Friday, November 20, 2009
Welcome to In Service Online
Finding Safety and Savings By Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director While doing some Internet research last week, I came across a U.S. Fire Administration firefighter fatality notice from Feb. 23. The notice read that 34-year-old Firefighter Derek North of the Stockton Fire Department in Lakeland, Ga., died while responding to a fire call. North’s brother was driving the department’s 1966 Ford Fire Knocker when he swerved to avoid a collision. The vehicle overturned and Derek North, who was in the officer’s seat, was killed while Chad North sustained serious injuries. Several years ago, the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association issued a white paper that claimed that 50% of apparatus in the United States is older than 15 years and not in compliance with NFPA standards. But even if a fire truck might is old and non-compliant, if it is properly maintained and safely operated, no one should die. The current economy is making it more difficult for fire departments to purchase new apparatus and the future is not looking much better. Fire chiefs across the country are looking closely at all aspects of apparatus specifications, leasing options and preventive maintenance. ... |
Feature Story
Vicious Cycle
High-profile apparatus-related fatalities in Boston and Houston underscore the struggles to fund preventative-maintenance programs....
Get to Know
Florida EVT Association
The Florida Fire Chiefs Association formed the Florida Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians in 1996 to provide EVTs with the highest level of continuing education and network support....
Apparatus & Components
Pierce Delivers Interactive Cab to Children's Hospital
The cab is custom-painted to duplicate Chicago's Engine 98 and will feature educational interactive games and activities for patients staying in the hospital....
CFD Turns Trucks into Mobile Hot Spots
The technologies installed turn the trucks into mobile hot spots that support voice, video and data transmission from the vehicles to the city's OEMC...
Apparatus Showcase
Rig Ready
A sample of the latest in apparatus, components and accessories....
Recent Deliveries
Recent Deliveries for September
Whenever a department writes the specifications for a new apparatus, part of the process should be to look at apparatus being delivered to other departments around the country....
Shop News
Shop Truck Photos Wanted
If you are proud of your department's mechanic truck, fuel truck, tire truck, wrecker or other maintenance-related vehicle, we'd like to feature it in a monthly issue of In Service Online...
Shop Calendar
Shop Calendar
Check our national calendar of events for training, conferences and meetings of interest for emergency services personnel involved in vehicle maintenance and specifications. To submit an event, contact Lisa Allegretti, lisa@firechief.com....
