On-call firefighter applications open at 26 Northern Ireland stations

by Featured NewsPeople

On-call recruitment campaign across Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has launched a recruitment campaign for on-call firefighters across local communities in Northern Ireland.

NIFRS said the three-week campaign targets people who live or work within five minutes of their local on-call fire station.

NIFRS listed 26 recruiting stations: Ballycastle, Ballyclare, Glengormley, Portrush, Portstewart, Whitehead, Armagh, Ballynahinch, Crossmaglen, Holywood, Keady, Lurgan, Newcastle, Newtownhamilton, Portaferry, Warrenpoint, Comber, Belleek, Clogher, Dromore (Tyrone), Irvinestown, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen, Newtownstewart, Pomeroy and Carryduff.

Information evenings and application deadline

Information evenings are being held in every recruiting station during the campaign, according to NIFRS.

NIFRS said attendees can learn about the role and commitment involved, speak to station crews, find out about physical requirements and training, and check the application process and eligibility.

David Doherty, Western Area Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, said: “We are inviting new applicants to join our dedicated team of On-Call Firefighters who provide vital support in protecting local community.

“Our On-Call Firefighters respond to the same types of incidents that Wholetime Firefighters do, alongside balancing firefighting duties with other jobs, businesses and family responsibilities.

“On-Call Firefighters demonstrate incredible dedication to protecting their local community and I would encourage anyone who is interested in joining our team to apply.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage any local business owners in these areas who are willing to allow On-Call Firefighters to be released from their employment to attend emergency calls, to contact your local On-Call Fire Station for more information.”

Megan Walsh said: “My primary employer, a children’s entertainment centre, is very supportive of my role as an On-Call Firefighter.

“They allow me to respond to fire calls with a minute’s notice.

“Knowing that I am helping others and ensuring I am there for my community when they need us most, it’s very worthwhile.”

Oran Swift said: “Being an On-Call Firefighter has provided me with transferable skills that I can use every day.

“I work as a bricklayer and keep my pager on during the day and then clock off when I’m spending time with my family.

“Once you find the correct balance, the role is incredibly rewarding.

“I am helping others, gaining new skills and discovering leadership strengths I never knew I had.

“It’s so important living in small rural villages that we all chip in together to keep people safe.”

Applications close on Friday 13 March at 12 noon.

C-TEC expands support team with dedicated audio systems installation expert

by CommunicationsFeatured NewsPeople

C-TEC expands support with dedicated audio specialist

C-TEC has appointed a dedicated audio design and installation expert to its sales and support team to assist customers with audio system enquiries.

The company announced that Tremayne Crossley has joined to support hearing loop, infrared and thru-counter hearing assistance solutions, along with voice alarm installation enquiries.

Crossley brings experience gained over many years working at C-TEC’s sister company SigNET AC, where he continues to hold an active role.

His appointment is intended to help ensure that audio projects achieve audibility, intelligibility and reliability across supported systems.

Support for hearing assistance and lockdown-related audio systems

C-TEC confirmed that Crossley will also assist customers with public address and voice alarm systems on larger projects, including those linked to lockdown requirements.

Demand for lockdown solutions has increased following the introduction of Martyn’s Law, which has influenced enquiries relating to PA and VA installations.

Charlotte Manley, C-TEC’s Sales Director, said: “Tremayne is friendly, hugely knowledgeable and always happy to help.

“By providing his services as a go-to-audio expert free-of-charge, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional sales and technical support to all our customers as and when they need it.”

The new role adds dedicated technical expertise to support customers requiring guidance on audio system design and installation.

Siemens strengthens UK fire safety products sales team

by Featured NewsFire DetectionPeople

Fire safety products appointments across the UK

Siemens has appointed five people within its fire safety products sales team as part of changes it said are intended to support partners promoting the Cerberus PRO IOT-enabled fire detection system.

Ryan Taylor has moved from another Siemens division where he worked with end users from design and supply through to commissioning of fire safety systems.

This work included the Building X digital building platform.

Taylor brings more than 20 years’ experience in the fire industry to his new role as Regional Sales Manager (RSM), Fire, Midlands and West.

John Dunbar has worked for Siemens for around six years on the Comfort side of the business.

In his new role, he will also be responsible for Fire products in Scotland and the North East.

Regional roles and scope

Mark Beaumont will take on responsibility for the North of England.

Beaumont has worked for Siemens for more than 20 years.

