire departments better track their agency’s costs related emergency medical service (EMS) operations and performance, establish and maximize Medicaid revenue enhancement opportunities, through programs such as the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) program, and equip departments with the tools they need to successfully participate in the MGADC. 

The IAFC is thrilled to work with PCG as both organizations strive to educate fire and emergency medical services leaders and the first responder community at large. Through a combination of virtual and in-person learning opportunities, the IAFC and PCG will help fire chiefs understand federal regulations that require the collection of ground ambulance activity, cost, and revenue data. The insights from this data will be invaluable in increasing federal reimbursement for ambulance service as well as supporting fire chiefs to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their own agency’s EMS operations. 

PCG is committed to developing practical solutions to help IAFC members improve operational and financial performance, achieve and maintain compliance with federal regulations, and deliver high-quality EMS services. The IAFC is committed to the life, health, and professional development of the fire and EMS community through vision, information, education, services, and representation to enhance their professionalism and capabilities. The partnership between the IAFC and PCG will aid fire and EMS chiefs to more effectively monitor and assess the financial aspects of their EMS and ambulance operations.

Marc Staubley, Director, Health Practice Area, said, “PCG is excited to continue our partnership with the IAFC to bring innovation and funding to Fire and EMS providers across the country. This partnership reflects our strong desire to support organizations that share our vision and commitment to serving our community.”

Fire Chief Ken Stuebing, IAFC Acting President and Chairman of the Board, said, “Over the past two years, this partnership has led to widely attended webinars, podcasts, and in-person networking functions. PGC provides valuable content via distance learning platforms that support our members and the fire service during COVID and travel restrictions. The IAFC looks forward to continuing this partnership with PCG and to developing new educational opportunities to assist IAFC members in leading their fire departments into the future.

PCG’s experience providing revenue optimization, GEMT cost reporting, MGADC preparedness, and consulting services to over 450 fire and EMS providers across the country makes them a most welcome partner of the IAFC. Throughout 2021, the IAFC and PCG anticipate offering a collection of virtual learning, including webinars and podcasts. The IAFC and PCG also look forward to hosting in-person learning events at the Fire-Rescue International conference in July as well as the VCOS Symposium in the Sun conference in November.

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired LPS, a full service life safety company based in Dallas, TX. The purchase was finalised in March and solidifies Pye-Barker Fire’s presence in the state’s largest metropolitan.  Financial details have not been disclosed.  

LPS was founded in 2011 and specializes in fire sprinkler and alarm systems. With branches in Fort Worth and Sunnyvale, they have a reputation of providing superior service to the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

The LPS ownership team, David Bacon and Jeremy Giauque for the Sprinkler Division and Phillip “Bear” Brown and Brian Brown for the Alarm Division, will remain as managers, while Bill Polischeck will be retiring.

“The founding premise for LPS was to join hard-working, dedicated experts, focused on exceeding clients’ expectations every day – and to do so with the highest level of urgency, character & professionalism possible,” shared LPS President and CEO, Jeremy Giauque. “Our growth and success are attributed to the caliber of people on this team and the valued customer base that has entrusted LPS to care for them over the past 10 years.”

“LPS is thrilled to have found a like-minded, nationally known firm that embraces the same culture and qualities. As the newest addition to the Pye-Barker Fire team, we are excited and poised to grow our presence even further throughout North Texas and beyond.”

Pye-Barker Fire is focused on growing its core markets while adding strategic new territories as opportunities arise. The Company’s main focus is to acquire market-leading businesses with a solid historical financial performance to join its impressive and expanding footprint. Pye-Barker Fire values its culture and promotes an entrepreneurial environment where individual performance is recognized. The Company works with sellers to develop a post-close plan that aims to minimize business disruptions while offering professional employee development into the future.