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  • June 2011

    • June 2011

    Emile Wamsteker/The New York Times/Redux
    Firefighters from Rescue Company 4 carry Firefighter Brian Fahey, killed in the line of duty from the fire building to an ambulance as remaining firefighters remove their helmets in silent tribute. Emile Wamsteker/The New York Times/Redux
    Safety & Health

    Remembering the FDNY Father’s Day Fire

    Harvey Eisner
    Dec. 5, 2014
    The Father's Day Fire in Astoria, Queens, on June 17, 2001, claimed the lives of three FDNY firefighters and injured dozens.
    The SideWinder, which is used for vehicle stabilization and lifting, has changeable heads, carry handle, wide polymer-coated base, attachment clevis, roller-bearing drive train, unique rod-in-tube screw mechanism and safety pins allowing the head to pivot. A positive locking thread device, it is very effective and can be used in conjunction with the JYD Rescue Struts for optimal lifts. The SideWinder is third-party tested to hold more than 15,000 pounds and is rated for a maximum 7,500-pound working load limit.
    Structural Collapse

    Sidewinder Stabilization Device

    JYD Industries
    May 13, 2011
    The SideWinder, which is used for vehicle stabilization and lifting, has changeable heads, carry handle, wide polymer-coated base, attachment clevis, roller-bearing drive train...
    AMKUS Rescue Systems now offers a single connection coupler. The mono coupling allows connecting and disconnecting of tools while the line is under flow (in most cases it’s not necessary to place the directional control of the power unit in the neutral position). The mono coupling can convert standard AMKUS twin line hoses into a single connection allowing customers to retrofit existing AMKUS Rescue tools.
    Structural Collapse

    Single Connection Coupler

    Amkus, Inc.
    May 11, 2011
    AMKUS Rescue Systems now offers a single connection coupler. The mono coupling allows connecting and disconnecting of tools while the line is under flow (in most cases it’s not...
    The New Super Beast was developed with new vehicle safety standards in mind as well as the safety of the user and their patients. As the automobile industry continues to create stronger vehicles, we at Champion Rescue Tools have continued to keep one step ahead by building the most powerful rescue tools in the industry. With up to 500,000 pounds of cutting force, the Super Beast will take the first responder into the next decade of automotive innovation. The Super Beast can change from a cutter to a spreader in seconds.
    Structural Collapse

    Super Beast

    Champion Rescue Tools
    May 11, 2011
    The New Super Beast was developed with new vehicle safety standards in mind as well as the safety of the user and their patients. As the automobile industry continues to create...
    Channellock, Inc.’s exclusive Rescue Tool line now has a new addition – the #87 Rescue Tool. Designed specifically for firefighters, first responders and EMTs, the #87 is two inches shorter and 30 percent lighter than Channellock’s previous #89 Rescue Tool, but is still packed with powerful safety functions essential in emergency situations. Manufactured in Meadville, Pa., the #87 offers five safety functions in one compact tool that can easily fit in a pocket. At 8.8 inches long and 1.1 pounds, features of the #87 include: Hardened cutting edge designed to shear through soft metal and standard battery cables; Narrow jaw that fits into tight spaces; Tapered pry wedge to open doors and windows; Spanner wrench to tighten and loosen up to 5-inch hose couplings; Gas shut-off valve slot. From June 1-30, 2011, CHANNELLOCK is running a “Buy One, Donate One” promotion, enabling purchasers who buy one #87 to donate another to the firefighter of their choice.
    Structural Collapse

    Rescue Tool

    Channellock, Inc.
    May 11, 2011
    Channellock, Inc.’s exclusive Rescue Tool line now has a new addition – the #87 Rescue Tool. Designed specifically for firefighters, first responders and EMTs, the #87 is two ...

