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    More content from November 2011

    “Had I not had my bachelor’s degree, I would not have been appointed fire chief…because of the competition for the job.” Chief Kelvin Cochran Atlanta, GA, Fire Rescue Department
    When Kelvin Cochran first embarked in 1981 on his college career, little did he know that four years of study would take nearly two decades to complete. The former U.S. Fire Administrat...
    Oct. 14, 2011
    Benmay 10430443
    Over the past few years, we have endured economic hardships that have eaten into the fabric of our society. As a consequence, the fire service is under a kind of scrutiny it has...
    Oct. 14, 2011
    Lt. Greg Leaman/Lancaster Township FD
    Strasburg Fire Company Engine 5-10-2 pumps water to Truck 5-10 and several handlines at the Garden Spot Bowling Center fire.
    On Wednesday, May 4, 2011, a four-alarm fire destroyed a 50-year-old bowling center in downtown Strasburg in Lancaster County, PA. The 180-by-200-foot, block building with a builtup...
    Oct. 13, 2011
    FIRE-DEX has appointed Brett Jaffe as president and CEO. Jaffe started his career in the management-training program at Cooper Industries in 1988. During his 11 years at Cooper...
    Oct. 12, 2011
    Brad Harvey 1107 10428611
    I’m sure you have them in your district somewhere – pole-barn-style commercial buildings. They go up quickly, cost less and sometimes offer superior strength or performance when...
    Oct. 12, 2011
    Dennis C. Sharpe
    Hortonmercercounty2011006 10416372
    The Flemington-Raritan First Aid & Rescue Squad in Flemington, NJ, responds with a Horton Model 453 Type III ambulance built on a Ford chassis. The ambulance carries an automated...
    Oct. 7, 2011
    Hme Redfoxhme 10416367
    Built on a hard-working 35,000-GVWR commercial chassis and powered by a tough 330-hp engine and with a highly durable and long-lasting stainless-steel powder-coated body, the ...
    Oct. 7, 2011
    Dennis C. Sharpe
    Freightlinerwildwood2011006 10416361
    The Middlebury Township, PA, Volunteer Fire Company has taken delivery of a Freightliner/Crimson pumper equipped with a 315-hp Cummins ISC engine, Allison 3000EVS automatic transmission...
    Oct. 7, 2011
    Foutshardin 10416356
    Hardin County, TX, Emergency Service District 6 operates a Fouts Bros. CJ Series rescue pumper built on a Kenworth T370 chassis powered by a 330-hp Paccar PX-8 engine with an ...
    Oct. 7, 2011
    Dennis C. Sharpe
    Fourguyselkparknc 10416350
    The Elk Park, NC, Volunteer Fire Department has takend elivery of a 4 Guys pumper-tanker built on an International 7600 chassis. Components include a 430-hp Maxxforce Diesel engine...
    Oct. 7, 2011
    Dennis C. Sharpe
    Fordappleblossom2011030 10416345
    Lovettsville, VA, Fire & Rescue has taken delivery of a Ford F350 response vehicle equipped with a 500-gpm pump, 300-gallon poly water tank, booster hose reel, forestry tools ...
    Oct. 7, 2011
    Dennis C. Sharpe
    Firovac43011026 10416338
    The Blue Ridge Mountain Volunteer Fire Company in Harpers Ferry, WV, operates a Firovac vacuum tanker featuring an International two-door climate-controlled cab, 475-hp Maxxforce...
    Oct. 7, 2011
    Dennis C. Sharpe
    Firematicmercercounty2011002 10416333
    Montgomery Township, NJ, Volunteer Fire Company 2 responds with a Firematic Brush Rapid Attack Truck (BRAT) built on a Ford F550 Super Cab chassis. The unit is outfitted with ...
    Oct. 7, 2011
    Joel Gebet
    Fireequipmentservices Charlest 10416331
    The Charleston, SC, Fire Department operates a Fire Equipment Services light-and-air unit built on a Kenworth T300 chassis. The unit features a 16-foot non-walk-in body, 315-hp...
    Oct. 7, 2011
    Ferraradsc 7851 10416320
    The Lemont, IL, Fire Protection District has taken delivery of a Ferrara MVP custom rescue pumper built on a Ferrara Igniter custom chassis with a Cummins ISL-425 engine and Allison...
    Oct. 7, 2011
    Extendobedmehlvillefpd2fix 10416020
    This Extendo Bed mounted in Chevrolet Suburban has a double-level deck, drawer, slide-out mounting wall, file drawer, pencil tray, bookcase area, fold-down table and double-sided...
