Vallfirest bolsters Latin American presence with key appointment

by AmericasFeatured NewsPeople

Vallfirest, a global leader in emergency services solutions, has announced the appointment of Javier Rodriguez as the new Area Sales Manager for Latin America. This strategic appointment marks a significant stride in Vallfirest’s commitment to provide more personalised services to its distributors in Central and South America.

Rodriguez is a seasoned business manager with more than seven years of experience in the emergency services sector. He brings with him a unique blend of technical and managerial expertise with a background including roles such as a live fire instructor in accordance with NFPA 1403, Fire Manager with Texas A&M, and collaborative efforts with the basic and intermediate USAID OFDA Incident Command System.

Upon his appointment, Rodriguez expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s an honour for me to become a part of the Vallfirest team for LATAM. As part of this new role alongside Vallfirest as Area Sales Manager LATAM, we hope to be able to contribute to the sector with innovation, guidance and understanding in the resolution of emergencies and, above all, help protect each person facing the major challenges involved with emergencies in Latin America.”

Vallfirest said it is confident that with Rodriguez’s guidance and leadership, the company will continue to innovate and provide solutions that best serve its customers in Latin America, a critical region for the emergency services industry.

Rodriguez’s appointment is effective immediately.

Hyfire bolsters London & South East team with new appointment

by Featured NewsPeople


In a significant announcement, Hyfire, a global leader in wireless fire detection and alarm devices, has welcomed Brett Boyd on board as the new Regional Sales Manager for the London & South East region to strengthen Hyfire’s customer service and support network in the region.

Boyd’s extensive career includes project planning and expediting roles in prominent construction firms such as Bateman, Sandvik, Tenova, and Murray & Roberts. He transitioned to the fire protection industry in 2014, joining a Johannesburg-based firm as a Fire Detection & Special Risks Sales Rep.

His journey then took him to a fire and security distribution company, where he honed his skills as a product specialist for fire detection equipment. Immediately prior to joining Hyfire, Boyd served as a Business Development Manager in the South East and London for a globally recognised manufacturer.

On accepting his new role, Boyd said: “I’m thrilled to join the Hyfire team and look forward to leveraging my expertise to contribute to the company’s ongoing success. I was drawn to Hyfire by the chance to work with a market-leading manufacturer that offers an impressive array of wireless and fire devices. My goal is to maintain the high level of service our existing partners have come to expect, while actively seeking new opportunities to expand awareness of the Hyfire brand and drive growth.”

Hyfire’s International Director, Tom Crane, expressed his excitement about Boyd’s appointment, stating: “We’re delighted to have Brett join us at Hyfire as our new Regional Sales Manager for London & South East. His extensive experience, industry knowledge, and commitment to exceptional service make him a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to working together to continue expanding our market presence and providing unparalleled solutions to our partners and customers.”

About Hyfire

Hyfire, a purveyor of the widest range of commercial standard wireless fire devices on the market, offers products that are fully certified to EN54, and compliant with BS5839 Part 1. The company’s product catalogue spans optical, multi-criteria and heat detectors, notification, interface, and control units, all epitomizing performance and quality. Hyfire has also recently launched EvacWireless, a scalable solution designed to meet the BS8629 evacuation alert standards in residential buildings taller than 18 metres.

Crane added: “With our top-of-the-line Taurus range of wireless fire devices to showcase, and Brett’s personal dedication and genuine enthusiasm for the role, I’m confident that he will hit the ground running and generate results. Demonstrating to our installer partners how they can incorporate wireless technology within their projects is a key growth area for us, building upon almost two decades of wireless innovation. With Brett on board, we are even better placed to push things forward.”

Established in 2007, Hyfire pioneered the introduction of commercial wireless detection and alarm devices fully certified to EN54. The brand, a part of The Orama Group, is renowned for its quality, reliability, and innovation in the commercial fire sector. Hyfire offers a five-year warranty on its devices and is backed by a dedicated partner programme.

Elmdene appoints Pilar Sancho to drive EMEA growth

by Featured NewsPeople

In a significant move to boost its regional presence, Elmdene International Limited, a subsidiary of Potter Company, has announced the appointment of Pilar Sancho as their new Sales Manager for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

Tasked with spearheading Elmdene’s expansion efforts in Europe, Sancho’s role will emphasise the importance of sustaining the company’s commitment to top-notch service delivery. She brings to the table an extensive repertoire of experience in the industry, with a solid track record of managing sales across Europe for notable firms such as FFE and UTC Carrier.