    More content from June 2011

    Designed to put Technical Search capabilities into the hands of First Responders, HASTY SEARCH KIT combines the NEW Recon III SearchCam Camera, the two sensor Delsar Life Locator system, a multi position battery charger and 4 li-Ion batteries within one watertight case - ready for rapid deployment. The Hasty Search Kit puts reliable, high quality Tech Search Tools into the hands of those who need them, with a cost effective price-tag.
    Leadership

    Hasty Search Kit

    May 11, 2011
    Designed to put Technical Search capabilities into the hands of First Responders, HASTY SEARCH KIT combines the NEW Recon III SearchCam Camera, the two sensor Delsar Life Locator...
    Genesis cutter makes All 9’s in accordance to the NFPA 1936 scale! The aptly named “ALL 9” cutter has accomplished a feat no other cutter currently on the market has done. It has cut all of the largest pieces of steel on the NFPA 1936 scale certified by a 3rd party testing organization. This test has proven to be a much better way of comparing two cutting tools as it depends on actual performance, not calculated cutting forces, which is how it was traditionally done in the past.
    Trench Rescue

    ALL 9 cutter

    Genesis Rescue Systems
    May 5, 2011
    Genesis cutter makes All 9’s in accordance to the NFPA 1936 scale! The aptly named “ALL 9” cutter has accomplished a feat no other cutter currently on the market has done. It ...
    The POW•R•ENTRY breaching tool from IMLCORP has reengineered chisels for greater durability. Its specially designed powder-actuated drive mechanism and cutting heads enable firefighters to safely break through door handles and locks, padlocks and security bars with 30,000 pounds (13,600 kg.) per square inch of force at the point of contact for rescues and access to blocked areas. POW•R•Entry generates no flashes or explosions, and no parts leave the tool.
    Structural Collapse

    POW•R•ENTRY breaching tool

    IMLCORP
    May 5, 2011
    The Pow•R•Entry breaching tool from IMLCORP has reengineered chisels for greater durability. Its specially designed powder-actuated drive mechanism and cutting heads enable firefighters...
    MSA’s new, innovative device for emergency egress, the Rescue Belt II System, allows firefighters to rappel to safety should they become trapped in a building’s upper level. Rescue Belt II System is compatible with all MSA pouches, including ExtendAire II and Quick-Fill Systems. The rescue belt pouch of Ara-shield construction easily stores 50’ of MSA 100% Technora/nylon rescue rope, F4 Sterling descender, and Crosby hook. The system meets NFPA 1983-2006 edition for Fire Service Life Safety Rope and System Components.
    Structural Collapse

    Rescue Belt II System

    MSA Safety
    May 5, 2011
    MSA’s new, innovative device for emergency egress, the Rescue Belt II System, allows firefighters to rappel to safety should they become trapped in a building’s upper level. Rescue...
    Protecto Wrap Company has redesigned their Protecto Extrication Wrap Rescue Tape to include an Easy Peel Edge Tab to make it easier to deploy in the field. Protecto Extrication Wrap Rescue Tape is a high-performance, self-adhering membrane that protects First Responders as well as collision victims from sharp metal and glass edges. The thin conformable facer allows the user to quickly cover sharp irregular areas that could potentially cause greater injury. Protecto Extrication Wrap can be used to hold broken glass together for safe and efficient removal. Protecto Extrication Wrap adheres to steel, aluminum, glass, vinyl, plastic, wood as well as almost any painted or unpainted surface. The Extrication Wrap is economical and comes in 12”x 25’and 12”x 50’ rolls. The material is also available in precut 12”x 12” pads (20 pieces per order).
    Structural Collapse

    Protecto Extrication Wrap Rescue Tape

    Protecto Wrap Company
    May 5, 2011
    Protecto Wrap Company has redesigned their Protecto Extrication Wrap Rescue Tape to include an Easy Peel Edge Tab to make it easier to deploy in the field. Protecto Extrication...
    Zistos has combined thermal imaging and high resolution video in a single, ultra-slim camera head that attaches to any of their extension poles. Optimized specifically for USAR teams, the THC-50D is the only remote dual thermal imaging camera designed to fit within a standard 2-inch diameter core hole — typically used by technical search specialists to breach a void space in search of entrapped victims. Electronic switching between camera types is instantaneous by using the same control that provides variable illumination for the video camera. Instant correlation between the two images allows US&R specialists to conduct searches more thoroughly and expediently.
    Confined Space

