Posts in category: People

BigChange, a field service management software provider for the fire and security industries have confirmed the appointment of Andy Fielder as its new global Chief Technology Officer. He brings more than 30 years of experience from leading technical teams and developing technology products to his role at BigChange.

Andy started his career as a software developer at companies including Britannia Music and Universal Music, and – more recently – held senior technology leadership roles at equity-backed businesses Group NBT and BigHand.

His appointment follows the investment of more than £75 million by Great Hill Partners to fuel innovation and expansion at BigChange. Andy’s primary focus is growing the functionality and user experience around BigChange’s complete job management platform in line with evolving new technologies and customers’ ongoing requirements.

Andy Fielder comments: “I’m delighted to join BigChange, which is an exciting technology business that has achieved a huge amount in a short period of time. I look forward to leading BigChange’s talented technology teams, helping to revolutionise the market through its market-leading products, and being part of the leadership team to deliver on this company’s enormous global potential.”

Richard Warley, BigChange CEO, comments: “Andy is a proven technology leader with a strong track record of driving innovation and supporting growth at technology businesses. He further strengthens a leadership team with extensive, proven expertise delivering products that drive sustained growth and success for global technology businesses.”

REV Fire Group, which includes REV Group, Inc. manufacturers of fire apparatus and related aftermarket parts and services including E-ONE^®, KME^®, Ferrara™, and Spartan Emergency Response^®, announces the appointment of Gary Pacilio as Vice President/General Manager of E-ONE and Joseph Belle as Vice President of Operations for REV Fire Group.

“This is an exciting time for REV Fire Group. These appointments will further strengthen our organisation and our leadership position within the fire industry. Gary has continuously delivered quality, efficiency, and performance results throughout all the fire brands during his tenure at REV and I’m looking forward to E-ONE’s future with him. Joey excels as a seasoned operations leader and his expertise will continue to deliver the highest standards of quality, service, and results as we platform across all brands to optimise business performance. I’m thrilled to have these two leaders on our team,” stated Kent Tyler, President, REV Fire Group. Pacilio and Belle will both report directly to Tyler.

Pacilio has spent the previous 15 months as the Senior Director, Operational Excellence for REV Fire Group, including roles as interim VP/GM at Spartan Fire Chassis and has more than ten years’ experience in operational leadership. Over the years, he has held several leadership positions with L3Harris, GE and IDEX Corporation where he served as Vice President within the Fire Suppression Group. 

Belle has spent the past 35 years in the fire industry, worked with REV Group brands throughout his career including Vice President and General Manager for Goshen Coach, Vice President of Operations for Capacity Trucks and as Director of Operations and Scheduling for E-ONE. Prior to his return to REV Fire Group, Belle was Senior Director of Operations and Continuous Improvement at TICO.

Perimeter Solutions, makers of PHOS-CHEK® long-term fire retardant and other high-quality firefighting products, recently welcomed Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and Washington State Representative Tom Dent (R-Moses Lake) for a tour of its manufacturing facility in Pasco, WA.

The Pasco site opened in July of this year, and it was constructed in under a year using local contractors and service providers. The site produces Perimeter Solutions’ flagship long-term fire retardant, PHOS-CHEK LCE20-Fx, an innovative 100 percent phosphate product that utilises an environmentally friendly formula to offer superior performance, product safety, and enhanced stability.

Both Representatives are actively working to address the growing challenge wildfires present the state of Washington. In 2015, Rep. Dent introduced the state’s Wildfire Caucus, which meets monthly to discuss and address issues around forest health, fire and fire suppression. Rep. Newhouse serves as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, a group of more than 70 Members of Congress who are working to address federal land management and wildfire prevention issues. Earlier this year, he introduced legislation called the Stop Causing Alarming Tree, Air, and Soil Trauma Resulting from Obstructive Progressives’ and Hypocritical Environmentalists’ Schemes Act, or the Stop CATASTROPHES Act. The stated goal of the legislation is to improve forest health and reduce the risk of wildfires.

“It was fascinating to see the innovative research and development with fire retardants taking place at Perimeter Solutions’ Pasco facility. These technologies are vital to protecting our communities, and I’m proud that Central Washington is playing a critical role in combatting, and more importantly, preventing, these devastating wildfires,” said Rep. Newhouse.