Kelly Lowe, the Sales and Marketing Director at Elmdene, hailed the appointment as a pivotal one for the company. She said: “This is a key appointment for Elmdene. Pilar’s experience in the Fire and Security industries across Europe will be invaluable for our continued growth internationally. We’re excited to welcome Pilar to the team.”

Sancho also shared her enthusiasm for the new role, noting the opportunities it presents. She said:”I’m delighted to be joining Elmdene. Having been within the industry over the years, it’ll be a great opportunity to work on some exciting projects and partnerships with Elmdene.”

This strategic appointment underscores Elmdene’s focus on accelerating its growth within the EMEA region, thereby strengthening its footprint in the Fire and Security industries.

Nita Greer joins Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum Board of Directors

by AmericasFeatured NewsPeople

The Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum has announced the election of Nita Greer to its Board of Directors. Greer, Vice President of Corporate Marketing Communications at Telgian Holdings, Inc., is a renowned leader in the fire protection, life safety, and security industry. Bringing to the table over three decades of expertise in marketing communications, her valuable experience includes strategy, planning, and the conception of several award-winning marketing and public relations campaigns.

Charles Ritchie, President and Founder of the Museum, commented on the election of Greer. “We are pleased to welcome Nita Greer to the Board of Directors. Her proven expertise will be instrumental as we continue to expand our outreach and share Fire Fighter’s incredible story.”

Greer herself expressed her enthusiasm for her new role: “It is an honor to serve on the Fire Fighter Board of Directors. Fire Fighter is a true American hero and a tangible example of the unwavering commitment and sacrifice of firefighters and fire protection professionals everywhere. I look forward to the opportunity to use my experience to help grow awareness of this iconic vessel, ensuring her preservation for the next generation.”

The Fire Fighter

The Fire Fighter, affectionately known as “America’s Fireboat,” has safeguarded the United States during some of its most distressing times for over seven decades. It was involved in heroic rescue operations, including the fire and subsequent capsizing of the SS Normandie and the catastrophic fire on the munitions ship El Estero during World War II.

Perhaps its greatest challenge came in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks when the fireboat was called upon to pump water from the Harbor as the city’s water hydrants had been destroyed. For a continuous two weeks, Fire Fighter and other FDNY Marine Units tirelessly provided the only source of water for the firefighting operations at Ground Zero.

Fire Fighter’s active service culminated in the successful rescue of passengers from US Airways Flight 1549 that made an emergency landing in the Hudson River in 2009.

The vessel, a product of the genius of renowned naval architect William Francis Gibbs, remains a marvel of engineering. Capable of pumping an incredible 20,000 gallons of water per minute, the Fire Fighter was ahead of her time, powered by one of the first diesel-electric power plants installed in a fireboat.

After 72-year service, the Fire Fighter was decommissioned in 2010. Today, it stands as a National Historic Landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Docked at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, CT, it serves as a fully operational vessel, memorial, and teaching museum.

About the Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum

The Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum, a 501c3 non-profit, volunteer organisation, shoulders the responsibility of preserving the formidable legacy of this historic vessel. The organisation depends on the financial support of corporate sponsors and the public.

For further information about the Fire Fighter, including event and tour details, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities, please visit America’s Fireboat.

The Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum, a 501c3 non-profit organisation, is committed to preserving the Fire Fighter as a fully operational vessel, memorial, and teaching museum. Its mission is made possible through the time, generosity, and expertise of the general public, contributing to the maintenance of a unique piece of American maritime history. http://americasfireboat.org/

Blackline Safety appoints new VP of International Sales

by AmericasFeatured NewsPeople

Blackline Safety, a leading global provider of connected safety technology, has appointed Peter Attalla as Vice President, International Sales. Attalla, who has extensive experience in safety and operations excellence across a range of sectors, including energy, telecommunications, and chemicals, will be responsible for overseeing the company’s rapid growth and expansion in its Rest of World geography, which includes regions outside North America and Europe.

Attalla, who has previously worked with Blackline Safety products, spent over 15 years in senior roles at Husky Energy, where he focused on safety, growth, and operational management. Prior to his current appointment, he served as a Safety and Operational Consultant for Dupont Sustainable Solutions.