    Portable Video Systems

    Zistos Corporation
    May 5, 2011
    Zistos has combined thermal imaging and high resolution video in a single, ultra-slim camera head that attaches to any of their extension poles.
    THE CAD ZONE INC. has announced the release of Version 9.0 of its Fire Zone diagramming software for the fire service. Features include: • Faster user interface – Toolbars and menus have been re-designed to be more efficient. It’s now much faster to find commands, change object properties and edit existing objects in the drawing. • Aerial views from Bing maps – Enter the address or name of a facility to retrieve a recent satellite photo of the area and place it in the diagram as a background image. Place lines, notes and symbols on top the photo for a quick pre-plan. • New 2D and 3D textures – New texture patterns can be used to show grass, water, asphalt, concrete, wood grain and more. • New “Heads Up Display” – The user can now choose to automatically show object properties and geometry on-screen as they draw, updated in real time. • Import AutoCAD 2011 drawings – Import existing drawings from AutoCAD 2011 and other CAD programs commonly available from building departments. • Moving camera animations – Animations can now be created with a moving viewpoint by fixing the “camera” to any position on a moving symbol.
    Mapping & Pre-Fire Planning

    Pre-Plan Diagrams

    The Cad Zone, Inc.
    May 5, 2011
    THE CAD ZONE INC. has announced the release of Version 9.0 of its Fire Zone diagramming software for the fire service. Features include: Faster user interface – Toolbars and menus...
    AWG FITTINGS has announced the Flex-Lite lightweight PVC suction hose, designed to be 16% lighter with a 24% tighter bend radius. The clear PVC hose allows for visual indication of water movement. The couplings are made of aircraft aluminum are hard coated to military specifications and can easily be removed in the field with standard Allen wrench. All-metal (no plastic) collars secure the hose and include beveled edges for easy loading into apparatus. Metal roller bearings are in the swivels (no plastic).
    Computers & Accessories

    Suction Hose

    AWG Fittings
    May 5, 2011
    AWG FITTINGS has announced the Flex-Lite lightweight PVC suction hose, designed to be 16% lighter with a 24% tighter bend radius. The clear PVC hose allows for visual indication...
    MSA has introduced the FlameGard 5 flame detector family, the latest line in its FlameGard Series. At the forefront is the FlameGard 5 MSIR detector, a multi-spectral infrared detector that features breakthrough neural network intelligence for reliable discrimination between actual flames and nuisance false alarm sources. Additional members of the FlameGard 5 flame detector family include the FlameGard 5 UV/IR detector and the FlameGard 5 UV/IR-hydrogen detector, which both use ultraviolet and infrared detection technology to provide high immunity to false alarms. The FlameGard 5 test lamp for testing the FlameGard 5 detectors is the final component in the new series.
    Equipment Mounting & Reels

    Flame Detectors

    MSA Safety
    May 5, 2011
    MSA has introduced the FlameGard 5 flame detector family, the latest line in its FlameGard Series. At the forefront is the FlameGard 5 MSIR detector, a multi-spectral infrared...
    STREAMLIGHT INC. has introduced the Knucklehead with Clip, an LED work light designed to aim the floodlight onto the work area. With a 360-degree rotating head, an alligator clip for attaching the light to turnout gear and a magnet that adheres to most steel surfaces, the light gives first responders a variety of ways to target bright-white light. Available in both rechargeable and alkaline battery C4 LED models, its engineered optics feature dual parabolic reflectors within a larger textured reflector, optimizing light on target with an overall smooth flood pattern. Microprocessor-controlled technology provides multiple modes of operation, including high and low intensity, emergency flash and a long-running moonlight mode. Manufactured from high-impact, super-tough nylon polymer that is both chemical and corrosion resistant, the light features an unbreakable polycarbonate lens with silicone anti-scratch coating set in a heavy-duty bezel.
    Hazardous Materials

