Four Leonardo AW139 helicopters requested by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue

by Featured News

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) has signed a contract for four AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters.

Leonardo has revealed that the aircraft will be used to perform a range of missions, primarily fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS) and search-and-rescue (SAR). The aircraft will also have special equipment including a cargo hook, rescue hoist and Bambi Bucket.

The first helicopter is expected to be delivered from Leonardo’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, facility in Q3, 2020. A comprehensive five-year support, maintenance and training package will be provided with the possibility of a further extension to a total of 15 years.

Carlos A. Gimenez, Miami-Dade County Mayor, commented: “The safety of our Miami-Dade Fire Rescue operations team and the well-being of the residents we serve is our greatest priority. For those reasons, the crashworthiness standards of the top-ranked Leonardo helicopters were a key factor in our county’s decision to award this contract. In addition, the purchase price, training services and support we will receive during the transition to these world-class aircraft were also strong considerations.”

The AW139 is used across many countries worldwide for firefighting, rescue and law enforcement duties including Italy, the U.K, Japan, South Korea and Australia, to name a few. Celebrating its 1,000th delivery in September, the AW139 is the most successful global helicopter program in the last 15 years. With more than 280 operators in over 70 countries to date, the AW139 “saves lives every day and guarantees safety in every corner of the world”.

Vimpex’s ‘big three’ take centre stage at Intersec 2020

by Breaking News

Vimpex, the independent manufacturer and distributor of fire detection, alarm and evacuation products, will be showcasing its ‘BIG 3’ at Intersec 2020.

The ‘big three’ include:

Identifire: The state-of-the-art Identifire range of 50+ evacuation and alarm sounders, beacons and system accessories are all manufactured in the UK by Vimpex. UL certified, their “flawless functionality” combines with sleek design to ensure easy installation. They can be customised and come with versatile flush or surface mounted options.

Fire-Cryer: The Fire-Cryer range of voice enhanced sounders, proudly manufactured by Vimpex in the UK, is the “proven solution” that reduces delay and evacuation response times, yet is as simple to install as electronic sounders. Fire-Cryer Solo provides the clearest, unambiguous voice message for communication at critical times.

Smart+Guard: The Smart+Guard range has been designed to protect essential fire and security equipment against unwanted false alarms. These toughened hinged protective covers can be easily installed over a range of emergency switches and other devices to provide protection from vandalism, accidental damage or misuse.

FIA reveal new Level 3 FD&A qualification

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The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has announced that it is now offering training to a Level 3 qualification for the fire detection and alarm (FD&A) sector – Fundamentals of FD&A in Non-Domestic Premises.

Designed to provide a “concise and focused” introduction to the FD&A sector, the course is suited to individuals that are starting out in the fire detection industry and are looking for training leading to a qualification within this area. The FIA reviewed its current training and Level 3 qualifications available following the Grenfell Tower fire and the subsequent Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, and identified the need for a “more succinct” Level 3 qualification focusing on the fundamentals of fire detection and alarm management.

The FIA have been running advanced qualifications since the beginning of 2018 which will continues to run alongside the new qualifications. The new training comprises two two-day training units with an open-book exam at the end of the second unit. Those who pass will gain a Level 3 qualification based on BS 5839-1.

As well as the two standard units, there is a ‘Conversion to Fundamentals’ unit – this is available to delegates who have previously taken the FIA’s Foundation to FD&A course. Delegates successfully completing the conversion unit and exam will gain the Level 3 Fundamentals of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems in Non-Domestic Premises qualification.

Ian Moore, CEO of FIA, commented: “We have been running our Level 3 qualifications for over a year now and it is clear from the feedback a different style of exam is needed. Modern exam techniques focus more on where to find the information that is readily available (i.e. through the internet, manuals or standards) and not a memory test as I was used to ‘back in the day’. The new Fundamentals qualification will have an open book (BS 5839-1 or the FIA training manual) exam and having completed, what we consider to be world-class, training the learners will be able to approach the exam with confidence.”

Excellence in Fire & Rescue Awards: SFRS nominated

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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has been nominated for emergency service of the year at the Excellence in Fire and Rescue Awards 2019.

As well as being nominated as the top performing fire and rescue service in Britain, the service was also nominated for Emergency Services Collaboration of the year and the service’s director of finance and contractual services, Sarah O’Donnell, was also nominated for the Most Influential Woman in Fire award.

Martin Blunden, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s chief officer, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for these awards alongside colleagues from across the UK. To be shortlisted is in itself an achievement, particularly given the incredible, innovative work that is taking place the length and breadth of the country –  not only by  fire and rescue services, but by the partners and organisations that work alongside us every day to help keep communities safe.