    Oct. 6, 2011
    Eonelauderhill2011pumper 10416017
    Lauderhill, FL, Fire-Rescue has placed in service an E-ONE Typhoon pumper outfitted with a 42/56 rescue pumper body, 450-hp Cummins engine, Allison 3000EVS transmission, 1,500...
    Oct. 6, 2011
    Darleytownshipvfddarleydeliver 10416011
    The Township Volunteer Fire Department in Eau Claire, WI, recently took delivery of a Darley pumper constructed on a Spartan Metro Star LFD custom chassis with a 330-hp Cummins...
    Oct. 6, 2011
    Dankoq0306300 10416008
    Danko Emergency Equipment has introduced AquaVantage, an ultra-high-pressure fire suppression system capable of operating at up to 1,200 psi at 20 gpm of water and features an...
    Oct. 6, 2011
    Ron Jeffers
    Customworkscliftonspopsdecon10 10416006
    CUSTOM WORKS – Clifton SpOps Decon 10 Int Custom Works Specialty Vehicles.JPGThe Clifton, NJ, Fire Department Special Operations has taken delivery of a Custom Works decontamination...
    Oct. 6, 2011
    Dallas Fire Department
    The Spartan Emergency Response Aerial is an industry leader that continues to provide more value to your department through features such as the greaseless ladder sections (requires...
    Oct. 6, 2011
    Cet 100 0952 10415959
    CET Fire Pumps Manufacturers a variety of foam trailers from 150 to 2,000 gallons. These versatile trailers are ideal for use in industrial, commercial, municipal and forestry...
    Oct. 6, 2011
    Bullexpikecountyfiresafetytrai 10415952
    Pike County, KY, Emergency Management has taken delivery of a 39-foot, custom-designed BullEx Fire Safety Trailer featuring kitchen, bedroom and industrial emergency scenarios...
    Oct. 6, 2011
    Boisemobile Flyer201103haines 10415938
    The Haines, OR, Fire Protection District has placed in service a Boise Mobile Equipment wildland/urban interface pumper built on an International 7400 4x4 chassis, Components ...
    Oct. 6, 2011
    Arnprior Frontpage1 10415923
    This custom pumper/tanker built for the Township of South Frontenac, Ontario, is the first custom apparatus built by Arnprior Fire Trucks Corp., a manufacturer formed in late ...
    Oct. 6, 2011
    Americanlafrance Nd 911 Ventur 10415889
    The Ventura County, CA, Fire Department has taken delivery of four American LaFrance Eagle pumpers built on Eagle 134 chassis with seating for six. Each apparatus is equipped ...
    Oct. 6, 2011
    Alexis Afe Foxriver 10415881
    The Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District in St. Charles, IL, has placed in service an Alexis Fire Equipment Equalizer pumper. Components include an International 4400 ...
    Oct. 6, 2011
    Scuttlebutt1111 Sparky Book Ja 10415837
    Teach, Sparky, Teach!The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has teamed up with Emmy-award winning and best-selling author Don Hoffman and illustrator Todd Dakins to create...
    Oct. 6, 2011
    Ron Moore
    Driver/Operator in vehicle, seated and belted. Vehicle has been properly positioned in a “block to the left” mode. Parking brake is set. Driver must exit into unprotected traffic situation, zero buffer area.
    SUBJECT: Safe Parking – Part 8TOPIC: Exiting Vehicles at Roadway IncidentsOBJECTIVE: Given an emergency response vehicle positioned at a simulated highway incident, the driver...
    Oct. 5, 2011
    Tom Shand
    This 1971 Young pumper once operated by the Allentown Road, MD, Fire Department shows how SCBA and tools were mounted in the jump-seat area. Note the wide fenders, which reduced the width of the seating area.
    Fire departments are being challenged to do more with less, particularly with respect to the financial resources required to provide for adequate staffing and training of our ...
    Oct. 5, 2011
    Denniscompton 10409584
    I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the country and visit with people from all over the fire and emergency services community. One of the...
    Oct. 4, 2011
    Official White House Photo by David Lienemann
    Vice President Joe Biden stops by the Shanksville, PA, Volunteer Fire Department to mark the 10th anniversary of the crash of United Airlines Flight 93, brought down by passengers to thwart a terrorist threat against Washington, DC.
    In September, we remembered the heroic sacrifices of more than 400 firefighter and police officers who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. We honored their courage – and the ...
