REV Fire Group to unveil World of Innovation and Protection at FDIC 2021

REV Group, a leading provider of best-in-class specialty vehicles, including fire apparatus brands such as E-ONE, KME, Ferrara, Spartan Emergency Response, Smeal, and Ladder Tower, will display more than 30 fire apparatus and the latest in technological advancements at the REV Fire World of Innovation and Protection booth during FDIC International (Fire Department Instructors Conference) in Indianapolis, Indiana from August 5 – 7, 2021.

In keeping with REV Fire Group’s FDIC theme of “Relentless Innovation & Continuous Protection,” a dedicated exhibit will showcase the latest technological advancements for the fire service. This will include:

  • Smart Reach Multi-Stance System: Through augmented reality, attendees can experience firsthand this patented new Smeal ladder and outrigger control system that offers 360-degree, no dead-zone functionality on aerials that can be adapted to the scene while maintaining full reach. The Smart Reach control console provides real-time data, and its electric and hydraulic aerial controls offer the ultimate in smooth operation. It also offers Advance Rung Lighting, a series of RGB LED light strips that can have customized patterns running the length of the ladder.
  • Smart Flo: This integrated pressure governor system for fire apparatus allows control of both water flow and foam from one location. It features a one-button pump shift for ease of operation, automatic pump protection and a camera display of the officer’s side, offering firefighters total control at any fire scene.
  • ECO IDLE-TEC: This idle reduction system specifically designed for fire apparatus shuts off the main engine during EMS and rescue calls, eliminating loud diesel engine noise and exhaust while maintaining power for lighting, air conditioning and more. This reduces operating costs, protects the environment, and improves driver safety and comfort.
  • Active Air Purification System:  Designed with advanced Photohydroionization® (PHI Cell) and UV technology, these units kill 99 percent of pathogens, including the virus which causes COVID-19, in the air and on surfaces delivering better air quality and a safer cab environment for your crew.

Representatives of each of the fire brands will also be on hand to discuss the unique features of each of the fire apparatus that will be on display during the conference. Approximately 33 vehicles in various configurations will be showcased including 15 aerials – among them, three tractor drawn aerials.

“We have an exciting lineup of apparatus and the latest in technology to share with FDIC attendees this year,” said Kent Tyler, President of REV Fire Group. “Our theme of ‘Relentless Innovation & Continuous Protection’ speaks well to what our brands provide in serving fire departments and their local communities. We look forward to sharing this with everyone at FDIC!” 

First Due partners with Serent Capital to redefine fire and EMS software

First Due, the developer of best-in-breed public safety software, has partnered with Serent Capital to accelerate the growth of its revolutionary end-to-end cloud-based fire and EMS solution for first responders.

A growing market disruptor, the First Due suite has transformed how fire and EMS agencies run their operation by offering Pre-Incident Planning, Fire Prevention, Incident Reporting, ePCR, Scheduling & Personnel, Assets & Inventory, Community Engagement, and Response, all in a single, true-cloud platform. Serent’s minority investment positions the First Due team to continue its aggressive staffing and product growth, investing in emerging technologies like machine learning, analytics, and connected vehicles.

“Serent’s focus on Govtech and knowledge of the fire and EMS space makes them a great fit for First Due,” First Due Co-Founder & CEO Andreas Huber said. “We’re so excited to partner with Serent to keep raising the bar for our customers. We are thrilled to continue reimagining how technology can assist agencies to better serve their communities.”

First Due Co-Founder, COO, and Head of Product Rami El-Choufani said Serent’s investment will help First Due continue to assume a leadership role in an industry challenged by legacy software stagnation, limited options for all-in-one solutions, and the evolving needs of modern emergency service providers.

“The demands on fire and EMS agencies continue to evolve, while the software they use every day stands still,” El-Choufani said. “As legacy platforms sunset, limited options exist for true software consolidation. First Due solves this by providing deep and natively built functionality across all areas of fire and EMS. Serent’s partnership enables us to redefine what our industry should expect from their software providers.”

“The need for further innovation and better technology for state and local governments provides a unique opportunity for fast-growing companies like First Due to drive meaningful impact in our communities. Based on our work in the fire and EMS market, and Govtech more broadly, it became clear that Andreas, Rami, and the First Due Team have created an innovative, leading solution. We are excited to partner alongside them and help First Due scale,” said Stewart Lynn, Partner at Serent Capital. K&L Gates LLP. acted as counsel for First Due on the transaction. For more information regarding First Due, please visit www.firstdue.com.

