The Fire Service Scoop: NVFC Fire Service Achievement Awards, DroneSense Innovation Summit

Here is a look at updates around the fire service including the recipients of the 2026 National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Fire Service Achievement awards, Lakeland Fire + Safety earning National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certifications and manufacturing expansions by Pierce, Gear Wash and E-ONE.

Below is a roundup of recent news headlines:

Lakeland Fire + Safety Earns Additional NFPA 1970 PPE Certifications

• Lakeland Industries full range of firefighter PPE, including turnout gear, gloves, hoods, and helmets, now meets the NFPA 1970.

Gear Wash Expands in Southern California

• Gear Wash inaugurates a new facility in Santa Fe Springs, CA, strengthening its presence as a leading fire PPE cleaning and repair provider in California, compliant with NFPA standards.

CheckIn Health Releases Anonymous Check-In Platform for First Responders

• CheckIn Health offers first responders an anonymous daily mental health check-in platform that detects emotional changes early, enabling timely intervention while respecting privacy and reducing stigma.

Pierce Manufacturing Launches Phase I of High Flow Production Line

• Pierce Manufacturing's Phase I of the High Flow production line modernizes chassis assembly, boosting capacity, quality and safety through integrated technologies and process improvement.

Fire-Dex's AeroFlex Turnout Particulate Ingress Performance Achieves UL Verification

• Fire-Dex's AeroFlex turnout system has received UL Verification 1641, confirming its effectiveness in preventing particulate ingress while maintaining breathability and comfort for firefighters.

Coxreels' 1600 Series Symmetrical Reel

• The Coxreels 1600 Series offers a high-performance, adaptable reeling platform featuring a symmetric design.

NVFC 2026 Fire Service Achievement Awards Recipients Announced

• The NVFC's 2026 Fire Service Achievement Awards honor exceptional volunteers and professionals, including lifetime service, health leadership and youth programs.

E-ONE Expands Production Capacity in Ocala, FL

• E-ONE's $23.5 million expansion at its Ocala facility will increase aerial firefighting equipment capacity by 35 percent, reducing delivery times and improving community safety.

Versaterm Announces First DroneSense Innovation Summit

• The new DroneSense Innovation Summit in Scottsdale, AZ, will explore how drones are revolutionizing public safety operations.

Rosenbauer America Donates Helmets to the Jamaican Fire Brigade

• In response to Hurricane Melissa's devastation, Rosenbauer America donated 99 HEROS Titan Pro firefighting helmets to the Jamaica Fire Brigade, enhancing frontline safety and operational readiness amidst resource challenges.

Siddons-Martin Emergency Group Joins P.L. Custom Body and Equipment Co.

• Siddons-Martin Emergency Group partners with P.L. Custom to expand its reach across Tennessee and Utah, offering first responders access to emergency vehicles and equipment.

Pierce Manufacturing Named Atlantic Emergency Solutions as its 2025 Dealer of the Year

• Atlantic Emergency Solutions received the 2025 Pierce Dealer of the Year award, recognizing their exceptional sales, profitability and service expansion efforts.