PHOS-CHEK LCE20-Fx fire retardant produced at the Pasco site this year was shipped to air attack bases around the U.S. and Canada to help fire management agencies, including the USDA Forest Service, to prevent the spread of wildfires during the active 2021 season.

“We appreciate Representatives Newhouse and Dent taking the time to visit and check out our operations in Pasco,” says Edward Goldberg, CEO of Perimeter Solutions. “Wildfire season in the Western United States continues to become longer and grow in intensity, and that is not going to change. We need a more proactive strategy to improve wildfire prevention, and we are grateful for the leading role that both Representatives Newhouse and Dent are taking to make that happen.”

For more information on Perimeter Solutions, visit https://www.perimeter-solutions.com.

A Red Plaque has been unveiled in memory of a fallen firefighter, after a fellow firefighter uncovered details of his life and passing nearly fifty years after he passed away.

The Fire Brigade Union’s Red Plaque scheme seeks to memorialise firefighters who died in the line of duty with a plaque near to where the relevant incident happened.

Wilfred McLaughlan was attending a fire in a factory when the roof collapsed, on 25 April 1972. He died later from his injuries. On the day the fire broke out he was three days away from his retirement.   

Retired firefighter Graham Bowker was told about the loss of the firefighter when he was posted at McLaughlan’s former fire station five years after his passing. Whilst there has been limited coverage or discussion about McLaughlan’s death in the time since, and he has no traceable family, Bowker never forgot about McLaughlan, and when the site where the fire happened was developed Bowker started researching the story and making enquiries with a view to having a plaque established on the site.

The fire took place at Oldham Batteries in Denton, Greater Manchester. The plaque is being unveiled at the factory’s former site, which has now been developed into a wellness centre, on Friday 19th November.

Graham Bowker said: “As firefighters, we are always mindful of the debt we owe to our fellow firefighters who came before us. I first heard this story as a young firefighter, and it has always stayed with me even though it’s been around 45 years since. When I saw the site was being built on I thought it was the right time to start trying to ensure that McLaughlan and his sacrifice were never forgotten. We owe it to him to ensure that that doesn’t happen.”

Fire Brigades Union regional secretary for the North West Ed Burrows said: “As firefighters we want to ensure that our predecessors are not forgotten. They helped build and develop our profession through their dedication and service, something we all benefit from today. McLaughlan and many other firefighters have made sacrifices which we must remember, and the Fire Brigades Union is honoured to play a part in remembering Wilfred McLaughlan and his sacrifice.”

Sepura’s CEO Steve Barber has been elected to The Critical Communications Association (TCCA) Board, adding considerable experience to the leadership team of the industry body.

Steve brings to the Association a thorough understanding of global critical communications user requirements, as well as extensive experience in supplying and manufacturing fit for purpose devices and managing technology evolution.

His election pledge to commit to the development of open critical communications standards and interoperability is reinforced by Sepura’s long standing commitment to driving mission critical technology standardisation and innovation. “As a network agnostic company, focused on our customers’ needs, we have led multi-vendor interoperability for many years. This has been of significant benefit to users, giving them choice and flexibility when selecting their communications solution and minimising proprietary implementations that restrict the market and slow down innovation,” said Barber.

Alongside his support for open standards, Steve plans to focus on supporting the ongoing development of both narrowband and broadband solutions and the evolution of 3GPP standards for mission critical markets.

“TCCA is an industry-wide body and I am committed to representing all Association members rather than the interests of an individual organisation,” he says. “I look forward to working within TCCA and with the wider critical communications community in the coming years.”

Steve’s election to the Board opens a space on the TETRA Industry Working Group, which will be taken by Sepura’s Chief Technology Officer Peter Hudson. This ensures that both current and future mission critical users have a trusted supplier voice representing their views across the TCCA.

TCCA Members who wish to discuss relevant issues with Steve can contact him via the Sepura website or at the Sepura stand at major trade shows.

The Safety and Health Practitioner has just announced the 2021 shortlist for the most influential individual in the health and safety profession, and we are delighted to share that NEBOSH’s Chief Operating Officer, Dee Arp is on the list!