“My congratulations also go to Sarah O’Donnell – this is a much-deserved award nomination. Sarah’s role in ensuring SFRS continues to deliver a world-class service in a difficult financial environment can never be understated. I am incredibly proud of what this Service has achieved so far, and my thanks has to go to every one of our staff members. It is your hard work and dedication that has earned these nominations. Our best wishes go to all nominees on the big night.”

O’Donnell added: “It is an honour and privilege to be nominated for this award alongside esteemed colleagues from across the UK. The standard of nominees in this category is incredibly high, and I have to give thanks to all the staff in my directorate who have helped make such a nomination possible.”

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at One Great George Street in Westminster next month on December 6.

Knox partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

by Featured News

As part of Knox’s continued commitment to reducing firefighter risks, the company has formally established a partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).

The two organisations share “many important synergies” alongside the ambition to reduce the risks that firefighters face daily. The partnership includes a donation to the NFFF, as well as a donation earmarked for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend held annually in Emmitsburg, MD. Included in the tribute to those being honoured are Honour Guard and Pipe Band Units from across the nation.

Joni Trempala, president of the Knox Company, commented: “In the development of each rapid access product, increasing firefighter safety has always been one of the Knox Company’s primary objectives. The opportunity to be a partner with the NFFF and to provide support is a small way for us to demonstrate our respect and honour for those that have died in the line of duty; while providing some comfort to their surviving family members.”

Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, added: “The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation thanks the Knox Company for their generous donation and support. They have been supportive of firefighter safety for more than 40 years and we welcome their participation with the Foundation.”

TJ Fire and Security acquires Prompt Fire Protection

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TJ Fire and Security, installers and suppliers of fire protection equipment and training, has completed the purchase of Prompt Fire Protection.

TJ Fire and Security was established in 1973 and protects large and small businesses across the country with installation and maintenance of fire and security products. Formed in 1991, Prompt Fire Protection offers “cost effective, efficient and reliable” maintenance of fire extinguishers in London and the home counties. Both companies are based in Welwyn Garden City.

Steve Green, proprietor of Prompt Fire Protection, said: “I chose to partner up with TJ Fire and Security because I am planning to retire in a few years, and I want my existing clients to be looked after by a local company that has the same values as I do. TJ Fire and Security offer lots of additional services so I am hopeful that will also benefit my clients with their wider needs, saving them money long term as well.”

Natalie Higgins, managing director of TJ Fire and Security, added: “We are very pleased and proud to be working so closely with Steve, he has serviced and maintained his clients to an excellent standard, something we have always admired. We look forward to working with his clients and bringing them on board with our business with the same level of care, attention and workmanship that Steve has supplied them since 1991. Moving forward, TJ Fire and Security’s partnership with the Prompt Fire Protection management team will focus on continuing to integrate our two businesses, and we look forward to working alongside Steve as we do this.”

FSC to deliver NFPA accredited training outside of UK

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The Fire Service College (FSC) has become the first centre outside of North America to achieve Pro Board approval to deliver training in overseas territories to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards.

Under the rules for Pro Board Accreditation, centres are restricted to deliver training within the territory in which they operate. The approval from Pro Board allows the delivery of training outside of the United Kingdom, which is a significant development for the FSC.

In order to gain this approval, the FSC worked closely with the International Safety Training College (ISTC) Malta, where the College delivered a NFPA Pro Board certified course to Maltese learners, whilst being assessed and validated by a member of the Pro Board executive team.

This latest development supports the FSC’s vision of “becoming a true Centre of Excellence for both UK and international Fire and Rescue Services”. As the home of firefighter development, the FSC is a “unique resource in the UK and is one of the world’s premier fire training venues”, attracting customers from across the world to train in a world-class facility with internationally recognised credentials.

Frederick Piechota, Pro Board accreditation manager, commented: “As the result of the Site Visit conducted by a representative of the Pro Board to observe certification testing conducted by the FSC in Malta, the Pro Board has determined that the parameters for Out of Country Certification Testing, that were established by the Board of Directors of the Pro Board, have been met and that any certifications that were issued are valid and may be processed into the Pro Board’s International Certification Registry. Our thanks to the College for its support.”

Ted O’Brien, director of product and quality at FSC said: “This approval underlines our position as a leading provider of firefighter training both at home and abroad. It acknowledges that the FSC is working to the most widely recognised fire and prevention standards in the world – those of the North American Fire and Rescue Services. This new approval from Pro Board opens up new opportunities for the Fire Service College, allowing us to extend the delivery of recognised, accredited training to new and existing international customers.”

