Fire Service Essay Competition returns with artificial intelligence prompt

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured News

Essay Competition opens with AI prompt

Darley has opened the fifth annual Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition in collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), focusing on how artificial intelligence could improve firefighter health, wellness and safety over the next two years.

Darley announced that submissions are now open for the Essay Competition.

The prompt asks fire and rescue personnel to address how artificial intelligence can be applied in operational contexts.

The competition receives over 90 entries each year from firefighters, company officers and chief officers across the country.

Identified areas include incident reporting and staffing models.

The brief also highlights wildfire prediction, roadway risk forecasting and fire-based EMS operations where artificial intelligence tools are already in use.

Essay Competition rules and topic areas

Darley said the competition follows a Tier 3 AI usage standard.

Writers may use generative AI tools to brainstorm, organise thinking and refine outlines.

All final text must be written by the author in their own words.

Any use of artificial intelligence must be disclosed.

Entries may be screened using AI-detection tools.

Suggested topics include virtual and augmented reality staff rides.

Other areas include predictive analytics for wildland and all-hazard incidents.

Further examples include decision-support tools for EMS, hazmat and technical rescue operations, along with fatigue tracking and injury trend analysis.

Essay Competition prizes and comments

Darley Chief Executive Officer & Chairman Paul Darley said: “The people best positioned to shape how AI gets used in the fire service are the ones on shift.

“Sometimes the best ideas in the fire service don’t always make it past the apparatus bay.

“We built this competition because writing is an act of leadership, and we want you to use this platform to spotlight your ideas and create discussion amongst industry peers.”

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Director of Fire Programs Danny Kistner said: “Artificial intelligence is not a replacement for firefighter judgment; it is a force multiplier for firefighter survivability.

“By combining AI with immersive staff rides, predictive modeling, and resilience-building programs, we can help departments see risk sooner, train with greater realism, and support their people long before and long after the call.

“This directly aligns with the NFFF mission—to honor our fallen by doing everything possible to reduce preventable deaths and injuries.

“We invite you to join this competition and submit your ideas for how AI can further this mission in the fire service.”

Winners receive cash prizes, present at events including the Texas A&M Leadership Conference and FRI and are published by Fire Engineering, Firehouse, CRACKYL and FireRescue1.

The competition was conceived by Garry Briese and is sponsored by Darley in collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Detroit adds 29 new emergency vehicles to strengthen public safety

by Americas - Featured NewsEMSFeatured NewsVehicles

Detroit invests $10.7 million in new emergency vehicles

The City of Detroit has announced the delivery of new fire and emergency medical service (EMS) vehicles worth $10.7 million to enhance public safety and emergency response.

According to the city, the investment covers ten fire engines, thirteen ambulances, three Battalion Chief vehicles and three EMS Supervisor vehicles.

Each unit is equipped with connected safety technology designed to improve firefighter protection and reduce collision risks.

The new vehicles were officially presented at the Detroit Fire Department (DFD) Apparatus Division, where city and departmental leaders highlighted the continuing progress of the city’s fleet modernisation programme.

Leadership emphasises commitment to firefighter and community safety

Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said: “Today is about showing our community the results of a major investment in public safety – $10.7 million dedicated to keeping Detroiters safe.”

“It ensures our firefighters and medics have the reliable equipment they need to respond quickly when Detroiters call for help.”

Simms credited Mayor Mike Duggan and the City Council for ongoing support in maintaining a young, modern fleet and reducing maintenance issues.

Fire Chief David Nelson said: “When our firefighters see brand-new front-line equipment rolling into their engine houses, it reinforces that their safety is a top priority.”

“These new units mean faster responses and better safety for the residents we serve every day.”

Deputy Mayor Melia Howard, Group Executive of Construction and Building Operations LaJuan Counts and Deputy Budget Director Donnie Johnson attended the showcase event.

Data-driven vehicle placement enhances reliability and efficiency

The Detroit Fire Department confirmed that the placement of the new apparatus was determined through a data-driven process based on unit age, mileage and utilisation rates.

This method ensured resources were assigned to neighbourhoods with the highest operational demand or where reliability improvements would have the greatest effect.

Fleet spending included $8.62 million for ten fire engines, $1.76 million for thirteen ambulance remounts and $276,226 for the six administrative vehicles.

All new vehicles are fitted with HAAS Alert Safety Cloud, a digital safety platform that sends real-time alerts to nearby drivers when emergency vehicles are approaching or stationary.

According to the city, this technology helps prevent collisions and protects both first responders and the public.

Detroit maintains national leadership in fleet modernisation

Over the past decade, Detroit has transitioned from an ageing, breakdown-prone fleet to one of the youngest and most technologically advanced in the US.

Once the new vehicles enter service, all but five of the city’s front-line engines will be five years old or newer.

Commissioner Simms said: “These investments ensure that when Detroiters call for help, we can respond quickly, safely and effectively.”

“For our first responders, this means reliable equipment so they can focus on saving lives – not worrying about whether the engine will make it to the scene, like we did 15 years ago.”

The city stated that the upgrades have supported average Code 1 medical response times under seven minutes and thirty seconds, remaining well below national standards.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

For municipal fire service leaders and emergency fleet managers, Detroit’s $10.7 million investment demonstrates the operational benefits of systematic fleet renewal.

The decision to allocate vehicles using utilisation and age data provides a measurable model for improving equipment reliability and equitable service coverage.

