Posts in category: Americas – Featured News

Oshkosh Corporation have been named one of the 2021 World’s Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE. Ranked by industry peers, Oshkosh Corporation is one of more than 330 companies to earn this designation.

The Company is ranked third in the “Construction and Farm Machinery” category and this is the third time Oshkosh Corporation has received this award.

“We are thrilled to be included among this prestigious list of global employers,” said Emma McTague, Oshkosh Corporation Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. “At Oshkosh Corporation, we are guided by our core values, our People First culture and our commitment to deliver innovative solutions and products that make a difference around the world.”

In addition to being named one of FORTUNE’s World’s Most Admired Companies, Oshkosh Corporation has also been named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek,one of America’s Top 250 Best-Managed Companies by the Wall Street Journal, one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere and has been listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.

The full list of FORTUNE’s World’s Most Admired Companies can be viewed at https://fortune.com/worlds-most-admired-companies/2021/ or in the February 2021 issue of FORTUNE. The methodology can be viewed here: https://fortune.com/franchise-list-page/methodology-worlds-most-admired-companies-2021.

Lawmakers have reintroduced legislation which helps protect firefighters from PFAS and other dangerous chemicals.

The Protect Firefighters from Adverse Substances Act was introduced in the Senate last week by Sen. Gary Peters, D- Bloomfield Township, and other lawmakers. The Act was also introduced in the last Congress and was passed by the Senate, but didn’t pass the House.

Under the new bill, federal agencies will have to develop training and best practices to limit exposure to PFAS in fire departments across the U.S.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are contaminants that can cause health concerns such as thyroid disease, kidney and testicular cancers as well as higher levels of cholesterol. According to the EPA, the substance can be found in stain- and water-repellent fabrics, nonstick products, polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products and fire-fighting foams.

At the federal level, officials are focusing on ways to remove the contaminants from water supplies and other areas where they can cause harm to people.

“Protecting firefighters from harmful exposure to dangerous PFAS chemicals is the least we can do for these heroes who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” Peters said in a statement. “I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill that will help protect the health and safety of first responders by limiting their exposure to these harmful chemicals in the line of duty.”

The recently-relaunched PFAS Congressional Task Force, a bipartisan group of lawmakers focusing on PFAS-treatment legislation, also plans on pressuring environmental officials in the administration of President Joe Biden to enact a national clean drinking water standard.

For firefighters, exposure while responding to emergencies is something that occurred, particularly in previous years before the dangers were well known.

“I thank Senator Peters for his continued leadership on the PFAS Act,” said Chief Richard R. Carrizzo, the President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

“As we learn more about PFAS, it is important for fire departments to adopt policies to reduce firefighters’ and the general public’s exposure. This legislation will develop helpful guidance that local fire departments can use. I welcome the PFAS Act’s reintroduction and urge Congress to pass it as soon as possible.”

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International have announced the official kickoff of APCO’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW) contest “Who is YOUR public safety superhero?” NPSTW is a week where communities across the U.S. recognise those who help save lives in times of personal or national crisis, and this year NPSTW will be celebrated April 11-17, 2021.

Conceived in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California, Telecommunicators Week was created to raise public awareness of the hard work and dedication of public safety telecommunicators. In October 1991, APCO International successfully lobbied to receive a formal proclamation by Congress, which was signed by President Bill Clinton, designating the second full week in April as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

APCO’s NPSTW contest was initially created to get public safety telecommunicators to share how their agencies were celebrating the week. In recent years, APCO has asked those working in public safety telecommunications to send stories about the outstanding efforts of their co-workers and the things that made their teams successful. In recognition of the extra work and dedication required of public safety telecommunicators during the year 2020, this year’s theme is superheroes. Two agencies (one large and one small) will be awarded prizes; all entries must be received by 9 a.m. ET on April 19 to be considered.

Last year’s contest was suspended due to the pandemic as APCO shifted efforts to providing COVID-19 related resources to its members. For that reason, the 2020 winners are declared as they stood on March 25, 2020. APCO congratulates Lincoln County (N.C.) E9-1-1 who won in the category for small agency and Montgomery County (Md.) 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center who won in the category for large agency.