Recipients of MSA and Dupont’s 2021 Globe Gear Giveaway announced

MSA, DuPont, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have teamed up for the tenth year to help volunteer fire departments obtain much-needed gear through MSA’s and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway. This annual program began in 2012 and has provided 559 sets of turnout gear to 121 departments to date. In 2021, another 13 departments will each receive four new sets of turnout gear and four new helmets to help enhance the safety of their firefighters. The first 500 applicants also received a one-year NVFC membership, courtesy of MSA.

The first two recipients of MSA’s and DuPont’s 2021 Globe Gear Giveaway are the Waldo (ME) Fire Department and Hamburg (NJ) Fire Department.

Waldo Fire Department                             

The Waldo Fire Department (WFD) is a small, all-volunteer department located in Maine’s rural mid-coast region. WFD serves a population of 762 over approximately 13 square miles and also provides mutual aid to surrounding communities. With three state highways, six miles of high voltage electrical infrastructure, a natural gas pipeline, and a liquid propane depot, as well as a regional technical school and a large event center, the department has to be ready for a wide range of potential responses.

WFD’s 17 volunteers share 10 sets of turnout gear, eight of which are over 10 years old. Additionally, the department’s limited budget makes it nearly impossible to purchase additional safety equipment such as gloves, hoods, and boots without financial assistance.

“The Waldo Volunteer Fire Department is uniquely challenged by a limited budget and tax base combined with the responsibility to provide protection services to infrastructure and facilities commonly found in larger communities,” said Chief Brian Walker. With the new Globe turnout gear and helmets, WFD’s firefighters will be better equipped and protected to respond to whatever emergencies arise.

Hamburg Fire Department

Located in rural northern New Jersey, the Hamburg Fire Department (HFD) is an all-volunteer department with 35 members. Serving a population of approximately 3,500, HFD’s volunteers respond to an average of 250 calls annually.

All 30 of HFD’s sets of turnout gear are more than 10 years old. Their limited budget makes it difficult to provide the necessary gear and equipment to keep firefighters safe while responding to incidents.

“The members of this department are always available to respond when needed, and this donation will ensure that all members have the gear they need to perform their duties when they are called upon by the community,” said public safety director Michael Postorino.

Additional awards will be made monthly throughout 2021. Stay tuned to the NVFC web siteDispatch newsletter, and Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as the Globe Facebook page, for additional information and announcements.

Hawaii Airports take delivery of eight Oshkosh Airport Products Striker ARFF vehicles

Oshkosh Airport Products, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation Company, announced today that the company has completed delivery of eight Striker ARFF vehicles to fire departments at the Hawaii airports of Lihue, Hilo International, Ellison Oizuka Kona International, Kahului, and Daniel K. Inouye International. The delivery represents a long-standing relationship with the state of Hawaii and its airport fire departments, which have purchased all Striker apparatus since 2004 and make up full Oshkosh Airport Products fleets.  

“For many years, it has been an honor to support the state of Hawaii’s dedicated aircraft rescue fire fighting teams by producing Striker ARFF vehicles for airports among the islands,” said Jack Bermingham, business unit director for Oshkosh Airport Products. “The remote nature of the islands’ airports and proximity to mainland U.S. can make accessibility to apparatus aftermarket services challenging in some circumstances. With an Oshkosh Airport Products dealer based on the island of Oahu, Hawaii’s airport fire departments have easy access to critical service support and parts inventory for their Striker fleets.”   

Hawaii’s recent apparatus delivery includes:

  •  Lihue Airport: Two Striker 4×4 ARFF vehicles with a Snozzle® HRET
  • Hilo International Airport: One Striker 4×4 ARFF vehicle with a Snozzle HRET
  • Ellison Oizuka Kona International Airport: One Striker 4×4 vehicle and one Striker 8×8 ARFF with a Snozzle HRET
  • Kahului Airport: One Striker 4×4 ARFF vehicle with a Snozzle HRET
  • Daniel K. Inouye International Airport: One Striker 4×4 ARFF vehicle and one Striker 8×8 ARFF vehicle both with Snozzle HRET’s 

Features of Hawaii’s Striker ARFF vehicles:

  • Scania Tier 4 Final Engines
  • 50-foot (15 meters) and 65-foot (20 meters) Snozzle HRET’s
  • Water capacity: 1,500-4,500 gallons (5,678-17,000 liters)
  •  Foam capacity: 220-630 gallons (757-2,380 liters)
  • Dry chemical capacity: 550 Ibs (250 kg) 

