November/December 2007
COLUMNS
Fire Service Today
by C. Peter Jørgensen
This magazine was founded as a bi-monthly in 1996. In 2002, when we went monthly, we had to define our focus to differentiate ourselves from all the other fire magazines. It took a couple of years to develop a sharp picture of just who we are, what we cover and whom we serve.
Our mission is twofold. (1) We are the fire apparatus industry’s only trade journal covering what happens behind the scenes affecting the products the industry manufactures and sells. (2) We report about “nuts and bolts” and what they hold together. More...
Apparatus Ideas
by Bob Barraclough
Apparatus Makers Are In A Topsy-Turvy Time
This month, I’m writing to remind people they need to be very careful to cover their butts when they buy apparatus. There’s no excuse. You need to pay attention to what I have to say as it will help to ensure you get the truck you want, in the time you expect and at the price you agreed to pay. More...
The Road Warrior
by Allen Baldwin
It’s Our Responsibility To Keep Firefighters Safe
I write this column with a heavy heart, but a renewed commitment to help get the message out – life is short and our job is dangerous. More...
Keeping It Safe
by Robert Tutterow
Apparatus Accessibility Is A Matter Of Safety
It’s hard to imagine a fire department delivering effective service when looking at yesteryear’s fire apparatus. Two firefighters could stand on either side of the apparatus and carry on a conversation while looking each other in the eye. A basketball star with good hang time could jump across one. More...
Chief Concerns
by Richard Marinucci
Avoid Regrettable Buys Evaluate All New Products
Wouldn’t you like your department (and yourself for that matter) to become more efficient and effective in the delivery of service? Yeah, me too. More...
We’ve Got You Covered
by Will Grilliott
PPE Manufacturers Develop New Technical Rescue Gear
In recent months manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been developing products designed to meet new requirements set by the National Fire Protection Association for rescue gear. One of those products is called the utility ensemble, the focus of this column. More...
USAR Corner
by Mark Saxelby
Finding A Location For A USAR Cache
Warehousing of supplies, equipment and vehicles for a regional or local Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team can be a challenge. Size, access and environment all play a part of the decision process. More...
EMS Equipment
by Will Chapleau
What’s In Your Rig? It’s Time To Check
While it’s not spring, any time is a good time to go through your ambulance, see what’s in there and review what should and should not be. More...
Special Delivery
By Tony Lolli
ALF Tractor-Drawn Heavy Rescue May Be Largest Ever
The Alhambra (Calif.) Fire Department and American LaFrance (ALF) teamed up in a two-year project to produce a unique tractor-drawn heavy rescue vehicle to respond to disasters and terrorist attacks. More...
ARTICLES
Another Company Attempts To Perfect An SCBA Escape Filter
By Lyn Bixby
An emergency escape filter fitted to an air mask is credited, over a five-year span, for saving the lives of three Los Angeles firefighters who ran out of air. But that success turned to failure in 2006 with the product being recalled and the manufacturer going out of business. More..
ALF Opens New S.C. Plant With Management Shake-up
By C. Peter Jørgensen
American LaFrance’s 175th Anniversary celebration and new manufacturing plant “wet down” grand opening went pretty much in line with the weather that Friday — cloudy, rainy, sunny, followed by more showers. The bright sunlight didn’t break out until the second day of the event. More...
Elite In Financial Trouble As Huge Contract Is Terminated
By Ed Ballam
Elite Fire Apparatus has fallen on troubled times with the termination an apparatus contract, worth more than $16 million, and some large liens placed on the business. In November, a court-appointed receiver was named protect the bank holding $5.55 million in loans to the business. More...
Avon-ISI Attains SCBA Certification With Viking Z Seven
By Lyn Bixby
Avon-ISI is the third of seven manufacturers of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to attain certification under the tough 2007 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards that took effect at the beginning of September. More...
A Dream Is Fulfilled With Fire Museum Opening
By Ed Ballam
Dick Young, involved with the fire service for most of his life, has fulfilled a long-time goal – the opening of a firefighting museum in his hometown of Lancaster, N.Y. More...
‘Mr. Heavy Duty’ Builds Ferrara Into A Powerhouse
By Ed Ballam
While revolving doors in the top management offices of some apparatus manufacturers are one sign of the industry’s fierce competition, Chris Ferrara’s steady-as-she-goes philosophy is helping to propel the company that bears his name to the front of the pack. More...
Reflections Of A Retired Purchasing Officer On Buying Apparatus
By Doug Cleveringa
As the person who was responsible for preparing specifications and purchasing fire department apparatus, I explored and used a number of different methods for the process. Some worked better than others. It seemed each time I was told to go buy a truck, I came up with a new and improved way to do it. More...