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Newletters From July, 2009
GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR "GREEN JOB" TRAINING UNDER NEW FEDERAL PROGRAM TO SPUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Originally Posted: July 2, 2009 8:21 PM
Last Updated: July 2, 2009 8:21 PM
The US Congress voted $500 million for competitive grants for green jobs training as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act).
Although originating under the same authorizing language, the Department of Labor (DOL) has split this funding into five separate grant competitions for strategic partnerships and other entities to prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.
Pathways Out of Poverty Grants: Applications due 9/29/09
$150 million for grants to national and local nonprofit organizations to provide career pathways for unemployed individuals, high school dropouts, individuals with a criminal record, and disadvantaged individuals living in areas of high poverty.
Training must be targeted towards careers in the seven energy efficiency and renewable energy industries identified under the Green Jobs Act (§171(e) of the Workforce Investment Act), or for green occupations in certain
other industries if applicants can demonstrate that they are emerging industries producing jobs within the community.
Grants may be awarded to national nonprofit entities such as volunteer fire departments that deliver services through local affiliates and who propose projects serving 3-7 communities in at least two states, or to local public or private nonprofit organizations proposing projects that serve a single community. Both national and local applicants must implement projects through strategic partnerships that include nonprofit organizations, the public workforce investment system, education and training providers, public and private employers and industry associations, and labor organizations. Grantees may use no more than five percent of grant funds to provide supportive services.
State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) and Training Grants – Applications due 10/20/09
$190 million for grants to state workforce investment boards, in partnership with state workforce agencies, local workforce boards, and One Stop Career Centers, to provide training and related activities that reflect a comprehensive statewide energy sector strategy. Training must be targeted towards careers in the seven energy efficiency and renewable energy industries identified under the Green Jobs Act (§171(e) of the Workforce Investment Act), including the
energy efficient building, construction and retrofit industries, the biofuels industry, and the energy efficiency assessment industry.
Applicants must form State Energy Sector Partnerships which must include representatives from the state workforce investment board, state workforce agencies, local workforce boards, One Stop Career Centers, state cabinet officials from agencies receiving Recovery Act funding related to energy efficiency and renewable energy resources, representatives of public, private, and nonprofit employers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, and labor organizations—to inform the planning and implementation of the grant.
Grantees may use no more than five percent of grant funds to provide supportive services. Approximately $25 million of the total funds available through this SGA will be reserved for projects in communities impacted by automotive-related restructuring.
Energy Training Partnership Grants – Applications due 9/4/09
$100 million for grants to national labor-management organizations and statewide or local nonprofit partnerships to provide training for target populations, with priority given to projects that serve workers impacted by national energy and environmental policy, individuals in need of updated training related to the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, unemployed workers, and veterans or past and present members of reserve components of the Armed Forces.
Projects may also serve individuals with a criminal record and populations that have not traditionally been employed in construction and skilled-trade occupations, such as women and minorities. Training must be targeted towards careers in the seven energy efficiency and renewable energy industries identified under the Green Jobs Act (§171(e) of the Workforce
Investment Act), or for green occupations in certain other industries if applicants can demonstrate that they are emerging industries producing jobs within the community. Applicants must propose partnerships that include representatives from labor organizations, local workforce investment boards and One Stop Career Centers, and employers and industry organizations.
Grantees may use no more than five percent of grant funds to provide supportive services.
Approximately $25 million of the total funds available through this SGA will be reserved for projects in communities impacted by car companies that folded or were restructured.
Green Capacity Building Grants – Applications due 8/5/09
$5 million for grants to current DOL grantees receiving funding under certain programs, including the National Farmworkers Jobs Program, the Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative, Women in Apprenticeship and Non-Traditional Occupations, YouthBuild, and others.
Grant funds may be used to support capacity building for these organizations to provide training for entry-level positions leading to career pathways in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, with priority given to serving workers impacted by national energy and environmental policy, veterans, unemployed individuals, and other populations. Funds may not be used for supportive services.
State Labor Market Information Improvement Grants – Applications due 8/14/09
$50 million for grants to state workforce agencies, or consortiums of such agencies, to collect, analyze, and disseminate labor market information and to enhance the labor exchange infrastructure for careers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.
Applicants must demonstrate that projects will be implemented through strategic partnerships which must include state labor market information and research entities and state workforce investment boards, and may include additional partners such as employers, labor organizations, colleges and universities, community-based organizations, and others.