E-ONE®, a subsidiary of REV Group® and a leading manufacturer of fire apparatus have introduced a complete new line of build-ready Custom Pumpers, available in multiple configurations at competitive market prices and with faster delivery times.

This new line of Custom Pumpers will feature two (2) primary body construction styles AFT5000 and AFT1000 with several models available for each. Through rigorous voice of customer research, E-ONE received feedback to offer varied features and options from which fire departments can select those to best fit their needs.

Each model offers unique selections for body style, wheelbase, compartment storage, pump module, water tank, ladder storage and hard suction hose storage.  They are available in either stainless steel or extruded aluminum body designs.

Standard features include:

• 54” medium aluminum cab with a 10” raised roof
• Cummins L9 450 HP engine
• Allison EVS™ 3000 transmission
• Hale QMAX 1500 gpm pump
• 20,000 lb. Meritor® front axle, 27,000 lb. Meritor rear axle
• Weldon V-MUX® electrical system with Vista display
• 21″ front bumper extension with hose tray

Clean cab and other safety options are also available to meet the various and specific needs.

The AFT5000 line will have a welded stainless-steel body with FRP overlays.  This series will feature four (4) models including 1030 gallon or 780 gallon water tanks with side-mount or top-mount pump modules.

The AFT1000 line will have a welded extruded aluminum body and will contain seven (7) models. Variations include 1030 or 780 gallon water tanks; conventional pumper, rescue pumper and low hose bed pumper bodies; and side-mount or top mount pump modules.

In keeping with its reputation as “America’s Firetruck,” E-ONE continues to provide fire departments with an innovative choice in how custom fire apparatus can be configured to best meet the needs of the communities they serve, in the most timely manner possible. These build-ready configurations bring this vision to reality.

“Now more than ever it is important to build the right product for every department’s need, at a competitive price and timely delivery,” said Larry Daniels, E-ONE Director of Sales. “We worked with our dealer partners and end users to develop several configurations that can be customized for any fire department regardless of size or call volume.  With options ranging from traditional, low hosebed and rescue pumper designs; multiple pump control locations; and consideration for cold weather climates, there is a configuration with a wide range of options for every budget.  Every unit can be customized from thousands of configurable options to meet specific needs.”

The Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions have announced more than $12 million granted to charitable organisations in 2020. Of this, more than $8 million was awarded through the Foundation’s strategic grants program supporting first responders’ programs and technology/engineering education across the globe, and $2 million was provided to support COVID-19 relief efforts.

“Our Foundation is committed to driving positive change,” said Karem Perez, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. “Its purpose to create safer cities and equitable, thriving communities – where people can truly be their best in the moments that matter – carried more meaning for us than ever before given the challenges the world faced.”

The Foundation supported those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical funding for hospitals to purchase personal protective equipment, supporting mental health programs for first responders and aiding teachers and students in underserved communities with virtual learning.

Additionally, the Foundation, which has donated $100 million over the past 10 years to first responders, students, teachers, veterans and community members, allocated the majority of its 2020 grant funding to programs that directly support people of color. Specifically, within technology and engineering education, 82% of funding directly benefited people of color and 62% directly supported females through partnerships with organisations like the National Society of Black Engineers and the Society of Women Engineers.

The Foundation also strengthened its support for the children of fallen first responders, continuing its support of the Enhanced Scholarship Initiative with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to provide scholarships to qualifying students in need.

“I will be forever grateful for receiving this scholarship from the NFFF,” said Cayla Fenwick, a recipient of the Motorola Solutions Foundation’s Enhanced Scholarship Initiative. “It has not only lessened the financial burden of my education, but it has also lessened stress and has allowed me to focus on my academics, especially during these difficult times.”

In addition to the Foundation’s contributions, Motorola Solutions employees found creative ways to give back safely, virtually and in their local communities. During the company’s Global Months of Service, a virtual volunteerism competition during September and October, the Foundation awarded volunteer grants based on the number of challenges employees completed, resulting in nearly $135,000 in donations to nonprofit organisations and 14,000 volunteer hours logged. Employees were also incredibly generous with their charitable donations, entering a record number for Foundation matching, which resulted in nearly $1 million in matching gifts through the “Donations for Donors” program.