All the shortlisted candidates have been driving change or inspiring best practice in occupational health and safety in the UK during the last 12 months. In Dee’s case the judging panel were impressed by the leadership shown to find ways for learning and assessment to continue despite COVID-19.

Click on the link below to see the full list of nominees, which also includes NEBOSH learners Rachel Butler, Crystal Danbury and Neil Fisher:

Most Influential Individual in health and safety, vote open now.

To cast a vote, complete and submit the online form by 5pm GMT on Friday 10 December 2021. The organisers will announce the finalists and overall winner shortly after voting closes.

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has made two new appointments to support the continued development of its member, training and technical services. Rich Green was appointed as Commercial Projects Manager in July and Chris Sharman joined as Training Manager in September.  

Rich brings a wealth of experience working in leadership and commercial roles in a variety of industries, including ten years in the lighting industry. As Commercial Manager of the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) he achieved revenue growth of over 40% and was a key part of the team that established a brand new UKAS-accredited testing laboratory. Previous roles included Business Manager for lighting company, Kosnic and National Accounts Manager for pest control company, Pelsis.

In this newly created ASFP role, Rich is seeking to further develop the ASFP’s membership offering, to attract members from new sectors, while also improving benefits for existing members. Commenting on his appointment, Rich stated:

“I’m delighted with my new role at ASFP, which for me represents not just a change of job but also a change of industry. I hope to make a real difference to the Association, bringing new and innovative benefits and engagement opportunities to ASFP members to make membership even better value for money. I’ve already started work on a range of ideas but look forward to hearing suggestions from members of any new benefits or services that would help you and improve your membership experience.”

As the ASFP’s new Training Manager, Chris brings over 20 years of fire safety sector experience. He started working in the fire industry in 1999 as an installer of specialist evacuation systems for deaf and disabled people, working in sales and management both in the UK and overseas. In 2015, he entered the passive fire protection sector, joining Hilti as a firestop specialist. He subsequently worked as a fire protection consultant for Rockwool and as a technical support advisor for Global HSE Solutions. Chris was also involved in creating and delivering fire safety training packages which focused on compartmentation and facade systems.

Chris has achieved an Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 3 Certificate in passive fire protection and a Level 4 Advanced Fire Safety Manager’s Diploma. He is a member of the IFE at Technician Grade and is currently working to upgrade to full membership, having accrued the required level of academic qualifications and CPD hours. He is.a full member of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers.

Chris is passionate about improving competency in the passive fire protection sector, stating: “I look forward to my new role as ASFP Training Manager, which will enable me to put my knowledge and experience to work in this sector whilst still making an effort to continue my own professional development. I am excited to be working to raise both my own, and the industry’s competency now and in the future.”

For further information on the ASFP and passive fire protection advice, visit www.asfp.org.uk

On 4^th November, Ragnar Wighus, ex-president of the International Water Mist Association (IWMA) and former chief scientist at RISE Sweden (formerly SINTEF), passed away. Ragnar’s job was also his calling. Amongst his many competences were: the off-shore oil rig safety technology, gas and smoke flow dispersion, fire modelling and of course water mist fire suppression systems. And indeed, one of the last news that delighted him was the publication of the European Standard for fixed Water Mist Systems EN 14972.

Ragnar Wighus became IWMA president in 2002 after the first president, Karl J. Sprakel, had stepped down from this position. Ragnar was famous for singing the water mist hymn at the beginning and at the end of each water mist conference, at the IWMA member meetings and all other IWMA events he attended. He did so until in 2018 he passed the baton on to the current IWMA president Are Wendelborg Brandt (RISE) who says: “Ragnar was a good colleague, mentor and a great friend.”

The chairman of the IWMA scientific council Hong-Zeng (Bert) Yu (FM Global) states: “Besides the water mist anthem, Ragnar has left many fond memories and legacies in the association and fire protection community. He will be deeply missed.” Bettina McDowell, IWMA general manager, adds: “When some people go, you think that they should have stayed a little longer. Ragnar was such a person.”

A selection panel has appointed Nazir Afzal OBE to Chair a comprehensive and independent review of culture at England’s biggest fire and rescue service.  