Other notable attributes of the state of Hawaii’s aircraft rescue fire fighting teams’ new Striker ARFF vehicles include TAK-4® Independent Suspension, MADAS data logger system, Hydraulic 10KW generator, crosslay hoses, low attack bumper turret, in-cab SCBA storage, Command Zone™ diagnostics, Eco-EFP™ Foam Measurement, and full firefighting agent capacity with advanced technology features.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is located in Honolulu. It’s one of the world’s largest, busiest, and most beautiful airports, covering 4,520 acres of land with four active runways, including the 12,000-foot reef runway, the world’s first major runway built entirely offshore. Kona International Airport is located in West Hawaii and accommodates domestic overseas, international, interisland, commuter, and general aviation flights. Hilo International Airport is located in East Hawaii and is used for interisland air carrier and general aviation operations. Lihue Airport is the primary airport on the Island of Kauai and handles overseas and interisland flights and Kahului Airport is the primary airport on the island of Maui and receives both overseas and interisland flights.

Spartan Emergency Response introduces ladder control system

Spartan Emergency Response®, a subsidiary of REV Group® and leading manufacturer of fire apparatus, introduces Smart Reach™ Multi-Stance™, the patented new Smeal® ladder and outrigger control system that offers increased versatility and functionality for today’s firefighters.

The Smart Reach Multi-Stance system offers a 360-degree, no dead-zone functionality on Smeal aerials that can be adapted to the scene while maintaining full reach. This system delivers full-reach access, and provides real-time data, which gives firefighters the freedom to focus on what is most important – saving lives.

SmartReach_3in1

With the patented Multi-Stance™ technology, the operator is free to set up the outriggers to any reach that the fire scene will accommodate. The dynamic load chart then informs the operator of the appropriate load for the side of the apparatus that they are working from – 250 lb., 500 lb. or 750 lb. – essentially offering fire departments three fire trucks in one.

Firefighters can set up each of the four outriggers at various lengths and tip loads to accommodate tight spaces at fire scenes. Multi-Stance allows the aerial to accommodate the full tip load of 750 lb. on one side of the truck where outriggers are fully extended, and a decreased tip load on the other side if the scene does not allow the outriggers to be fully extended.

“This system is set to revolutionise the fire industry by offering the latest technological advancements,” said Roger Lackore, Senior Director of Product Development for REV Fire Group. “With the Multi-Stance technology, you can extend the outriggers as far as you can get them or as narrow as you need and still be able to operate the apparatus. The advanced ramping controls allow even an inexperienced individual to operate the aerial smoothly and confidently.”

The Smart Reach™ control console offers the next generation of electric and hydraulic aerial controls, giving users the ultimate in smooth operation. Set on a sleek styled pedestal, the control console features an easy-to-read 11-inch, full-color, high-definition touchscreen complimented with tactile intuitive controls. The console offers live aerial data, including allowable ladder load and ladder position. The apparatus driver navigating the fire scene can see outrigger obstruction status and leveling potential from the information screen in the cab.

Smart Reach™ also introduces Advance Rung Lighting, a series of RGB LED light strips running the length of the ladder. Firefighters can choose the color and display pattern of the aerial rung lighting through the control console. In addition to various colors to light up the aerial at night, users can choose effects like twinkling, rocket lights and more, all from the easy-to-use console.

E-ONE dealer 1200 Degrees announces expansion

E-ONE®, a subsidiary of REV Group® and a leading manufacturer of fire apparatus, have announced the major expansion of its dealer 1200 Degrees’ Techno Feu, an E-ONE dealer for more than 30 years.

The $1.5 million investment at the branch in St- François-du-Lac, Quebec includes the addition of more than 12,500 square feet, increasing the facility’s footprint to almost 30,000 square feet. As a result, there are now 18 service bays and the size of its after-market parts department tripled, expanding the branch’s capacity for the selling, servicing, and maintenance of fire trucks in Eastern Canada.

“This major project at Techno Feu reflects our recent growth and prepares us for strategic affiliations coming in the next few years,” said François Proulx, President of 1200 Degrees. “With our expertise, our zeal and our credibility that dominates the market, we were able to build a complete service offering, especially accessible to municipalities across Eastern Canada. We intend to remain one of the most important Canadian suppliers in the field and this expansion allows us to achieve that.”

“E-ONE is excited to be a part of this major expansion with our dealer 1200 Degrees Techno Feu, who have been instrumental to our success in the Canadian market,” said Larry Daniels, E-ONE Director of Sales. “Despite the impact of the pandemic during the past year, 1200 Degrees Techno Feu has continued to move forward and invest in their future and the future of E-ONE.  We are proud to support them and to continue to grow our Canadian market presence well into the future.”

