Firehouse Expo News Release
The 19th annual Firehouse Expo announced record breaking attendance, hosting nearly 14,000 fire, rescue and EMS professionals at the Baltimore Convention Center, July 16-21, 2002. As the industry responds to dramatic change, thousands gathered seeking the education and training necessary to prepare for new challenges and to pay tribute to those that lost their lives in 2001.
The extensive 2002 Firehouse Expo educational program, developed by Harvey Eisner, Editor-in-Chief of FirehouseŽ magazine, boasted over 85 sessions led by experts from across the nation. Over one third of the conference program addressed terrorism and weapons of mass destruction as they impact the fire service industry. The 2002 event began with two days of Hands-On Training, held in Baltimore County and at the Montgomery County Training Facility. Despite temperatures reaching well above 90 degrees, over 200 attendees participated in hands-on programs taught by some of the most experienced instructors in the industry.
Firehouse Expo's traditional Opening Ceremonies took place on Thursday morning in front of a standing room only crowd, as firefighters from across the nation turned out to honor the memory of those whose lives were lost in the line of duty in 2001. Several members of the well-known FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums played, demonstrating respect for those who serve in the line of duty. In a moving video presentation, "'Ground Zero', a Photographer's Perspective", New York Daily News photographer David Handschuh recounted the scene around the World Trade Center on 9-11 through a series of vivid images. Handschuh narrowly escaped death while covering the events on that day. FDNY Battalion Chief, John Salka, Jr. delivered the keynote address "9/11/01: Initial Report on FDNY's Response to the World Trade Center Attacks", discussing the initial response, the agonizing search for missing firefighters and the determined efforts to rebuild the department.
A packed exhibit hall featured over 800 booths showcasing the latest technology and products used to save lives and protect communities across the nation. "This year's Firehouse Expo was exceptional "the best turnout that I've ever seen," said Danny Brogdon, Director of Sales for Elkhart Brass Fire Fighting Equipment. Jeff Bean, Executive Vice President for Ferrara Fire Apparatus, was thrilled to have sold two trucks at this year's Firehouse Expo. "I've done twice as well as last year and it's only Friday!" said Bean.
In addition, Firehouse Expo developed a partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to raise additional funds to support the NFFF's efforts to bring families of 2001 fallen firefighters to their annual memorial service. This year's event will be held in Washington, DC, on Sunday, October 6, 2002, at the MCI Center. "The unprecedented number of firefighters being honored this year will necessitate our moving the memorial service from the site of the National Fallen Firefighters Monument in Emmitsburg," stated Foundation Chairman Hal Bruno. The 21st observance of the national tribute will include the largest number of fallen firefighters killed in the line of duty in the history of America's fire service. Thousands of dollars were raised for the Foundation through several fundraising efforts, including donations collected from attendee registration forms and the sale of limited edition t-shirts. A press conference held on the exhibit floor served as the kickoff for the "Fill The Boot" drive, where industry "celebrities" walked the show floor, encouraging attendees to "fill the boot" with donations to the worthy cause.
Firehouse Expo 2003 will be held July 24-26 in Baltimore, Maryland. For the latest information, visit www.firehouse.com/expo.