“When much of the world was forced to shut down, Motorolans rose up in meaningful ways to help those most affected by 2020’s unprecedented challenges,” said Cynthia Yazdi, chief of staff to the Motorola Solutions Chairman & CEO and senior vice president of Marketing, Communications and the Motorola Solutions Foundation. “We’re so proud of the efforts of both our Foundation and employees to make a difference in their communities and around the world.”

About The Motorola Solutions Foundation
As the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, the Motorola Solutions Foundation is one of the many ways in which the company lives out its purpose to help people be their best in the moments that matter. The Foundation gives back to the community through strategic grants, employee volunteerism and other community investment initiatives.

For more information, please visit www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Board of Directors has appointed three new members to the NFPA Standards Council: Richard A. Gallagher of Zurich Services Corporation, Wilmington, Del., David P. Klein of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C., and Catherine L. Stashak of the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall, Chicago, Ill. are each serving three-year terms effective January 1, 2021.

In addition, two current council members were reappointed to serve a second three-year term: Jack Poole of Poole Fire Protection Inc., and Rodger Reiswig of Johnson Controls. Both reappointments are effective January 1, 2021.

Richard A. Gallagher is an AVP Property Technical Director with Zurich Services Corporation’s technical team in Wilmington, Del. In this role, he provides support and guidance to the Risk Engineering property staff. He received a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from the University of Delaware. Prior to joining Zurich in 2003, Gallagher held various property loss prevention roles with both the Industrial Risk Insurers and CIGNA. He is a member of NFPA, and a member of the NFPA technical committees related to sprinklers, boilers, and industrial ovens and furnaces.

David P. Klein, PE has over 35 years of experience as a fire protection engineer in the federal government, including 15 years as the Fire Protection Program Manager for the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer in Maryland and Delaware.

He has been a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers for over 35 years. Klein is a member of the NFPA 101/5000 Technical Committee on Fundamentals, as well as a member and former chair of the NFPA 101/5000 Technical Committee on Health Care Occupancies and the NFPA 99 Technical Committee on Fundamentals. He is also a member of the Healthcare Interpretations Task Force (HITF). Klein is currently the National Director of Occupational Safety and Health for the Veterans Health Administration.

Catherine L. Stashak is currently employed as an engineer with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) in Chicago, Ill. Stashak is retired from the fire services after serving 20 years with the Des Plaines (Illinois) Fire Department as a firefighter/paramedic and a firefighter/inspector. She graduated from the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering program at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in 1985.

She obtained an MBA from IIT in 1997. Currently, she serves as the Section Chief for the OSFM Technical Services Division, supervising staff that provides engineering services as support for other operating divisions within the OSFM as well as providing assistance to design professionals, the fire service, and the general public with technical and engineering expertise in the form of code interpretation and plan/application review.

Technical Services also provides expert advice in the agency’s variance process and their rulemaking processes for a variety of subjects, including aboveground tank storage regulation, LP-gas regulation, motor fuel dispensing facility operation, fire and life safety rules, safe cigarette rules, and myriad of other fire protection, petroleum, and chemical safety-related issues. Stashak has been active in the NFPA Life Safety Project since 1991, as well as several other NFPA Technical Committees, and represents the fire service on various national and international working groups.

The NFPA Standards Council, appointed by the NFPA Board of Directors, is comprised of 13 members. The responsibilities of the Council include overseeing NFPA standards development activities, ensuring compliance with the NFPA Regulations and Rules, and serving as the appeals body over matters related to standards development.

E-ONE®, a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc have received an order for 36 Active Air Purification Systems to be installed into existing fire apparatus for the Columbus Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services in Columbus, Georgia.

The units are being placed in the department’s front line and reserve apparatus. This includes 16 engines, seven ladder trucks, three squad trucks and 10 ambulances. Going forward, all new apparatus will have these units installed as a requirement.