MORE INFO? 1701 K Street NW, Ste. 750| Washington, DC 20006
P. 202.223.8991 | F. 202.223.8354 | www.workforcealliance.org
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FIRE CHIEFS PROVIDE TRAINING FOR RESPONDING TO INCIDENTS INVOLVING ETHANOL OR BIODIESEL
Originally Posted: July 2, 2009 12:52 PM
Last Updated: July 2, 2009 12:52 PM
New fuels and fuel combinations being used in cars and other vehicles pose a threat and challenge for first responders. How about ethanol and biodiesel, for example?
The International Association of Fire Chiefs offers two training packages to provide firefighters with info they need.
The first training package, “Ethanol: Response Considerations,” focuses on responding to ethanol incidents. It was created in partnership with the United States Fire Administration and the United States Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The training package has been updated and revised from the original version released 2008. It now also contains a companion training video.
PHMSA Acting Deputy Administrator Cindy Douglass: “The ethanol video trains everyone to the current response standards.”
The second training package, “Biodiesel: Response Considerations,” focuses on general biodiesel information and details about biodiesel commercial manufacturing facilities. This package was created through a partnership between the IAFC, National Biodiesel Board, and the United States Department of Energy.
Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board, praised the leadership and cooperation of the IAFC in developing these materials: “. . . preparing for the worst case scenario is always wise and we applaud the IAFC for being proactive.”
In his testimony on May 14, 2009 on Capitol Hill, the IAFC’s 1st Vice President, Jeff Johnson, chief of Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue: “Due to federal policy, new breakthroughs in technology and the recent high petroleum prices, there has been a new focus on alternative fuels. In the past two years, ethanol production and use has skyrocketed, and fuel-grade ethanol is the number-one freight rail commodity, by volume, in the country."
Chief Johnson noted. Fire departments "must be equipped with the right equipment—including alcohol-resistant foams—and tactics to respond to alternative fuels incidents.”
The IAFC introduced the new training packages at the IAFC Hazmat Committee’s International Hazardous Materials Response Conference, May 27-31, 2009.
The The IAFC represents the leadership of over 1.2 million firefighters and emergency responders. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders. The 2009 Conference and Trade Show will be in Dallas, Texas August 25-29 at the Dallas Convention Center.
MORE INFO? Edie Clark, IAFC Director of Communications
703–896-4827 or 571-221-5268 eclark@iafc.org or www.iafc.orgwww.iafc.org
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FIRE CHIEFS HEAD TO DALLAS FOR 09 TRADE SHOW AND CONVENTION
Originally Posted: July 2, 2009 12:38 PM
Last Updated: July 2, 2009 12:38 PM
August 25-29, 2009, the International Associatoin of Fire Chiefs will hold their annual convention and trade show in Dallas, Texas.
Future dates include:
2010 - Chicago
August 24-28
2011 - Atlanta
August 23-27
2012 - Denver
July 31-August 4
2013 - Chicago
August 13-17
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WASHINGTON FIRE AND EMS DINNER APRIL 28-29, 2010 BY CONGRESSIONAL FIRE SERVICE INSTITUTE (CFSI)
Originally Posted: July 2, 2009 12:17 PM
Last Updated: July 2, 2009 12:17 PM
On April 28-29, 2010, the Congressional Fire Service Institute (CFSI) will host the 22nd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars in Washington, DC.
It is an extraordinary day of opportunities for fire service leaders to engage Congressional leaders and Administration officials in discussions about federal programs and legislation addressing the needs of local first responders.
Throughout the two-day event, CFSI will host a series of seminars addressing issues that directly relate to the safety of first responders. These seminars will be held on Capitol Hill and we will provide shuttle services back and forth to make your visit more productive.
This is the fire services' day in Washington. Prior to your visit, schedule meetings with your members of Congress to exchange information and share ideas on how the federal government can address the challenges of the fire services, both nationally and locally.
The National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner is an annual fundraising event for the Congressional Fire Services Institute.
The Dinner is in its twenty-second successful year and since its creation has expanded to include over 2,000 attendees annually. In past years, keynote speakers have included Vice President Joe Biden, President George W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, President George H.W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Vice President Al Gore, Vice President Dan Quayle, Secretary Tom Ridge, Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert and Senator John McCain.
The CFSI Dinner is the culmination of a two day program featuring an impressive schedule of seminars conducted by leading fire service and administrative officials.