The adoption of HAAS Alert Safety Cloud technology highlights the growing role of connected safety systems in collision prevention and responder protection.

Procurement teams and public safety planners can use Detroit’s approach to assess how investment timing, asset tracking and vehicle lifespan targets contribute to sustained performance and community safety outcomes.

New collaboration aims to modernise fire and EMS donation management

by EMSFeatured News

eServices partners with Public Safety Marketing for fire fundraising solutions

Partnership to support fire and EMS organisations

eServices Payment Technology has announced a partnership with Public Safety Marketing to deliver tailored fundraising and membership solutions for Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Air Medical organisations across the United States.

The collaboration combines eServices’ data-driven software platform with Public Safety Marketing’s expertise in direct mail campaigns to improve the efficiency of membership programmes and donation management.

According to the company, the joint approach is designed to help first responder agencies raise funds more effectively while maintaining operational performance.

Company leaders highlight benefits of collaboration

Jesse Siefert, Chief Executive Officer of eServices Payment Technology, said: “Our community heroes deserve the very best and most efficient solutions we can provide them to raise funds and maintain operational excellence.”

He added: “We are excited to bring the direct mail expertise of Public Safety Marketing into our team.”

Michael Henry, Vice President of Public Safety Marketing, said: “Public Safety Marketing is thrilled to become part of the eServices Payment Technology family.

“The combination of eServices’ software platform and Public Safety Marketing’s direct mail fundraising background will create a product offering that is unmatched.

“I look forward to continued relationships with Public Safety Marketing clients as well as new relationships with eServices’ clients.”

Background on eServices and its growth

Founded in 2013, eServices Payment Technology was established by Jesse Siefert and Chuck, who combined experience in emergency medical services and technology development to create an online payment platform for EMS and fire departments.

The company’s platform has since expanded into a broader e-commerce solution with applications across multiple sectors.

eServices now partners with over 1,600 organisations in the United States, providing integrated modules for donations, events, invoicing, medical billing, membership management and payment processing.

According to the company, its mission is to be a trusted partner and industry leader in creating e-commerce solutions that help organisations achieve their full potential.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The partnership between eServices Payment Technology and Public Safety Marketing is directly relevant for fire chiefs, EMS directors and administrative officers responsible for managing funding and membership operations.

The integration of digital payment tools with targeted direct mail marketing could streamline donation management and reduce administrative workload for volunteer and combination departments.

For finance and procurement officers, the development indicates an expanding market for modular e-commerce systems tailored to first responder needs, offering new options for secure and automated payment handling.

Northern Ireland’s road safety campaign highlights the human cost of collisions

by EventsFeatured NewsSafety

Road safety week launches with call for responsibility

As reported by the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), Road Safety Week 2024, taking place from 17–23 November, is centred on the human impact of road traffic collisions.

According to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), one person dies on average every week on Northern Ireland’s roads, with 57 fatalities recorded so far in 2024.

DfI Minister John O’Dowd emphasised the far-reaching consequences of road collisions: “These are people, not just a statistic, and their lives are shattered and will never be the same again.” He also acknowledged the critical role of emergency services and urged the public to adopt safer behaviours.

The campaign encourages road users to consider the long-term impact of reckless driving and to share road safety messages within their communities.

Emergency services highlight their role and experiences

The NIFRS and other emergency services underlined the reality of their work during collisions.

Marcus Wright, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, noted that in 2023 alone, firefighters attended 723 road traffic incidents and rescued 201 people trapped in vehicles.

He stated: “We are urging you to drive to the road conditions, don’t speed, allow more time for your journey and don’t get distracted.” He highlighted the challenges of winter weather, including black ice and flooding, as factors that increase risks.

Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson also described the emotional and operational toll on first responders and reiterated the importance of recognising and avoiding the “Fatal Five” driving behaviours: speeding, drink or drug driving, careless driving, seatbelt neglect, and mobile phone use.

Ambulance service reflects on road accident aftermath

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Chief Executive Michael Bloomfield shed light on the challenges faced by paramedics who attend road traffic collisions.

“Our crews have witnessed harrowing scenes that would make most people recoil,” Bloomfield said.

He described the trauma of losing young lives and the lingering impact on emergency responders who must process the devastation caused by avoidable incidents.

Bloomfield urged caution during the holiday season, stressing that even minor decisions can prevent life-altering accidents.

Road safety pledge promotes personal accountability

The DfI is encouraging the public to take the ‘Road Safety Pledge’ as part of its ‘Share the Road to Zero’ programme.

This initiative focuses on individual accountability and positive road behaviours for all users, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

The Department highlighted evidence showing that over 90% of crashes are caused by human error.

By taking the pledge, participants commit to safer practices, such as slowing down, avoiding distractions, and refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The programme is open to individuals and organisations, with free resources available to promote road safety awareness.

Every road victim counts: summary

Road Safety Week 2024 in Northern Ireland, running from 17–23 November, focuses on the human cost of road traffic collisions.

DfI reports show that 57 people have died on the region’s roads in 2024.

Emergency services shared their experiences, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of responding to accidents.

DfI Minister John O’Dowd and representatives from NIFRS and the ambulance service urged safer behaviours and shared the “Fatal Five” driving risks.

The ‘Share the Road to Zero’ campaign promotes individual accountability, encouraging road users to take a safety pledge.

Evidence indicates that most crashes are caused by human error and are therefore preventable.