    Fire-Rescue Work Light

    Streamlight, Inc.
    May 5, 2011
    STREAMLIGHT INC. has introduced the Knucklehead with Clip, an LED work light designed to aim the floodlight onto the work area. With a 360-degree rotating head, an alligator clip...
    DRÄGER has introduced the PSS 5000, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) that has been certified to meet the requirements of NFPA 1981:2007 for firefighting equipment concerning resistance to heat and fire. The unit provides a reliable supply of oxygen combined with a high level of comfort, and is tailored to meet the everyday requirements of firefighters. Its carrying system is adapted to the human body, as it remains stable and firmly fixed in place during heavy-motion operations and is positioned comfortably on the user’s waist, back and shoulders. The support frames, made of carbon, are very light yet robust and thus easily resist shocks or falling objects. None of the materials will deform at high temperatures and are resistant to chemicals and oil. The medium- and high-pressure hoses are integrated into the carrying system without disturbing the wearer. Firefighters or rescue personnel can therefore work in confined spaces without fear of hoses becoming tangled or snagged. To ventilate in an emergency situation in which a workmate or a victim is found, a supplied air line is also available with an optional 20-inch and 40-inch multilink.
    Cleaning & Laundry

    Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

    Draeger
    May 5, 2011
    DRÄGER has introduced the PSS 5000, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) that has been certified to meet the requirements of NFPA 1981:2007 for firefighting equipment concerning...
    The Crimson Fire Classic Series tanker.
    Apparatus

    Pumpers

    Spartan Emergency Response
    May 5, 2011
    Spartan Emergency Response builds a full line of custom pumpers that give you the power to perform. Our pumpers are built to work harder and longer at the scene, with industry...
    Tech & Comm

    Dispatch Protocol Must Be Uniform

    Firehouse Readers
    May 2, 2011
    One afternoon, I was sitting in a fire communications center in a major city when a dispatcher received a phone alarm for electrical wires smoking in the house. After he processed...
    Dennis C. Sharpe
    THE LINCOLN HOSE COMPANY in Middlesex, NJ, has placed in service a Smeal Sirius pumper equipped with a 500-hp Cummins ISL engine, Hale Qtwo 200-23L pump, 750-gallon UPF Poly Tank IIE water tank, 100-gallon foam tank, Akron foam system, Supervac Command Light, Task Force Tips RC3 Extenda-Gun deluge gun and Kussmaul Auto-Eject.
    Apparatus

    Lincoln Hose Company

    Smeal
    April 21, 2011
    THE LINCOLN HOSE COMPANY in Middlesex, NJ, has placed in service a Smeal Sirius pumper equipped with a 500-hp Cummins ISL engine, Hale Qtwo 200-23L pump, 750-gallon UPF Poly Tank...
    Ron Jeffers
    THE NEWARK, NJ, FIRE DEPARTMENT has placed into service three Ferrara custom pumpers built on Ferrara Ember chassis powered by Cummins ISL-425 engines. Each apparatus features a 1,500-gpm Hale Qmax pump, 750-gallon poly water tank, Fire Research InControl pressure governor, Akron Apollo monitor, On Scene Solutions LED compartment lights and Whelen warning and scene lighting. The units are assigned to Engine Companies 15, 26 and 29.
    Apparatus

    Newark, NJ, Fire Department

    Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc.
    April 21, 2011
    THE NEWARK, NJ, FIRE DEPARTMENT has placed into service three Ferrara custom pumpers built on Ferrara Ember chassis powered by Cummins ISL-425 engines. Each apparatus features...
    THE COOLVILLE, OH, FIRE DEPARTMENT has placed in service a Sutphen Guardian pumper equipped with a 400-hp Cummins ISL engine, 1,250-gpm Hale Qmax pump, 1,000-gallon tank, On Spot automatic tire chains, Whelen LED lighting, Kussmaul Auto Charge system and ROM rollup doors.
    Apparatus