The review comes following the tragic death of Firefighter Jaden Matthew Francois-Esprit in August 2020. Jaden was a trainee firefighter on the LFB’s apprenticeship scheme. Following an internal investigation, and recommendations from the Coroner, London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe earlier in 2021 announced his intention to establish a review to look into all aspects of the Brigade’s culture. 

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “Our internal investigation into Jaden’s death, and the inquest, unearthed tough questions. I firmly believe that this review will result in a better experience for everyone who works for LFB and for the people of London we are trusted to serve and protect.” 

Following a rigorous selection process involving a strong field of candidates, the appointment of Mr Afzal means that the review will be led by someone who has significant experience as one of the country’s most senior lawyers, has been Chief Executive of the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners, and is an advocate of seldom heard and marginalised communities, dealing with some of society’s most difficult issues. 

Speaking on his appointment Nazir Afzal OBE said: “This review is going to be wide-ranging and will look at all sorts of issues – from how London Fire Brigade supports its newest trainees, how it handles issues of neurodiversity, to how it acknowledges the fact that the Brigade is home to an increasingly diverse group of people. My initial discussions are also likely to point me to further areas that I will want to examine in time. 

“Soon, a wider review panel, reporting to me, will be in place who will bring their own ideas and experience to the review. It is an honour to have been asked to lead this independent review and I look forward to finding out much more about the London Fire Brigade.” 

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe continued: “I believe that an independently-led, external review is the most robust way to help improve the Brigade. These are not easy issues for us to tackle and I am delighted to welcome Nazir and his team to the Brigade as they start to look at all aspects of our culture. He will look at everything from headquarters, to the culture at our fire stations and other sites across London.  

“I will be accountable for the Brigade delivering actions that arise from this review, which I hope will mean everyone within London Fire Brigade feels better supported and more able to bring their whole selves to work.” 

The review enjoys the support of the London Region of the Fire Brigades Union and the Mayor of London. The target for completion of this wide-ranging review, and anticipated communication of its findings is by November 2022. 

REV Fire Group, comprised of REV Group, Inc., companies E-ONE, KME, Ferrara, Spartan Emergency Response, Smeal, and Ladder Tower, is proud to announce that Natalie Childress has joined the company as Senior Director of Marketing and Mike Mowry has joined as Director of Dealer Development.

As Senior Director of Marketing for the REV Fire Group, Childress will partner with REV Fire Group’s Vice President of Sales, Mike Virnig, and divisional teams to evolve brand strategy and consumer experience for the group’s fire truck brands. Childress has more than nine years of marketing and brand experience, including five years of marketing and business development leadership experience.

She most recently served as the Business Strategy Manager for Mastercraft Boat Company, driving global brand building and strategy. Prior to, Childress held progressive roles with a focus on cross-functional branding, product marketing and owners’ experience within Sea Ray, part of Brunswick Corporation. She was recognised as a 40 Under 40 Marine Industry Leader this year by Boating Industry.

“We are excited to welcome Natalie to REV Fire Group,” stated Kent Tyler, President, REV Fire Group. “Natalie is a high-energy team member with extensive marketing and strategy experience in the marine industry. I’m confident she will bring a fresh perspective to our brand strategic initiatives and program execution.” Childress will report directly to Tyler and will be based in Ocala, Florida, home of E-ONE.

Mike Mowry comes to the REV Group with more than 30 years of experience in heavy truck dealership operations. He most recently served as Parts Specialist for Rush Enterprises Continuous Improvement group, analysing existing parts business processes, and mapping out a strategy for improvement.

As Director of Dealer Development, Mowry will report to Mike Virnig and will work to strengthen the network of dealers for the REV Fire brands, building enhanced sales and service training programs and collaborating with channel partners to achieve sustainable growth. He replaces Stephen Carleton who is now Manager of Sales & Training for Spartan Fire Chassis^™ in Charlotte.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mike to our leadership team,” said Mike Virnig, Vice President of Sales, REV Fire Group.  “This addition further signifies our commitment to enhancing our dealer network partners. Mike will add tremendous value utilising his years of service and parts operation expertise to create a proven blueprint for our dealers to follow.”