As another innovative solution within E-ONE’s overall clean cab technology portfolio, the Active Air Purification Systems eliminates 99 percent of pathogens, including COVID-19, both in the air and on surfaces, producing improved air quality and a much safer cab environment. Taking advantage of advanced photohydroionisation™ (PHI) and UV technology, this unique purification system also offers:

• Proven reduction in sneeze germs by 99 percent within three feet*
• Proven efficiency on microbes (third party tested on Avian Flu, H1N1, sneeze test)
• Proven impact on reducing odor

The compact design of the Active Air Purification Systems enables it to be mounted in different locations within the cab while still achieving the same results. This offers the flexibility required to retrofit the system into current vehicles. Purchase of these units is funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. 

“The purchase of the Active Air Purification Units is paramount to the health and safety of our employees in the ever-evolving infectious environments in which they are exposed,” said Mike Higgins, Deputy Chief of Administrative Services for Columbus. “These units will ultimately create a safer environment while responding to and from emergency alarms.”

Columbus Fire & EMS worked with FireLine Inc, E-ONE’s Georgia dealer, on the purchase and installation of these units. Due to increasing concerns about first responders’ exposure to COVID-19 and dangerous contaminants from firefighting gear, E-ONE has seen a continuous demand for the Active Air Purification Systems from fire departments around the nation.

“Columbus Fire & EMS and E-ONE have partnered on fire apparatus for many years.  Taking the next step to help this department provide innovative technology to protect their first responders is a natural fit.” said Larry Daniels, E-ONE’s Director of Sales.  “Our first responders deserve the best defense against harmful pathogens as they serve and protect our communities.”

For more on the Active Air Purification Systems, go to e-one.com

BHS, in partnership with Responders 1 Call have announced that of January 1, 2021 they are administering and managing the First Responder Assistance Program available through Provident Insurance Programs, Inc.  

The First Responder Assistance Program is a year round helpline offering confidential in-the-moment support and resources for first responders after a traumatic incident. The program also assists first responders and their families for stress management, depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, family issues, legal and financial concerns, and childcare and eldercare needs.  

The First Responder Assistance Program can be included with blanket Accident & Health insurance coverage underwritten by AXIS Insurance Company and provided through Provident Insurance Programs, Inc. The policy is available to paid, part-time, and volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders in the United States and Canada.  

Provident’s President and CEO, Daren D’Ippolito, says, “We recognise that first responders regularly deal with traumatic events in addition to stressors that most people face. These stressors can take a serious toll on physical and emotional well-being. The First Responder Assistance Program provides access to support from resources who specialise in working with first responders.”    

Dawn Motovidlak, President and CEO of BHS, says, “First responders work in an incredibly stressful environment that exposes them to traumatic events nearly every day. Exposure to trauma can lead to behavioral health concerns that impact the effectiveness of these individuals. That’s why BHS provides first responders with access to timely and high-quality behavioral health resources to get the support they need to be at their best.”  

Dr. Ann  Hawkins,  CEO  and  Chief  Innovation  Officer  of  Responders  1st  Call  stated,  “We  are  proud to partner with  BHS  and  provide  in-the-moment  behavioral  health  care  as  part  of the  First  Responder Assistance Program.”  

About BHS:  
BHS optimises organisational performance by empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential. For over 37 years, BHS has provided holistic well-being support to thousands of corporations, agencies, institutions, associations, and organisations worldwide. BHS offers a wide range of comprehensive well being solutions designed to improve employees’ health, productivity, and safety while improving the culture, performance, and profitability of the organisations we serve. For more information, visit www.BHSonline.com.  

About Responders 1st  Call™  
Responders 1st Call™ is dedicated to saving the lifesavers, our First Responders, by providing a 24/7/365 confidential in-the-moment Trauma Helpline. Emotional and behavioral health consultations are available for First Responders and their family to address work-life stressors such as anxiety, depression, stress, and family issues. Plus, Responders 1st  Call provides a self-directed virtual eye movement technology to address PTSD and trauma. For more information, www.Responders1stCall.com.

KME® Fire Apparatus have announced that Linglestown Fire Company has taken delivery of a KME aerial through its authorised dealer, Fire & Rescue Products, to provide the Lower Paxton Township with a new 102’ Midmount Platform AerialCat™.