In his new role, Attalla will work with Blackline Safety’s distributor partnerships, local sales personnel, and global customers to promote the company’s innovative safety wearables, area gas monitors, and cloud-connected solutions. The appointment comes at a time when the company has seen significant growth in its Rest of World geography, driven by increasing customer demand.

“Peter’s leadership and experience will ensure Blackline continues to drive operations excellence as we shape the future of industrial work around the world,” said Sean Stinson, President and Chief Growth Officer. “We see significant growth potential in our Rest of World geography, and Peter’s previous client-side experience with Blackline’s products and services will allow him to seamlessly transition into this role.”

Attalla takes over from Neil Campbell, who is transitioning to the role of Advisor, Global Sales, after serving as Director of International Sales & Marketing for over a decade. During his tenure, Campbell established a strong presence for Blackline Safety through distribution across the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

“We are incredibly grateful to Neil for his many years of service at Blackline,” said Stinson. “He has been instrumental in bringing Blackline’s revolutionary connected safety solutions to the international market, and we are looking forward to working with him in his new role.”

About Blackline Safety

Blackline Safety is a pioneering technology company that specialises in IoT (Internet of Things) and is committed to driving innovation in the industrial workforce. By utilising connected safety devices and predictive analytics, Blackline empowers companies to work towards zero safety incidents and improve operational performance. The company offers a range of products and services, including wearable devices, personal and area gas monitoring, cloud-connected software, and data analytics, that help organisations address challenging safety issues and enhance productivity. With a presence in over 100 countries, Blackline provides cellular and satellite connectivity that serves as a lifeline to tens of thousands of people. To date, the company has reported over 200 billion data points and initiated more than seven million emergency alerts.

FireMate appoints Peter Martin as UK Business Manager

by Featured NewsPeople

FireMate, a specialist in fire industry remote alarm management and software, has recently promoted its long-serving Sales Manager, Peter Martin, to the role of UK Business Manager. In his new position, Martin will be responsible for overseeing FireMate’s business operations in the UK and Europe.

Martin has been a member of the FireMate team since 2019, having previously served in various positions within the fire industry, including servicing extinguishers, installing and commissioning fire systems, as well as design and sales roles. His expertise in the fire industry and his enthusiasm for the company’s core product – the Nimbus remote fire alarm management platform – have made him an invaluable asset to the team.

“I am thrilled to take on this new role at FireMate,” said Martin. “Our industry is rapidly evolving, and I am eager to shape the future of fire safety by increasing the adoption of Nimbus and our fire protection maintenance software, both of which have the potential to be game-changing for end-users and fire installers. My objective is to raise awareness of our products and the multiple benefits they can offer.”

FireMate’s Managing Director, Mike Giuffrida, expressed his confidence in Martin’s abilities, saying: “We are delighted to promote Peter to the newly-created position of UK Business Manager. He has been a valuable member of our team for over four years, and we are excited to see what he will achieve with his expanded remit. Peter’s passion for the industry and commitment to FireMate’s products make him the ideal fit for this role.”

About FireMate

FireMate was created to address a critical and often legally mandated need for enhanced asset management, monitoring, and reporting in the fire sector. Developed by industry experts with a strong commitment to effective fire safety, FireMate’s fire protection maintenance software and remote fire alarm management represent a significant shift in the approach taken by many fire installers and their customers, providing them with greater oversight, awareness, and reassurance than ever before.

Mike Virnig and Andy Thompson to Lead REV Fire Group

by Featured NewsPeople

REV Group, the speciality designer and manufacturer of vehicles in the fire and emergency, commercial, and recreation industries, has announced the promotion of Mike Virnig and Andy Thompson to lead REV Fire Group. Effective immediately, Virnig will assume the role of President, REV Fire Group, replacing Dan DesRochers, while Thompson will serve as the Chief Operating Officer of REV Fire Group.

Virnig has been with REV Fire Group since 2018 and served as Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing. He has a remarkable knowledge and a commendable commercial track record in the fire apparatus industry, having previously served as the Vice President of Sales for Spartan Emergency Response and General Manager for Rush Peterbilt California, and has owned multiple companies throughout his career.

As President of REV Fire Group, Virnig will oversee fire apparatus brands E-ONE, KME, Ferrara, Spartan Fire Chassis, Spartan Emergency Response, Smeal, and Ladder Tower, and will report directly to Mark Skonieczny, Interim President and CEO of REV Group.

