Last night on Sept. 14 I had the opportunity to be part of two special events. The first was the unveiling of the latest in apparatus safety, and the other revealed the best in fire service leadership.

On the eve of Fire-Rescue International, the mantle of innovator was again assumed by Pierce Manufacturing. Amidst theatrical fog, the latest apparatus safety innovations were introduced in a private reception for 1,300 attendees.

The Velocity, a shiny black fire truck gilded with silver chrome, was described as "designed by firefighters." Bob Bohn, CEO of Oshkosh Truck, said, "Ten years ago we bought Pierce, and you keep challenging us to get better and better — and we do. We continue to be committed to bringing you the safest fire trucks in the world."

Pierce's President John Randjelovic pointed out that during the past 10 years the company has introduced side-roll protection; Husky foam; and the Command Zone, which also has an alarm if seatbelts are not buckled.

According to Randjelovic, Pierce surveyed firefighters three years ago in Dallas: "If they could design the ideal fire truck, what would they include?" The result is the Velocity, the latest in innovative products from the folks in Appleton, Wis., which Randjelovic called "the best idea you ever had."

With new safety technology co-engineered by LifeGuard Technologies, a division of IMMI (the Indiana company that created side-roll protection for fire trucks), this fire truck raises the bar on building safety into apparatus. The Velocity introduces a longer, easy-access three-point seatbelt; dual retractors; the first air bag in the steering wheel for fire trucks; and a Pierce-patented hands-free SCBA holder that will withstand up to 30Gs of force. The new model also offers the "widest doors in the industry" for easy access and large door handles for gloved hands. The side-mirror designs come from school buses, with chrome extension from the roof of the vehicle and "ball" mirrors that allow for viewing any pedestrians in front of the vehicle.

Later in the evening at the Center for Public Safety Excellence's annual awards dinner, 28 fire departments received accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, and more than 200 fire chiefs received their Chief Fire Officer Designation for their first or second terms.

Even more remarkably, seven of the original 15 Chief Fire Officer Designees were certified for a third term. Chief Randy Bruegman, president of the CPSE board of directors, recognized Chiefs Franklin Edwards, Luther Fincher Jr., Daniel Gaumont, Rich Marinucci, Jack McElfish, Patrick McIntosh and Dennis Rubin as three-time CFOs.

Safety in products and certified leadership — neither are foolproof, but each one strives to improve the fire service and save lives in the department and in the community, one step at a time.

Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director
janet@firechief.com