His most recent position was in a business development role across the Siemens portfolio, including building management systems, power and fire.

In his new position as RSM, he will focus on fire systems, from detection and alarm to extinguishing and evacuation.

Mark Gutteridge is the Area Sales Manager for Fire and Comfort for the South.

Gutteridge has been in his new role for around six months, having previously been Siemens Solutions Partner Manager for the UK and Ireland for the company’s digital industries business.

Completing the line-up is Marios Malone as RSM for fire in the South.

Malone has more than 20 years of experience in the fire safety industry, including three years with Siemens.

Robert Yates, Head of Building Products Fire Safety in the UK, said: “It is a very exciting time for the business with the use of digitalisation in our offering.

“It was important for us to have a strong team in place to support our partners and to maximise the opportunities this presents in the market.

“We have recruited from within Siemens, drawing not only on the understanding of how the company operates but also from those who have direct experience of working within the fire safety arena.”

Donna Black named IAFC CEO, effective March 23, 2026

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsPeople

IAFC leadership change and start date

Donna Black has been appointed CEO of The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), effective March 23, 2026.

The IAFC announced the appointment in a statement.

Black has more than 29 years of fire service leadership experience, beginning in 1997 as a volunteer firefighter and progressing through volunteer and career ranks.

She has served as Fire Chief for the Town of Duck, North Carolina, since 2006.

Over the past year, she has also served as Acting U.S. Fire Administrator.

Experience, education and quotes

Black served as IAFC president and Board Chair in 2023 and was the second woman elected to that role in the association’s 153-year history.

Chief Trisha Wolford, President and Board Chair, said: “Donna Black’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to the membership make her exceptionally qualified to serve as IAFC’s CEO.

“Her appointment reflects both her achievements and IAFC’s ongoing commitment to lead, educate and serve.”

Black holds degrees from Ithaca College – B.S. – and the University of Georgia – M.A.

Her credentials include the National Fire Academy, Chief Fire Officer, and UNC Chapel Hill.

Black said: “I am honored to serve the IAFC.

“The organization supports fire and EMS leaders, and I look forward to working with members, partners, and staff to advance its mission.”

Black will take up the role on March 23, 2026.

Global HSE appoints Steve Shillingford as Operations Director

by Breaking NewsPeople

Global HSE appointment and remit for the role

Global HSE Group has appointed Steve Shillingford as Operations Director, with the appointment announced on 9 February 2026 in Bingham, Nottinghamshire.

The company stated that the appointment supports its operational capability as the business continues to grow.

It added that the role is intended to support safe and consistent project delivery, alongside maintaining quality and compliance standards.

Experience and leadership comments

Steve Shillingford, Operations Director at Global HSE Group, brings operational leadership experience from senior roles including Operations Director and Chief Operating Officer in complex and regulated environments.

His experience includes leading large teams and delivering programmes across multiple sectors, with responsibility for operational performance and delivery.

Andrew Cooper, Managing Director at Global HSE Group, commented: “Steve brings a huge amount of operational leadership experience, and he’s joined us at exactly the right time.

“As we grow, it’s vital that we keep doing the basics brilliantly and that every customer gets the same high standard of service, every time.

“Steve’s track record of leading high-performing teams and delivering complex work makes him a great fit for Global and a strong addition to our executive team.”

Steve Shillingford, Operations Director at Global HSE Group, added: “Global has achieved a lot in a short space of time and has built a strong reputation with real momentum behind it.

“I’ve spent my career leading teams through growth and delivering complex projects, and I’m excited to bring that experience to Global and help ensure we continue to deliver consistently for our customers.”

The appointment places Steve Shillingford within the executive leadership structure as Global HSE Group continues its operational development.

OroraTech appoints Dr Ignacio Zuleta as Chief Technology and Product Officer

by Featured NewsPeopleWildland Fire

OroraTech appoints new chief technology and product officer

OroraTech has appointed Dr Ignacio Zuleta as chief technology and product officer (CTPO), the company announced on 17 February 2026 in Munich.

In the role, Zuleta will lead the company’s technology strategy and execution as it continues work on persistent thermal activity monitoring.

His remit includes end-to-end technology deployment spanning thermal sensor and product deployment, edge data processing, and real-time connectivity.

Zuleta said: “Earth Observation is finally entering a defining moment. Persistent, purpose-built, thermal-first systems are no longer optional if we want to understand, predict, and manage extreme events like wildfires, resource conflicts, and climate change at a planetary scale.