Throughout the day, a shuttle will run between Capitol Hill and the Hilton Washington to allow attendees to visit with their members of Congress and also attend workshops held on Capitol Hill.
The seminars are a great way to learn about the interaction between the fire and emergency services and Congress. CFSI also encourages attendees to schedule meetings with their members of Congress to discuss fire service issues. One-on-one meetings with members can encourage them to get more involved in fire service legislation.
This event is considered a unique opportunity to meet with Congressional leaders about fire service legislation. You also have the opportunity to network with other fire service leaders from around the country. The seminars are great learning tools and provide useful information for ways you can get involved in the legislative process and take advantage of federal grants and programs.
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WILDFIRE CLOSES I-5 IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Originally Posted: July 2, 2009 12:07 PM
Last Updated: July 2, 2009 12:07 PM
A wildfire burned 75 acres in the Angeles National Forest near Castaic, CA. Interstate 5 northwest of Los Angeles was closed. The fire has been fully contained, the Associated Press reported July 2, 2009.
The U.S. Forest Service, says the blaze was surrounded at midnight July 1, 2009.
County fire Capt. Mike Brown: The blaze started in three different locations near the freeway forcing the California Highway Patrol to shut down all lanes of northbound Interstate 5 near Castaic for more than an hour because of smoke from the fire.
Six helicopters and about 200 firefighters responded to the fire.
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FIRE STATION CONSTRUCTION GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE 5 PM JULY 10, 2009
Originally Posted: July 1, 2009 1:53 PM
Last Updated: July 1, 2009 1:53 PM
Submit your 2009 Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants (SCG) application no later than 5 PM Eastern daylight time on Friday, July 10, 2009. The US Fire Administration recommends that you do not wait until the last minute to submit!
The Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants (SCG) will provide financial assistance directly to fire departments on a competitive basis to build new or modify existing fire stations in order for departments to enhance their response capability and protect the community they serve from fire and fire-related hazards. The authority for SCG is derived from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). Congress appropriated a total of $210 million for this Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 program.
SCG staffs a help desk throughout the (FY) 2009 SCG application period. The help desk staff is standing by to provide assistance with navigation through the automated application process as well as provide programmatic assistance with respect to questions of eligibility. Call the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or send e-mail to firegrants@dhs.gov.
The help desk is open during the application period from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., on Saturday.
FEMA Regional Fire Program Specialists located in each of the FEMA Regions can assist fire service applicants with the application process. Interested parties may contact the SCG help desk for information on contacting the nearest regional specialist.
NEEDA Newsletter has run previous articles about this grant opportunity. For previous articles, use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.
MORE INFO? http://firegrantsupport.com/afscg/
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JULY 1, 2009 IS 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIESEL POWERED TRUCK COURT DECISION
Originally Posted: July 1, 2009 1:29 PM
Last Updated: July 1, 2009 1:29 PM
By Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
PO Box 220
Annandale VA 22003
KentonP1@aol.com
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 is the 10th anniversary of the court settlements that led to tighter emission limits for diesel powered fire truck engines manufactured in the US. Happy anniversary!
The Environmental Protection Agency has set the new the emissions standards, with the second big change taking place in 2010 engines.
After three years, engine manufacturers are phasing out of the 2007 engine. The new 2010 engines will require a new process called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) which includes the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) already installed in 2007 engines. The 2010 engine will have a Urea Tank, Decomposition Reactor, and a Selective Catalytic Reduction Catalyst. Altogether the 2010 engine will take up more space.
The EPA then plans to change the diesel engine requirements again in 2015 and 2020. Yet another escalation of the standards is scheduled for 2030.
So, fire trucks purchased in this decade will almost certainly go through three or four Federal emission limit escalations. For example, the Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) reductions required will go from 58 thousand short tons in the 2007 engine to 1,820 in the 2020 truck engine.
The history of this process has taken a major turn in this decade. Back in 1998 the Federal government settled with major diesel engine manufacturers on charges the companies installed illegal computer software that turned off the emission control system during highway driving. Federal penalties at that time were $83.4 million. Among companies involved were Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Mack Trucks, Navistar, and Renault.
2010 truck engines began showing up at trade shows in March, 2009. Retrofit diesel particulate filters (DPF) are also being offered to older vehicles (1996-2002) that need to meet the high California emissions standards. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) wants to reduce particulate matter (PM) in pre-2007 trucks on all trucks exceeding 14,000 lb. gvwr.