    Oct. 3, 2011
    AP Photo/Al Seib
    Los Angeles Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Richard Senneff testifies during the Dr. Conrad Murray manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson. Being called into a courtroom to testify is not uncommon for firefighter/paramedics, so proper documentation is important in case you find yourself in the headlines and in court.
    One thing is for sure in EMS – whenever you start your shift, you do not know what the day (or night) is going to bring. You don’t know what calls you will be dispatched to and...
    Oct. 3, 2011
    Johnsalka 10411355
    When we say “setting the standard,” what exactly do we mean? It means establishing a level of excellence in whatever activity or job we are performing. Why is setting the standard...
    Oct. 3, 2011
    This custom pumper/tanker built for the Township of South Frontenac, Ontario, is the first custom apparatus built by Arnprior Fire Trucks Corp., a manufacturer formed in late 2010. The apparatus features a Kenworth T300 Series chassis, 380-hp Paccar P-8 engine, 1,000-gpm Hale MBP PTO pump, 2,500-Imperial gallon custom semi-elliptical aluminum water tank, enclosed portable tank and hard-suction hose storage and LED lighting. www.arnpriorfiretrucks.net
    This custom pumper/tanker built for the Township of South Frontenac, Ontario, is the first custom apparatus built by Arnprior Fire Trucks Corp., a manufacturer formed in late ...
    Sept. 30, 2011
    Rescue Ram HURST JAWS OF LIFE has introduced the R 411E, a rescue ram without hoses and able to be operated with or without a cord. The claws at the two ends can be rotated 360 degrees, enabling rescuers to apply the ram effectively in almost any precarious situation. The tool features an extended length of 47.2 inches with the extension accessory and is ideal for operations involving major accidents or off-road rescues. It features a piston stroke of 14.2 inches and a lifting force of 23,154 pounds.
    Rescue RamHURST JAWS OF LIFE has introduced the R 411E, a rescue ram without hoses and able to be operated with or without a cord. The claws at the two ends can be rotated 360...
    Sept. 27, 2011
    Kimalyn 10368880
    Facilitating high morale in tough economic times is a real challenge for any fire service organization. I have conducted a variety of studies and surveys on fire departments all...
    Sept. 26, 2011
    Dennis Walus
    DETROIT, MI, AUG. 26, 2011 – Companies from the Fourth Battalion responded to a reported commercial building fire. Ladder 25 reported an occupied one-story hardware store with heavy fire in the rear. Chief 4 assumed incident command and requested a Hazmat Level 1 response due to paint and other chemicals in the building Chief 4 then ordered all companies to stay out of the building and requested a second alarm. The senior chief, after conducting a size-up, ordered all companies to a defensive mode and requested a third alarm. The fire was fought in defensive mode using one platform, one water tower and several handlines and was brought under control after more than two hours.
    DETROIT, MI, AUG. 26, 2011 – Companies from the Fourth Battalion responded to a reported commercial building fire. Ladder 25 reported an occupied one-story hardware store with...
    Sept. 26, 2011
    An Amazing Day At FDNY Rescue 2On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, my husband and I were privileged to sit among the bravest men, their wives and children that anyone would ever ...
    Sept. 23, 2011
    Collection of Gary E. Frederick
    Numerous ground and apparatus-mounted ladders are in position at a building at Pratt and Charles streets in downtown Baltimore, MD, on Jan. 20, 1939.
    LONDON, ONTARIO: NOV. 3, 1911 – A serious fire threatened this city’s business section and proved difficult to control. Workers discovered an advanced fire when they opened the...
    Sept. 22, 2011
    Mike Meadows
    Firefighters sometimes refer to the insignia worn on a chief officer’s collar as “plungers,” signifying how much power the chief has to force mandates or decrees on people – more plungers means more power. If people feel like information or communications are forced on them, then something is wrong. It all comes down to how power is wielded and how people are treated.
    A while back, we overheard a firefighter refer to the brass on the collar of a chief officer as “plungers.” Freely admitting that it took us aback for a moment, we still wanted...
    Sept. 22, 2011
    Mike Legeros
    Disaster communications involve the use of traditional and non-traditional resources for prolonged periods.
    Barry Furey explains why it's critical to design and test a backup dispatch center for worst case scenarios.
    Sept. 22, 2011
    Photo courtesy of the author
    Figure 1. Enlarging windows into doorways is a simple skill that rapid intervention team members must be able to perform.
    The first four installments of this series described preliminary items that must be understood to have a successful rapid intervention team (RIT) on the fireground. Posing the...
    Sept. 6, 2011