“OroraTech is uniquely positioned to lead this transition by building dedicated thermal infrastructure for persistent observation and operational focus.

“As CTPO, my vision is to build the most trusted, most capable thermal intelligence platform in the world – one that turns raw measurements into real-time decisions that protect lives, land, and critical infrastructure.”

Experience and technical background

OroraTech said Zuleta has more than a decade of experience designing, deploying, and operating large-scale Earth observation systems.

It said his work has included contributing to distributed satellite constellations and turning raw sensor data into operational intelligence used at a global scale.

Before joining OroraTech, he worked on what the company described as the first large-distributed Earth observation constellations, including the world’s first daily high-resolution land-monitoring mission.

The company said his career has included senior technical and product leadership roles across the Earth observation ecosystem, with experience in instrument design, payload operations, remote sensing science, and commercial data products.

It said he holds a doctorate in physical chemistry from Stanford University.

Technology priorities and company focus

OroraTech CEO Dr Martin Langer said Zuleta will apply his experience across sensors, constellation operations, and product strategy.

Langer said: “Ignacio brings a rare depth that he will apply to our sensors, constellation operations, and product strategy.

“Paired with a clear vision for how thermal intelligence must evolve to meet the realities of risk faced by governments and industries across the globe, his leadership strengthens our ability to scale advanced thermal technology while staying relentlessly focused on impact for our customers.”

OroraTech said it operates a network of dedicated thermal sensors for infrared data accumulation and wildfire monitoring, providing near-real-time intelligence to governments and businesses.

It said Zuleta’s appointment will support further work across its thermal Earth observation capabilities and its aim to act as a reference information layer for activity monitoring.

C-TEC sets up CAST team for cause and effect programming support

by Featured NewsFire DetectionPeopleTraining

C-TEC CAST support team announced

C-TEC has formed a specialist CAST technical support team to support its own-protocol CAST life-safety systems, including complex cause and effect programming and pre-project planning.

The company introduced the team as Alex Riley, Sam Rudd and Jake Field, and said the group will also provide personalised on-site technical support.

Riley has been at C-TEC for four years and has worked in the technical support department.

Rudd was initially employed as an SMT process engineer and has been with the company for three years.

Field previously worked in Manufacturing and is described as the newest member of the team.

Terry Gordon, Engineering and Technical Support Manager at C-TEC, said: “The new CAST technical support team means faster and more efficient technical support for our customers.

“Alex, Sam and Jake were chosen for their technical and people skills and willingness to assist in any situation.

“I am thrilled to have them on board.”

The company said Riley, Rudd and Field also host ZFP and XFP addressable fire system training at its manufacturing facility in Wigan.

The same statement said they also deliver off-site training for customers in the UK and overseas when needed.

C-TEC outlines related technical support changes

C-TEC also said it has introduced other initiatives to boost technical support services.

The company said this includes a dedicated technical support telephone number, a cloud-based AI-enabled call logging software system and the appointment of additional technical experts to strengthen the existing team.

For technical support, the contact number is 01942 366328 and the email address is technical@c-tec.co.uk.

For CAST specialist support, the contact number is 01942 366328 and the email address is cast@c-tec.co.uk.

The announcement described the changes as part of a wider effort to strengthen technical support provision.

Harmony Fire appoints Andrew Causton as Technical Director

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringPeople

Harmony fire appoints technical director

Harmony Fire has appointed Andrew Causton as Technical Director within its consultancy business.

The company said Causton has 18 years’ experience, including 10 years in high-hazard industries.

He joins after working in senior operational roles for the emergency services and private contractors, and most recently as an independent fire engineering consultant.

Harmony Fire said his work has included design team roles across healthcare, education, commercial and residential sectors.

Role background and recent company activity

The appointment is positioned as part of a continued build-out of Harmony Fire’s consultancy offer.

The company referenced the June 2025 launch of its technology-led Auro brand.

It also referenced the recent unveiling of ‘Life Guard’, which it described as an open-source framework for housing leaders focused on organisational risk culture and assurance.

Causton said: “Everyone with a passion for fire safety engineering is driven to make the world a safer place, and by closely following Harmony Fire’s journey, I recognise an organisation pushing the boundaries and developing new and innovative approaches to mitigate life safety risk.

“A key attractor in joining the business is the incredible network of expert collaborators that partner with Harmony Fire to help develop new solutions to life critical challenges, it’s inspiring and exciting to now be part of this important mission.”