A dealer-installed retrofit DPF system is offered, for example, by Huss, Palm Springs, CA and Mack Trucks.
Also at trade shows this year, RFID Cubes were announced that track and control all truck equipment and generate reports. FRID Cube is a wireless, paperless, hands-free battery powered tool that works in -40 degrees centigrade to +70 centegrade with 256K of memory.
Ferrara fire apparatus company recently said: “Engine manufacturers' production for the remainder of this year is quickly filling up. Some have already stopped building engines for over-the-road use. Once the engine manufacturers' production slots are full, they will no longer accept orders for 2007 compliant engines.”
But, many dealers have seen their 2010 orders dwindle as local governments cut back expenditures in response to the economy’s depressed state.
The EPA may be disappointed in 2010 that new engine sales dwindle and thus the EPA’s air pollution goals won’t be obtained. For fire departments this is a critical issue because they wish to comply with the Federal government’s standards but may not have the funds to do so.
On the one hand the EPA brags that its new standards “will lead to dramatic emission reductions in new diesel-powered engines.” On the other hand, the dramatic reductions from “new diesel-powered engines” will initially be limited.
EPA is still holding to its view that the 2007 standards will cut harmful pollutants from new engines by 90 percent, resulting in annual reductions of 2.6 million tons of NOx and 110,000 tons of particulate matter.
Meanwhile, as I have stated before in NEEDA Newsletter, the biggest Federal goal is to require all passenger vehicles to get 35 miles per gallon in the next few years. Solutions like battery powered cars seem unlikely to help the truck business or have much applicability in the emergency response industry.
Your views, suggestions? Contact Kenton Pattie 703 850 8552 or KentonP1@aol.com
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SEAGRAVE CAROLINA: NEW LOCATION IN ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA
Originally Posted: July 1, 2009 10:42 AM
Last Updated: July 1, 2009 10:42 AM
Seagrave Carolina has a new location: 251 N. Wilson Street in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA CHIEF CHARLES WERNER RECEIVES FIRE NEWS OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD FOR 2009
Originally Posted: July 1, 2009 10:35 AM
Last Updated: July 1, 2009 10:35 AM
Firehouse Expo, the fire, rescue, and EMS expo on the East Coast, and Fire News, selected Fire Chief Charles Werner as the 2009 Fire News Outstanding Leadership Award Winner.
Werner is a 35-year veteran of the volunteer and career fire service industry. He celebrated his 30th year with the Charlottesville, VA Fire Department where he serves as its Fire Chief.
Chief Werner communicates effectively, cultivates trust, pride and commitment, and enhances the image and reputation of his department. He is also a strong advocate for firefighter safety and embraces and implements life safety initiatives to ensure everyone goes home after every shift.
Werner was selected from a pool of qualified nominees.
Chief Werner serves on the Virginia Interoperability Executive Committee, the Virginia Secure Commonwealth Panel, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs Communications Committee and the IAFC Technology Council Chair.
Werner is also a published author of 70 articles. Werner serves on the editorial advisory boards for Firehouse Magazine, Firehouse.com and Urgent Communications.
Fire Marshal William R. Purcell, who nominated Fire Chief Werner: “Charles is the epitome of selfless service and his passion and diligent commitment to improving fire service communications and technology will continue to save many lives and make a lasting contribution.”
Firehouse Expo brings together over 16,000 fire, rescue and EMS professionals from across the country to train and educate firefighters and emergency service responders, preparing them for the realities they face in the fire, rescue, and emergency service community.
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NOWICKI IS NEW FINANCIAL CHIEF AT SPARTAN MOTORS: FORMER FURNITURE MANUFACTURER TREASURER
Originally Posted: July 1, 2009 10:15 AM
Last Updated: July 1, 2009 10:15 AM
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Charlotte, MI) has named former Herman Miller finance executive Joseph M. Nowicki, C.P.A., as chief financial officer. Nowicki succeeds James Knapp.
Spartan Motors, manufacturer of custom chassis and emergency-rescue vehicles, said Nowicki brings two decades of financial management and operations experience to the position, including manufacturing and international sales. Nowicki spent 17 years with Zeeland, MI-based Herman Miller, Inc., most recently as Treasurer.
