MSA Safety and Motorola Solutions have collaborated to add new life-saving features to MSA’s G1 SCBA. At FDIC, MSA showcased the three new features for its G1 SCBA: 1) a collaboration with Motorola Solutions to enable Bluetooth voice communications, 2) Bluetooth connectivity for portable gas detection instruments and 3) the integration of thermal imaging technology into the SCBA itself.
Through the collaboration with Motorola Solutions, the G1 SCBA now features Bluetooth-enabled voice communications between firefighters, transmitted over Motorola Solutions APX radios. This wireless solution reduces snag hazards and improves fireground communications.
While the G1 SCBA has featured Bluetooth capability since its launch, in anticipation of future technology uses, the ability to link with Motorola Solutions APX radios will be a new standard feature with the G1 beginning in the third quarter. This will also be available as a firmware update to existing units in the field later this year.
Dräger will team with the Code 3 for a Cure Foundation (C3FAC) to promote cancer awareness and prevention among firefighters, one of the groups most heavily afflicted by the disease.
To support C3FAC’s effort to promote the awareness of carcinogenic substances in firefighting environments, Dräger has made a monetary contribution to the foundation. In addition, Dräger has donated an SCBA and PPE for the Code 3 team to use when they participate in fundraising events around the country.
“Today’s building materials, furnishings and contents contain significantly higher amounts of plastic and other substances that can form hazardous gases and particles when they burn,” said Lothar Thielen, President North America Region, Dräger. “As a result, firefighters are increasingly exposed to the risk of toxic substances that can potentially cause a variety of cancers. Dräger is proud to join forces with C3FAC in its mission to address the issue of cancer for firefighters.”
TargetSolutions is once again teaming up with the IAFC’s Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) for the 2015 Training Officer Recognition Award.
The award is designed to acknowledge outstanding performance by a chief, training officer or other individual acquainted with training who has exhibited innovation for firefighter training, a commitment to best practices in training and operational effectiveness at their department.
“This award is about honoring an individual for their dedication to delivering exceptional firefighter training,” said TargetSolutions’ Executive Vice President Thom Woodward. “TargetSolutions is focused on helping firefighters become more prepared for the challenges they face through quality training. We see it as a great privilege to work with the IAFC and recognize an individual with that same goal.”
The winner will receive roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations to Atlanta for Fire-Rescue International, which is scheduled for Aug. 26-29. A plaque commemorating the award will also be presented to the winner.
All IAFC members are eligible for the award, which will be announced at the VCOS annual meeting during FRI. The winner must be in attendance to accept the award.
Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., has delivered four 105-foot heavy-duty aerials equipped with Smeal’s GREEN POWER™ Anti-Idle Technology to the City of Toronto, Ontario. Smeal’s Canadian dealer, Safetek Emergency Vehicles, sold and delivered the order. In 2011, Toronto became the first fire department in Canada to operate fire apparatus equipped with GREEN POWER systems and now operates a fleet of 10 GREEN POWER equipped apparatus. With this delivery, Toronto Fire Services will have 49 Smeal fire apparatus in its fleet, 30 aerials and 19 pumpers.
“We truly appreciate Toronto Fire Service’s confidence in Smeal, Safetek and our GREEN POWERequipped aerials. These aerials provide industry-leading load ratings and water flow capabilities, along with a host of design features that make them highly effective and reliable,” said Smeal president Mark Huber. “GREEN POWER is a fine example of Smeal’s continuing commitment to technology leadership for the fire service. This system provides great value to fire departments across North America in reducing fuel consumption and emissions.”