Oliphant said: “As we see continued blurring of the lines between life safety and smart asset management strategies, organisations are increasingly seeking out expertise to provide a holistic whole-life asset perspective, rather than short term quick fixes.

“The addition of Andrew to our fast-growing team brings a breadth and depth of technical excellence and experience that further elevates our capabilities and the expert support we provide to our customers.

“Attracting the best talent drives our business forward and I’m delighted to be working alongside Andrew as demand scales up across Harmony Fire’s comprehensive consult, build and maintain life safety offer.”

The company described the appointment as a further strengthening of its consultancy business.

NFPA names Schneider Electric’s Alan Manche to Standards Council

by Americas - Featured NewsAssociations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPeople

NFPA Standards Council appointments effective January 1, 2026

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Board of Directors has appointed Alan Manche, vice president of external affairs at Schneider Electric, to the NFPA Standards Council for a three-year term.

NFPA announced that the appointments and re-appointments officially began on January 1, 2026.

Read more: What is the NFPA Standards Council?

Council membership changes and member responsibilities

Anthony Apfelbeck, Dwayne Sloan and Victoria Valentine were each re-appointed to a second three-year term.

Michael Crowley’s appointment was extended for two years.

James Quiter was re-appointed as chair for a second three-year term.

The NFPA Standards Council has 13 members appointed by the NFPA Board of Directors.

The Council oversees NFPA standards development activities.

The Council is responsible for ensuring compliance with the NFPA Regulations.

The Council also serves as the appeals body over matters related to standards development.

Manche has more than 30 years of experience in the electrical industry, including roles in product design, testing, product certification and industry standards development for electrical products and systems.

In his current role at Schneider Electric, Manche is responsible for company strategy and participation in trade and industry associations, standards organisations and conformity assessment.

He has also played an active role in the enforcement and electrical inspection community.

Manche serves on several NFPA Committees, including NFPA 70, National Electrical Code Code-Making Panels and Correlating Committee, NFPA 110/111, Emergency Power Systems and NFPA 70B, Electrical Equipment Maintenance, where he previously served as chair.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

He is a licensed professional engineer in Kentucky.

He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Miami University.

Oshkosh appoints Marty Bass to lead Pierce Manufacturing

by Americas - Breaking NewsAviationBreaking NewsPeopleVehicles

Pierce Manufacturing leadership appointment

Pierce Manufacturing has appointed Marty Bass as President of Pierce Manufacturing, effective 13 January 2026.

Bass’s responsibilities include oversight of Pierce Manufacturing, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh Airport Products (ARFF) and Frontline Communications.

He joins Pierce following a 19-year career at Brunswick Corporation.

His most recent role there was President, Americas Market Operations for the Navico Group.

Role scope and background

Bass has more than two decades of leadership experience in global manufacturing businesses, with a background in operations, quality systems and complex supply chains.

During his tenure at Brunswick, he held roles including President of Mercury Marine’s Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

He also served as Vice President of Global Category Management and Strategy at Mercury Marine.

Mike Pack, Oshkosh Corporation Executive Vice President and President, Vocational, said: “Marty is a proven leader with a deep understanding of how to deliver quality, efficiency and long-term growth to meet the critical needs of our customers.

“As Pierce continues to make significant investments in people and across operations, Marty’s experience leading advanced manufacturing organizations will be instrumental in helping us remain focused on what matters most: delivering safe, reliable, quality fire apparatus while being thoughtful stewards of our customers’ resources.”

Current operating context and investment claims

The company said Bass joins as departments across North America face increased budget pressures, industry-wide extended lead times and rising operational demands.

Pierce described its response as more than $150 million in capital investment and capacity expansions, process improvements and workforce development aimed at strengthening quality and improving production flow to reduce delivery timelines.

Bass said: “I’m honored to join Pierce Manufacturing and build upon the legacy of craftsmanship, innovation and customer commitment which defines this organization.

“Fire departments and their communities rely on Pierce apparatus to perform in the most critical moments, and that responsibility guides every decision we make.

“My focus will be on supporting our teams, reinforcing quality and operational discipline, and ensuring we continue to earn the trust of our customers and the fire service community.”

Before his corporate career, Bass served as an officer and engineer in the United States Navy within the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.

He holds dual master’s degrees in business administration and engineering management from Northwestern University.

He also holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.