John Sztykiel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spartan: "We are pleased to attract someone of this caliber to our senior management team. Joe is an accomplished finance executive who also brings strategic and operational experience, a background in global operations, and a track record with the investment community that make him an ideal candidate for this role. As Spartan looks to expand our product offerings into new market niches, both here and abroad, we expect Joe to bring a relevant and fresh perspective to managing our business that will benefit all our stakeholders."
At Herman Miller, Nowicki was responsible for all treasury activities, including establishing the company's overall capital and debt structure, overseeing the company's pension and investment strategy and leading investor relations activities for the $1.6 billion furniture manufacturer.
During his career at Herman Miller, Nowicki also served as vice president of international finance and vice president within North American finance, and was involved in multiple acquisitions.
Before joining Herman Miller, he held several operations and finance positions, including working for IBM and General Motors, and spent several years in public accounting.
Nowicki: "Their emphasis on Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) aligns with my background with economic value-added financial management, and their long-term strategic plan focused on organic growth, new market entries and establishing a global footprint are ideally suited for my experience."
Nowicki holds a master of business administration degree in finance from the University of Michigan and a bachelor's degree in accounting from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.
For other NEEDA Newsletter stories about Spartan Motors, use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.
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POMONA, CA AVERTS CUTS IN FIRESERVICE, REJECTS PLAN TO TAKE FIRE TRUCK OUT OF SERVICE FOR NINE MONTHS
Originally Posted: July 1, 2009 10:01 AM
Last Updated: July 1, 2009 10:02 AM
The Pomona City Council (California) at the end of June 2009 adopted a $176.7 million operating budget.
Pomona, like other cities, is now facing an uncertain financial future linked to the state and its budget. State legislators could adopt a budget that involves taking or borrowing gas tax dollars, property taxes or redevelopment money meant for the use of cities.
Council members were able to clear a budgetary hurdle with the help of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. City staff had proposed taking a fire engine at the city's downtown fire station out of service for nine months to save the city $1.4 million. However, fire service cuts won't be necessary due to a change in the payment schedule for the proposed sale of a city fire training center located on the grounds of Fire Station 187 on Temple Avenue - to Los Angeles County.
The county had agreed to purchase the facility for $4.7 million and pay it off over a five-year period. Now the county agreed to pay the city for the facility within a two-year period. Under that payment schedule, the city will receive enough money to avert fire service reductions, plus the $950,000 that it was expecting this year for the sale and $359,000 that will be used to make budget adjustments during the year or to reverse some cuts.
As part of budget discussions, Councilwoman Paula Lantz pressed to have two community service officer positions in the Police Department's crime prevention unit reinstated. Councilwoman Cristina Carrizosa proposed using money from the Police Department's overtime budget to cover the more than $111,400 it would cost to fund the two community services officers. Carrizosa went on to say the police overtime budget could be reduced by more than $800,000, saying a large part of the city's funds go to public safety.
Lantz said she couldn't support additional cuts to the department's overtime budget. The Police Department reduced overtime costs to $2.9 million during the current fiscal year, which is about $1 million less than was spent in the 2007-08 fiscal year. The council agreed to tap the overtime fund for $111,000 to fund the two community service officers for crime prevention, plus another $389,000 to be set aside in a contingency fund in case the Police Department needs it later and the city manager approves.
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LA HAS SUCCESS WITH HEAVY RESCUE APPARATUS
Originally Posted: July 1, 2009 5:41 AM
Last Updated: July 1, 2009 5:41 AM
by Larry Collins
PBI Performance Products, Inc. e-Newsletter
The Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department (LACoFD) expanded the technical rescue capability of its Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)/rescue companies with the addition of Heavy Rescue 103 (HR 103), a rotator boom apparatus. HR103 was first staffed in February 2008.
HR103 typically responds to the same categories of emergencies that require a USAR/rescue company response, but also generally necessitates a full range of heavy-lift operations. The new Century Class, three-stage apparatus has a 360° rotating and telescoping boom rated at 60 tons, dual cables, a capstan system, and other features to assist in moving and lifting heavy loads and performing heavy extrication operations.
In Los Angeles County, HR103 is available for response to emergencies that involve heavy lifting and to assist other fire departments through mutual-aid arrangements.
During its first week in operation, HR103 was special-called to assist USAR Task Force 103 (TF 103) in freeing a horse that was reported to be trapped 200 feet over the side in a canyon in the city of San Dimas. The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control's "Department Animal Rescue Team" (DART) and a volunteer veterinarian also responded, in accordance with established collaborative protocols for large animal rescues.