    Coolville, OH, Fire Department

    Sutphen Corporation
    April 21, 2011
    THE COOLVILLE, OH, FIRE DEPARTMENT has placed in service a Sutphen Guardian pumper equipped with a 400-hp Cummins ISL engine, 1,250-gpm Hale Qmax pump, 1,000-gallon tank, On Spot...
    THE WEST END VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT in DeBorgia, MT, has taken delivery of a Danko Excel 3,000-gallon tanker built on an International 7500 chassis. Components include a 330-hp International Maxx Force engine, Darley HE 34BSD pump, Task Force Tips Tornado electric remote monitor, Hannay reel, FoamPro 1600 foam system, Newton dump valves, 3,000-gallon Fold-A-Tank and Whelen LED lighting.
    Apparatus

    West End Volunteer Fire District

    Danko Emer. Equip. Co.
    April 20, 2011
    THE WEST END VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT in DeBorgia, MT, has taken delivery of a Danko Excel 3,000-gallon tanker built on an International 7500 chassis. Components include a 330-...
    THE TROY, IL, FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT has taken delivery of an American LaFrance walk-around heavy rescue built on an American LaFrance Metropolitan chassis powered by a 500-hp Cummins ISM engine with an Allison 4000EVS-P transmission. The unit is equipped with a 30-kilowatt Harrison generator and Whelen LED warning lights.
    Apparatus

    Troy, IL, Fire Protection District

    April 20, 2011
    THE TROY, IL, FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT has taken delivery of an American LaFrance walk-around heavy rescue built on an American LaFrance Metropolitan chassis powered by a 500-...
    Ron Jeffers
    THE ELIZABETH, NJ, FIRE DEPARTMENT has taken delivery of a Crimson heavy rescue built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis with a 550-hp Cummins ISX engine with an Allison 4000EVS transmission. The unit is equipped with a 15,000-pound front winch, 9,000-pound portable winch, Robinson rollup doors, 32-kilowatt Onan generator, Federal Signal LED warning lights, six 1,000-watt Fire Research scene lights and Holmatro hydraulic tool compartment with two remote ports.
    Apparatus

    Elizabeth, NJ, Fire Department

    Spartan Emergency Response
    April 20, 2011
    THE ELIZABETH, NJ, FIRE DEPARTMENT has taken delivery of a Crimson heavy rescue built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis with a 550-hp Cummins ISX engine with an Allison 4000EVS transmissio...
    Damien Danis
    SADDLE BROOK, NJ, HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY 1 has taken delivery of a Pierce Velocity 95-foot tower ladder equipped with a 300-gallon tank, 2,000-gpm pump, two in-bucket monitors and Whelen LED warning lights.
    Apparatus

    Saddle Brook, NJ, Hook and Ladder Company

    April 20, 2011
    SADDLE BROOK, NJ, HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY 1 has taken delivery of a Pierce Velocity 95-foot tower ladder equipped with a 300-gallon tank, 2,000-gpm pump, two in-bucket monitors...
    THE WINDY HILL FIRE DEPARTMENT in Florence, SC, has taken delivery of a KME custom pumper built on a KME Predator X-MFD chassis. Components include a 425-hp Cummins ISL engine, Allison 3000EVS transmission, 1,500-gpm Hale Qmax pump, 1,000-gallon poly water tank and Whelen warning lights.
    Apparatus

    The Windy Hill Fire Department

    KME Fire Apparatus
    April 20, 2011
    THE WINDY HILL FIRE DEPARTMENT in Florence, SC, has taken delivery of a KME custom pumper built on a KME Predator X-MFD chassis. Components include a 425-hp Cummins ISL engine...
    Photo by Butch Moran
    Engine 343 is pictured in front of the Tribute in Lights memorial at Ground Zero on September 10, 2010. Photo by Butch Moran
    Apparatus

    FDNY Engine 343

    Eugene Stolowski
    March 23, 2011
    In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the FDNY Fire Family Foundation wanted to do something to honor the 343 members of the FDNY who died in the line of duty that day. It was...