Fire Industry News

Climbing for a Cause

The 24th annual Scott Safety Firefighter Stairclimb brought together firefighters from 26 states and seven countries and raised $1.96 million for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

The sold-out event—one of the largest stairclimb events in the world—provided an opportunity for a record 1,925 firefighters, in full bunker gear, to climb 1,311 steps and 788 vertical feet to the top of Seattle’s Columbia Center Tower. Some 300 departments have been practicing for months for the challenge, which pits firefighters against one another as they race up 69 flights of stairs wearing approximately 70 pounds of protective gear and breathing apparatus.

“The Scott Safety Firefighter Stairclimb is about strength, resilience and commitment,” said Jeff Emery, director of marketing for Scott Safety. “We are so proud and honored to be part of such a worthy cause that embodies these characteristics. It’s what Scott is all about—protecting what matters most, whether it’s the men and women of the fire service fighting danger on a daily basis, or the child with lymphoma fighting for a future. It’s this passion for saving lives that we share with everyone involved in this event and it’s why we do what we do.”

First to the finish line was firefighter Andrew Drobeck of the Missoula, MT, Fire Department, his fourth consecutive win. In 2012, he broke the world firefighter stair climbing record, climbing Seattle’s tallest building from bottom to top in 10 minutes and 38.2 seconds. Firefighter Michelle Croft from Columbia River Fire & Rescue, St. Helens, OR, was the top female finisher.

Since its inception, Scott Safety has helped raise $10 million for LLS. The funds are used to help treat patients with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, as well as improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

CFSI Names Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award Winners

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and the International Fire Service Training Association at Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University (IFSTA/FPP-OSU) selected two fire prevention education pioneers, Cathy Lohr and Pam Powell, as the 2015 recipients of the Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education. The award presentation took place at the 27th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, D.C.

Bill Jenaway, CFSI President; Craig Hannan, Director of Fire Protection Publications at OSU; and Mike Wieder, IFSTA Executive Director, issued joint statements honoring Lohr and Powell.

“Cathy Lohr is a leader among leaders in preventing fires and burns through public education. She set a high bar for excellence in implementing local and statewide educational programs to keep North Carolina and America fire safe. Generations of fire and life safety educators have benefited from her passionate and effective leadership.”

“Pam Powell made significant contributions to bring the vision of Dr. Anne W. Phillips into reality in the early days of our federal fire programs. Her contributions benefit fire and life safety educators today as they make their communities more fire safe.”

Liberty Mutual Honors Pair with National Firemark Awards

Celebrating America’s firefighters for their bravery and commitment to fire safety, Liberty Mutual Insurance has announced the recipients of its 2014 National Firemark Awards. Firefighter Jordan Sullivan of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), Brooklyn Ladder Company 105, received the Liberty Mutual National Firemark Award for Heroism, and Lyle Dorschied, longtime firefighter and current president of the La Farge Volunteer Fire Department in Vernon County, WI, earned the Liberty Mutual National Firemark Award for Community Service.

In recognition of these exemplary firefighters, Liberty Mutual Insurance presented grants of $10,000 each to the New York City and La Farge fire departments. The FDNY will use the funds for training purposes, while the La Farge grant will enable the department to purchase new helmets for its firefighters.

Sullivan was among the first responders to a fire in a residential building in Brooklyn after 2 a.m. on March 16, 2014. A rookie with just three months on the job with FDNY, Sullivan joined fellow firefighters from Ladder Company 105 searching in near zero visibility. Within minutes, Sullivan located a baby, unconscious in a crib, and carried him to safety.

Dorschied wears two hats these days, serving as president of the La Farge Volunteer Fire Department and continuing in his longtime role as a firefighter with the department. Whether he’s helping raise $70,000 for a fellow firefighter fighting cancer or battling a fire for nearly 20 hours, Dorschied’s commitment is always on display on both the front lines and in the community. Among his favorite duties is lending his time and talents to the La Farge Volunteer Fire Department’s Fire Prevention program. Each year, he volunteers for the Pre-K through second-grade program at the fire station during Fire Prevention Week.

Plymovent Makes Boy’s Dream Come True

Usually, when a fire department contacts Plymovent, it is about their vehicle exhaust removal systems. But when a lieutenant of the Allentown, PA, Fire Department contacted Plymovent about a 12-year-old boy named Michael with autism who is very interested in the company’s products, Marketing Manager Kerry Falzone knew exactly what to do.

“There was simply no hesitation, and I wanted to take it one step further” said Falzone. So Falzone made arrangements to meet Michael at the Allentown Fire Department and she brought along a Plymovent hose sample, a customized sweatshirt and a certificate of appreciation…all for Michael.

For Michael, who knows all about Plymovent exhaust extraction systems, including the different types of nozzles and systems that are offered, it was a very special day. “His dreams came true,” confirmed his mother.