Road safety initiative from DSFRS awarded military commendation

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A prestigious military commendation has been awarded to the staff from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS).

The military commendation was awarded to DSFRS for its bespoke road safety initiative Survive the Drive – aimed at reducing road traffic collisions within the Armed Forces, Royal Navy, RAF and Marines.

DSFRS watch manager Chris Boston, station manager Laura Pratt, and SAFE South West charity co-ordinator Steve Smith and crew manager Dan Lester were awarded the Vice Chief of Defence Staff Commendation alongside the Queen’s Birthday Honours. The awards were made by Admiral Tim Fraser CB ADC at a ceremony at the Ministry of Defence Main Building in Whitehall at the end of October.

A “high quality and thought-provoking” training programme was designed and produced by the team, and Survive the Drive was delivered across military bases in the south west with the aim of reducing incidents of road traffic collisions within the armed services, which are statistically at an increased risk of a road traffic collision than civilians.

Laura Pratt, station manager at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, commented: “Survive the Drive, builds on the strong partnership network between defence and the Fire and Rescue Services. We are delighted to receive this commendation and to have played a part in creating this valuable addition to road safety initiatives”.

London Fire Brigade nutritonist scoops top award

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A London Fire Brigade nutritionist has been awarded for his efforts to improve the healthy eating habits of firefighters.

The first ever dedicated nutritionist employed by a fire and rescue service, Greg Lessons won ‘Nutritionist of the Year’ at the Caroline Walker Trust awards. Lessons was selected from leading nutritionists around the country competing for the prize.

A firefighter for 17 years at Shoreditch, Leyton and Hornchurch fire stations, Lessons began studying for a masters in Nutrition at London Metropolitan University five years ago. His dissertation focussed on firefighter nutrition, and how firefighters could improve their health by eating better on duty.

After graduating with a distinction, Lessons was appointed as a full time nutritionist for London Fire Brigade and is now on a long term secondment. Working with firefighters to develop personalised nutrition plans, Lessons helps them make healthier food choices and also holds food preparation masterclasses with firefighters across the capital.

Lessons commented: “To be awarded the title of ‘Nutritionist of the year 2019’ is fantastic and I’m thrilled beyond belief! I was judged against four eminent UK nutritionists and I’m so proud to be chosen. It was also an honour to represent the Brigade and to raise the profile of nutrition, health and wellness in the workplace. A huge thanks goes to everyone who has supported me along the way.

“Firefighters work extremely busy shifts and can be called out on a shout any second. For that reason, they tend to eat large portions and quickly. They also work anti-social hours and, like many other night workers, often want quick energy so their choice of snacks are often not the healthiest.

“We know firefighters need to be fit to do their job and eating the right diet is essential to achieve this. Also, nutrition can significantly impact mental health and be used as a valuable tool in reducing stress, anxiety and depression.”

E-ONE supplies Titan 6×6 ARFF vehicles to Civil Aviation Authority

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E-ONE, the fire apparatus manufacturer and a subsidiary of REV Group, has delivered several new TITAN 6X6 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles to the Civil Aviation Authority of Taiwan R.O.C.

The trucks will be deployed at several airports around the island country, and include the following features:

  • E-ONE unique cab design manufactured from welded aluminum extrusion with 3/16-inch (4.76 mm) plate, exceeding ECE R-29 safety standards
  • Scania 566 Kw (770 HP) Engine delivering 2483 Nm of Gross Torque at 2100 rpm.
  • Hale 11,355 lpm (3,000 gpm) Single Stage Centrifugal Pump
  • 12,000 liter (3170 gallon) water / 1680 liter (445 gallon) Class B foam tank
  • Structural Fire Fighting System driver side pump panel
  • (8) Large Side Compartments w/ 9.0 Cubic Meters (320 Cubic Feet) of useable storage
  • Akron StreamMaster II Dual Flow 6000 lpm (1500 gpm) / 3000 lpm (750 gpm) Roof Turret
  • Akron StreamMaster II Single Flow 1,135 lpm (300 gpm) Bumper Turret

Matt Reda, ARFF product manager for E-ONE, commented: “E-ONE is excited to deliver the new TITAN 6X6 ARFF vehicles to the Civil Aviation Authority. These units are part of an ongoing effort by the Civil Aviation Authority to upgrade and replace the ageing fleet of (27) TITAN vehicles delivered over 20 years ago. With our track record in Taiwan, we are honoured that the Civil Aviation Authority has continued to trust E-ONE and the outstanding after-sales service support provided by our local representative for the critical mission of protecting lives and property.”