The new 102’ Midmount Platform is built on KME’s Severe Service™ X-MFD cab and will serve the Linglestown Fire Company #1 – Station 35 located near Harrisburg, PA, and replace their 2000 KME 95’ Midmount Platform.

“KME appreciates the opportunity to continue to serve the Linglestown Fire Company and we value the trust they have placed in our apparatus and our dealer, Fire & Rescue Products,” said Chris McClung, Director of Sales for KME. “Crew safety, reliability, and maneuverability are top priorities for the Linglestown Fire Company, and we are delighted to provide them the aerial that they need.”

Features include:

• KME 100” Severe Service X-MFD cab
• Hendrickson STEERTEK™ NXT front axle
• Cummins X15 600 HP engine
• Allison 4000 EVS™ transmission
• Waterous S100 2,000 GPM single stage pump
• 300-gallon water tank
• -12 degree to 80-degree elevation range with the platform
• Unrestricted 2,000 GPM waterway rating

“The Linglestown Fire Company is a proactive department that relies on KME’s customisation and creativity.  Being able to provide 250 cubic feet of space coupled with a full 205’ ladder arrangement is second to none,” said John Niebauer, Owner of Fire & Rescue Products. “We appreciate them seeing the value of purchasing locally and the outstanding service our team provides.” 

Advexure Unmanned Systems has been awarded a multi-year contract through an initial purchase of a DJI Matrice 300 RTK, accessories, software, training, and support services for $28,458 in a joint project between the Dinwiddie Sheriff’s Office and Dinwiddie Public Safety.

According to Deputy Sheriff Charles Lucy, the drone’s primary function will be for search and rescue missions. Dinwiddie County has numerous group homes and adult living facilities where people will often walk away leading some to pass away from exposure to the cold, or getting into bodies of water.

Advexure Unmanned Systems was selected for the purchase through a competitive bid process and has furnished Dinwiddie County with a complete drone system, camera payload, training drone for new pilot training and certification, support accessories, and training services. In addition, Advexure has outfitted Dinwiddie with DroneSense software, which is a management platform for live streaming and operations management for incident commanders to have a birds eye view via livestream during a large fire or other incident where an aerial view can help assist to direct ground units.

“Civil unrest has been going on in cities with large crowds, this unit allows us to minimise officer exposure if there’s large events to allow us to put an eye on a large area without having to expose our officers,” said Lucy.

Usage of the new drone system could, however, not begin for a few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the process of approving use. Certifying bodies that approve training credentials to operators of the drone now have limitations due to COVID. Standing operating procedures and mutual aid agreements will also have to be drawn before the drone is used.

“This will not be used immediately, this will take numerous officers to be able to operate and that will take numerous hours of training,” said Lucy.

Advexure has outfitted and trained departments on the use of similar drone systems to Dinwiddie’s along with many other public safety and search and rescue drones to dozens of counties in Virginia and across North America. Advexure’s Director of Public Safety Integration, Travis Waibel, mentioned that Advexure, who is headquartered in Los Angeles, has worked extensively with many departments and agencies across the state of Virginia since about 2016 to further the adoption of UAS in public safety. Advexure also works with Dinwiddie’s neighbor in Chesterfield, VA. Chesterfield’s Police and Fire/EMS units recommended the drone system that Dinwiddie purchased as they have the same model and recognised its quality along with Advexure’s service reputation and commitment to public safety.

“Virginia has been a state that has quickly adopted UAS/drones and has had a tremendous amount of success deploying drones to locate missing persons, reduce risk for first responders, and leverage technology to enhance the efficiency of public safety operations,” said Waibel.

Advexure also currently actively works with agencies in the counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and with George Mason University. Advexure’s widespread network of partner agencies has enabled the formation of regional mutual aid response with UAS and standardisation of UAS training and operations across the state.

Waibel added, “drones are just another tool in the toolbox for police departments and fire/emergency services to leverage,” and “the Advexure team enjoys seeing and hearing successful UAS missions and deployments from our partners across all facets of public safety across the country.