First-due LACoFD Engine 141's crew found a horse that had tumbled into a creek bed and appeared to be in unstable condition from lying in cold water for an extended period. The horse was unable to get up, even with assistance. Battalion 2 (David Gehr) assumed the role of incident commander on his arrival. Engine 141, Quint 153, Superintendent 19, and Camp Crew 2-2 began clearing debris and vegetation out of the way with hand tools and chain saws.
A thick tree canopy and power lines overhead prevented the use of a helicopter for lifting. HR103 was put to the test. Because the overhead power lines would also prevent HR103's boom from extending directly over the horse for a straight lift, the plan was to use a combination of USAR-103's UC Davis Large Animal Lift Harness and the Rescue Glide device (designed for dragging recumbent horses and other large animals).
HR103's engineer extended the boom beneath the power lines toward the ravine while HR 103's rigger for that day's operations coordinated the rigging operations. Other TF103 personnel installed a specialized horse rescue harness and used a "Glide" to negotiate the horse up the steep slope. The engineer operated HR103's dual winch cable controls to alternately lift and pull the horse out of the creek bed and up the slope to a flat area by the stables.
HR 103 was dispatched to nearly two dozen emergencies during its first month in operation. These incidents included a structure collapse and several "traffic collision/major" incidents: a search and rescue operation involving an occupied vehicle that drove into a lake; several vehicle-over-the side rescues in the high mountains around Los Angeles; and a person trapped beneath a vehicle, resulting in a traffic collision.
Since that time, there has been a steady drumbeat of unusual responses, including incidents involving lifting passenger vehicles and big rigs off victims on the street and in deep canyons. Recently this unit played an essential role in searching a building that was struck by a runaway semi-truck that lost its brakes on a steep downgrade, killed two motorists as it plowed through a busy intersection and blasted into occupied businesses nearly crushing other victims.
Only a few fire departments in the nation have units of HR 103's design and capability. They include the Los Angeles Fire Department (which originated and perfected its use over many years) and the Washington, D.C., Fire Department.
Heavy Rescue 103 (HR 103) is a 60-ton, Century Class, three-stage 360° rotating boom apparatus that may be used for various major types of incidents including the following:
Traffic collision-major extrication (semitruck and other large vehicles on passenger vehicles)
Train-vs.-auto rescues
Vehicle "over the side" incidents that require stabilization or lifting vehicles off victims or an extended and adjustable high point for rope or cable/winch rescue systems.
Structure collapse operations
Rapid intervention operations (e.g., personnel pinned beneath debris)
Lifting/moving submerged vehicles to facilitate a comprehensive search for victims below and inside the vehicle
Removal of a parapet and other hazards during structure fires
Trench rescues (high point for vertical extrication)
Swift water incidents (e.g., extendable and adjustable high point for high lines, stabilization of vehicles in the water)
Large animal rescues (lifting)
Boom-mounted lighting system
Confined-space extrications (e.g., including vertical extraction, high point)
Lifting and moving of heavy equipment over debris or other obstacles at fires and rescues
Special extrication emergencies
High point for rope systems in vertical entry operations (like confined spaces)
Lifting and lowering equipment in below-grade and above-grade rescues and fires
Train collisions
Aircraft crashes
Marine disasters (retrieving heavy debris towed to docks by rescue watercraft)
The onboard Amkus™ extrication system is easily accessible. Hose reels are mounted on the right and left sides with a permanently mounted high-capacity hydraulic power unit. As the vehicle arrives on-scene, the extrication system is made operational using controls inside the cab.
The firefighter can exit the vehicle, open the door of the first cabinet, connect the hose, and remove the cutting tools/jaws. The tool is in hand and ready to work in less than 20 seconds to a range of 66 feet. The engineer/operator, with a controller in hand, can be adjacent to the cutting tool; ready to shut the system down as needed.
The capstan unit, boom, cables, and lighting system are designed for heavy lifting/stabilization/moving operations during rescue, search, and other emergency operations.
HR103 carries many other tools, including a smaller portable Amkus™.
Larry Collins is a 29-year member of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD); a rescue captain for 18 years, currently assigned to USAR Task Force 103, which responds to technical rescues and multialarm fires across Los Angeles County. He is a search team manager for the LACoFD's FEMA/OFDA US&R Task Force for domestic and international response, and he serves on the FEMA US&R Incident Support Teams.
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