Thompson joined REV Group in 2021 as Vice President of Operations, bringing his extensive experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain, and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies to the REV enterprise.

As Chief Operating Officer of REV Fire Group, he will manage manufacturing operations across all brands. Prior to joining REV Group, Thompson was the Senior Director of Operations at L3 Harris Technologies and held progressive roles within Gleason Corporation and IMI plc.

Mark Skonieczny, Interim President and CEO, REV Group, said: “REV Fire Group has tremendous opportunity to continue its leadership in innovation and safety technology while delivering against strong demand.

“Mike and Andy have a proven track record of commercial and operational performance within the fire industry to unlock REV Fire Group’s full potential; we are excited for the future under their leadership.”

New product manager for FireAngel

by Featured NewsPeople

FireAngel, a leading manufacturer of home safety products, has appointed Martin Phillips as their new Trade Product Manager. With over 25 years of experience in senior product roles in the electrical engineering sector, Phillips will be responsible for enhancing the company’s longstanding commitment to providing innovative alarms to electrical contractors serving the UK housing market.

In his new role, Phillips will be working closely with FireAngel’s operations and development teams to further extend the company’s dedication to combining the highest standards of software and hardware to achieve compliant alarm systems that provide first-class protection and user experience.

Phillips’ focus will be on accelerating FireAngel’s product development journey throughout 2023. His extensive knowledge in product development and application will support the company in designing and developing certified products that add real value to their customers’ lives.

Speaking of his appointment, Phillips expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with the FireAngel team. “As a customer-centric business, we are committed to understanding exactly what our customers require, then designing and developing certified products that add real value to their lives,” he said.

Phillips also highlighted FireAngel’s commitment to incorporating environmental sensing technologies into their alarms. The company is dedicated to addressing external environmental factors, such as damp and mould, which have been made all the more prevalent by fuel poverty. Phillips emphasised the importance of building the necessary requirements into the company’s product development to provide installers and their customers with all-round protection.

Chief Technology Officer appointed at Bull Products

by Featured NewsPeople

Bull Products, a leading fire safety equipment supplier, has appointed Chris Bolger as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at the company. Bringing over 19 years of experience in the technology industry, he will lead Bull Products’ efforts in developing innovative technologies in the fire and safety sector.

Bolger is an accomplished engineering leader, having designed high volume, mass-market products, and has developed over 30 domestic home safety products in the last 13 years, resulting in sales of more than 10 million units. He holds a First-Class Honours degree in Industrial Design Technology from Brunel University London.

In his new role, Bolger will oversee the development of Bull Products’ next-generation fire safety products and will manage cross-functional teams in developing new solutions and technology-driven products to meet the business needs of today’s industry landscape.

Bolger said of his appointment: “I’m excited to join Bull Products and help drive innovation in the fire and safety industry. I look forward to working with the talented team to bring novel technologies to the market.”

Sandy Damm, CEO of Bull Products, also commented on the appointment, saying: “We are delighted to welcome Chris to the team. He’s the last jigsaw piece in our Exec team and we are thrilled to have him reinforcing us, we are now complete to deliver our 5-year ambitious growth plan. We have a strong focus on providing state-of-the-art protection equipment, and Chris’ extensive background and knowledge will help us take our technology offerings to the next level.”

Pierce Manufacturing names new President

by Featured NewsPeople

Bob Schulz has been appointed as President of Pierce Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation. He will oversee Pierce, Airport Products (ARFF), and Frontline Communications brands as part of the new Vocational segment.

Jim Johnson, who has been leading Pierce since 2010, will continue to serve as the Executive Vice President of Oshkosh Corporation and President of the Vocational segment, overseeing the overall operations of several other subsidiaries including Oshkosh Airport Products and McNeilus refuse vehicles.

Speaking on his appointment, Schulz said: “I am honored for the opportunity to serve in this new role and to lead an outstanding team as we drive our strategic priorities.”

Schulz earned his Master of Business Administration from Marquette University and graduated from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. He joined Pierce Manufacturing in 2004 and has gained significant leadership experience throughout his career. Schulz has held multiple roles in finance and most recently served as Aerial General Management during his 18-year tenure with Oshkosh Corporation.

Jim Johnson said: “Bob is a proven leader with a deep understanding of our Pierce, Airport Products and Frontline Communications businesses and our Dealer Network.

“We are excited and confident to have Bob’s strong leadership, customer relationships and drive for results steering these exceptional brands.”