With service centers in Trois-Rivières, St-François-du-Lac and Ayr (Ontario), 1200 Degrees offers the largest specialised grouping in sales and rental of fire trucks and fire equipment in Eastern Canada. Major customers include the cities of Montreal and Toronto and the Canadian National Defence.

Replica helmet created to raise money for for The Fire Fighters Charity

A firefighter has teamed up with MSA Safety and Rosenbauer to create and release a series of handcrafted miniature helmet gifts exclusively for The Fire Fighters Charity, to raise funds to support its vital services.

Adam Tubby, a wholetime and retained firefighter with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, wanted to create a lasting memento for firefighters like himself once they retire from the service – by recreating their most vital piece of equipment.

The miniature replica helmets – which are copies of real-life helmets by MSA Safety and Rosenbauer – are mounted on a solid oak plinth and presented in a display case. Each one is created using a 3D printer over several hours, before being mounted by hand and personalised according to the buyer’s specifications.

Adam said: “Firefighters’ helmets get put through a lot; sweat, smoke, grime. But cleaning regimes have got a lot better in recent years, which means that helmets can be passed on. So firefighters don’t always get to keep them when they retire, like they used to.

“My father-in-law was a firefighter and kept his. It’s a good memento of his service and what he did in his career… I thought, what can I do to create the same, but make it something that’s modern and smaller? It would be great for retiring firefighters to have something like a helmet to remember their time, but a real one is also too big to have in your front room on a piece of wood! So the idea for the miniature version hit me, and it just went from there.”

The replica helmet gifts are available in two styles: the MSA Safety Gallet F1 XF and the Rosenbauer Heros Titan Helmet. They can either be ordered in yellow or white and can be personalised with rank markings, from firefighter right through to CFO. There’s also the option of having a personalised BA Tally or Engraved Plaque, and Service Medal Ribbons can also be added.

Once ordered, they can be completed and shipped directly within 21 days. Sales Price is £230 + p&p. To find out more, visit The Fire Fighters Charity’s online shop here.

Kevin Biles, The Fire Fighters Charity’s Sales Manager, said of the new addition: “We are very excited to be working with Adam on these exclusive replica helmets and want to say a very big thank you to MSA Safety and Rosenbauer for their support with the project too.

“Our shop has a fantastic range of gift items and this new addition of miniature replica helmets gives our customers the best in quality and choice when it comes to celebrating the dedication and service our fire and rescue service beneficiaries provide. Of course, all money raised from the sale of the helmets also goes straight back to the Charity, helping us to support firefighters in need across the UK.”

Members of the fire and rescue services in need of support can call The Fire Fighters Charity’s Support Line on 0800 3898820 or visit www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/support

OnScene Solutions adds linear compartment lights to eliminate LED hotspots

OnScene Solutions, a leading manufacturer of cargo slides, LED lighting and equipment securement products in the first and emergency industry, is adding a new energy-efficient compartment light to its already popular and economical Access Series lineup.

The all-new Access Pro delivers a linear neon-like experience that eliminates LED hotspots without losing light output — 400 lumens for every 18” of light. All the while, this efficient 12V DC light consumes 25% less energy than competing LED compartment lights with its mere 50MA per 2” segment-amp draw. Featuring a tough 5/8” Lexan tube waterproof enclosure, the Access Pro is backed by a lifetime warranty and rated for 100,000 hours of use and includes all mounting hardware.

OSS_SM_AccessPro-300DPI

Available in lengths from 6 to 72 inches and cuttable in 2-inch increments, these lights can be installed into any roll-up or standard-door configuration, great for new or retrofit applications. The extremely durable Access Pro is waterproof, perfect for underbody and compartment use, and the wire strain relief is UL approved, ensuring wire longevity.

Coming soon, departments can choose from static white, blue, red or green, while leveraging the light’s adjustable beam angle to deliver lighting that meets departments’ exact preferences. OnScene Solutions is one of the leading LED light suppliers to OEMs in the fire service.

short-access-pro-light-on-white-1

The Access Pro joins an array of apparatus lighting solutions that includes other compartment light options, durable light bezels and color-changing in-cab lights. To learn more about OnScene’s full lighting lineup, visit onscenesolutions.com/led-cargo-lights

Intelagard launches turnout gear cleaner to reduce cancer risk

Firefighters are dying of cancer. Exposure to carcinogens is the main culprit behind the high rates of cancer among firefighters. Doff ‘n DECON™, a new turnout gear cleaner and decontaminate from the family of Intelagard decontamination products, may provide additional exposure protection. The formula neutralizes the most common carcinogens found on gear like Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Cyanide. 

