The last days of 2025 did not slow down for the fire service industry, with personnel news, product rollouts and updates. Check out the most recent news below.
Pierce Manufacturing Invests $150 Million to Advance Operations
- Pierce Manufacturing is investing over $150 million across its facilities in Florida, Tennessee and Wisconsin to modernize production with advanced robotics and automation, reducing lead times and increasing capacity.
W.S. Darley & Co. Names New President
- Lee Wise has been named the new president of W.S. Darley & Co., as of Jan. 1. Wise will be the first non-family member to lead the company in the last 118 years.
FirstNet Authority to Expand and Strengthen Coverage for First Responders
- The First Responder Network Authority is deploying over 135 new cell sites nationwide, focusing on remote and rural areas, to improve public safety communications.
San Francisco Fire Department Invests $3 Million to Aquire Non-PFAS Turnout Gear
- In response to San Francisco's ordinance banning PFAS chemicals, the San Francisco Fire Department transitioning its entire cache of firefighter PPE to non-PFAS turnout gear, ensuring firefighter safety and environmental responsibility.
908 Devices Launches a 3-in-1 Handheld Analyzer
- Designed for first responders and security professionals, VipIR offers rapid chemical identification through a single sample analysis, utilizing advanced spectral processing to improve accuracy.
Oshkosh Airport Products to Show Electric ARFF at CES 2026
- Oshkosh Airport Products will showcase its award-winning Striker Volterra Electric ARFF vehicle at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, highlighting advancements in electrification, connectivity and autonomous technology for airport safety and sustainability.
United States Marine Corps Purchases 908 Devices’ Gas Identification Devices
- The U.S. Marine Corps has integrated 908 Devices' XplorIR handheld spectrometers to improve chemical hazard detection and response.
About the Author
Ryan Baker
Ryan Baker is a writer and associate editor with prior experiences in online and print production. Ryan is an associate editor for Firehouse with a master's degree in sciences of communication from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He recently completed a year of teaching Intro to Public Speaking at UW-Whitewater, as part of his graduate program. Ryan acquired his bachelor's degree in journalism in 2023 from UW-Whitewater, and operates currently out of Minneapolis, MN. Baker, also writes freelances for the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA) in his free time, while also umpiring baseball for various ages across the Twin Cities Metro Area.