Waterway is offering ground ladder testing alongside its fire hose testing service beginning in April. Waterway reports that fire chiefs have been asking for both jobs to be done at the same time and has trained all its franchisees in ladder testing equipment use.

"We're responding to what the chiefs want," says Ed Orinsky, president of Waterway, "that being engines out of service just once a year, not twice. Both services are undertaken to the highest ISO standards."

This is the first time an ISO-certified company has been able to offer this service and is totally compliant with NFPA 1932, just as its hose testing service is 1962 compliant.

Dante Bongiorni, covering the Southwest Pennsylvania territory (including Pittsburgh), has joined Waterway's franchise network. Bongiorni is a 35-year veteran of the fire service, serving both as a firefighter and chief.

"This is a fantastic opportunity," he says. "Every fire department, volunteer or career, is under pressure with manpower and has far too little time to undertake the annual NFPA required tests."

Okinsky says, "Dante is a perfect example of why Waterway is enjoying such success. He’s an experienced firefighter; he really wants to provide the best possible service to his local fire departments and relieve them of the annual chore, allowing departments to do what they are there for."