“Firefighters are true heroes who put their life on the line every day to keep us and our communities safe.  There is an alarming number of firefighters who are dying from cancers caused by exposure to toxic chemicals released during a fire.  Intelagard is honored to release the Doff ‘n DECON™ to assist the decontamination of turnout gear and other PPE so our everyday heroes can focus their attention on the emergency situation they were trained to fight.” says Dennis Smagac, Intelagard President. 

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the increased rate of cancer among fire service members as compared to the general public is much higher. All equipment and clothing taken into service in response to emergency calls are exposed to contaminants. Even the best PPE gear today cannot completely stop carcinogenic particulates from permeating it. Unless a thorough decontamination process occurs on the scene, contaminants are transported back to the fire station.

To help mitigate this, Intelagard is releasing Doff ‘N DECON™, a turnout gear decontaminate based on an advanced decontamination formulation created by Sandia National Laboratories. The 3-part solution utilizes surfactants, peroxides and a special booster to capture and lift contaminants from fabrics like Kevlar without degrading them. After mixing, the formula can immediately be applied as a foam, fog, or liquid decontaminate.  For best results, use one of Intelagard’s select compressed air foam systems (CAFS). 

Doff ‘n DECON™ is inherently biodegradable and suitable for daily use on:

  • Turnout & Bunker Gear 
  • Dive Suits
  • Police Vests 
  • Hazmat Suits
  • Hardhats, Gloves & Boots 
  • PPE Tools & Supplies

Since 1991, Intelagard has invested in the research, design, and manufacturing of award-winning delivery systems and decon solutions including EasyDECON® DF200 and Crystal Clean®. Intelagard’s family of products works seamlessly together to deliver on the promise of solving mission-critical problems to keep firefighters and first responders safer. 

Oshkosh secures first order for the Striker ARFF Vehicle

Oshkosh Airport Products, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) Company, announced today that the company has secured its first order for the new Striker ARFF vehicle, which was introduced in January 2021. The newly upgraded Striker ARFF will be delivered to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) Fire Department in late summer 2021.

MSP’s new Striker 6×6 ARFF will be an addition to an entirely Oshkosh fleet, and will feature an optimized cockpit, updated body styling, and advanced mobility, speed, and precision.

“Oshkosh Airport Products has a decades-long relationship with the MSP Fire Department and we are grateful to have the opportunity to continue to support this dedicated team and their vital work,” said Jack Bermingham, business unit director for Oshkosh Airport Products.

“The new attributes of our Striker ARFF, along with its remarkable legacy features, address the MSP Fire Department’s need for maximized mobility and efficient ergonomic functionality. We are confident this apparatus will exceed performance and longevity of service expectations.”

The MSP Fire Department’s new Oshkosh Striker 6×6 ARFF will feature:

  •     Scania Engine DC16 V8 670hp Tier IV Final
  •     50-foot (15.24 meters) Snozzle® High Reach Extendable Turret
  •     Water capacity – 3,000-gallons (11,356 liters)
  •     Foam capacity – 420 gallons (1,589 liters)
  •     Dry chemical capacity – 500 Ibs (227 kg)
  •     Halotron capacity – 460 lbs (209 kg)
  •     Acceleration of 0-50 mph (0-80 km/h) in under 35 seconds
  •     Optimized cockpit with modular cab design and ergonomic control placement
  •     Oshkosh CARE™ exterior decontamination wash station
  •     Updated Oshkosh Command Zone™ software with diagnostic support
  •     Oshkosh TAK-4® independent suspension
  •     Oshkosh power divider for pump and roll
  •     ECO EFP™ system for measurement of foam percentages

MSP spans 3,400 acres with four runways and two terminal buildings and is the 17th busiest U.S. airport for passengers and the 12th busiest for aircraft operations. The MSP Fire Department operates out of two fire stations on the campus to enable the staff to respond quickly to emergency events, even when faced with hazardous northern weather conditions.

“Our team was able to incorporate all of the instrumental mobility, maneuverability, and precision features from the MSP Fire Department’s existing fleet and combine them with enhancements including outstanding operator experience, ergonomic efficiency, and cab functionality,” said Bermingham. “Most notably, is the simplicity of the single cockpit display. This feature, along with many other optimizations, will help apparatus operators effectively handle challenging emergency scenes.”

To learn more about Oshkosh Airport Products and the new Striker 6×6 ARFF, visit www.oshkoshairport.com.