NEEDA - National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

Municipal, county, and state governments may not want to use the US General Services Administration schedules to buy information and communications services or products.

Legislation to open up the US General Services Administration procurement channel to non-Federal governments is being advanced by Rep. Top Davis (R-VA).

However, the Virginia county government he presided over before running for Congress has had problems using a company high on the GSA procurement list which Davis thinks is so good.

The failures of the GSA contractors should be a warning to state and local governments who may be tempted to use the GSA channel, believing that any firm GSA recommends is a sure bet to succeed at the county or municipal level.

SPARTAN MOTORS INTRODUCES TWO RV PRODUCTS: RV MARKET UNCERTAIN AS ECONOMY SLOWS
Originally Posted: August 28, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Spartan Motors, Inc. (Charlotte MI) has two new products for the RV industry reflecting a positive outlook for an industry that has an uncertain future as long as the US economy continues to lag. NEEDA Newsletter readers are familiar with Spartan as a fire and rescue vehicle manufacturer. But it’s interesting to see wherelse manufacturers are investing their funds to develop future sales. To see the numerous other NEEDA Newsletter stories about Spartan, use the new "Search" offered on the newsletter.

The RV introductions by Spartan are a coach-ready platform for rear-engine diesel motorhomes and a platform featuring AuraGen, a power-generation system by Aura Systems that offers RVers increased electrical capabilities while traveling.

SPARTAN’S QUALITY MANUFACTURING, LUVERNE AND ROAD RESCUE LINES OFFER NEW FIRE AND AMBULANCE VEHICLES
Originally Posted: August 24, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

At the International Fire Chiefs show in New Orleans Spartan Motors introduced two new fire trucks and a new ambulance.

RURAL METRO PROVIDES FIRE PROTECTION FOR LA OIL REFINERYAND NJ AIRPORT
Originally Posted: August 23, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Rural/Metro Corporation (Scottsdale AZ) has extended two contracts to provide fire protection services to Citgo Petroleum Corporation in Louisiana and Morristown Municipal Airport in New Jersey.

Jack Brucker, President and CEO of Rural Metro told NEEDA: "Specialty fire protection represents a favorable area for continued, steady growth, especially as industries and airports look for more economical and efficient ways to protect their plants and facilities.”

LAS VEGAS MOBILE WIRELESS VIDEO BROADCAST OF VICTIM FROM EMTS EVEN BEFORE ENTRY TO AMBULANCE
Originally Posted: August 23, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

This demonstration by the Las Vegas Fire Department shows that EMTs can broadcast real time video and data (i.e. video of the patient and patient information such as ECG, blood pressure, etc.) from an ambulance or emergency response vehicle back to a medical facility. This information will allow medical personnel at a hospital to commence work on a case as soon as the emergency response team arrives at the site of a medical emergency. They can prepare the appropriate services at their hospital or make a decision to redirect the patient if another facility is better able to provide treatment. The ability to make these decisions while a patient is en route can mean the difference between life and death. Furthermore, the video and data feeds can be made available to medical experts around the country for consulting purposes - all before the patient reaches the hospital.

ONE THIRD OF STATES HAD BUDGET SHORTFALL IN 01; 22 STATES HAD RESERVES
Originally Posted: August 23, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Emergency equipment dealers are following the financial plight of state and local governments as government funds have become scarce due to drop in government tax revenues. A third of all states had budget shortfalls in fiscal 2001. Yet, state spending rose 9.1 percent while revenues grew only 4.5 percent. An internet story shows the drop in state funding was particularly severe in Missouri. The Virginia governor concedes the drop has hit Virginia but is still battling to defend his tax cuts that were popular at the polls during the last election in many jurisdictions.

PIERCE WINS 18 LADDER TRUCK ORDER FROM CHICAGO
Originally Posted: August 23, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Pierce has won of the the biggest fire truck sales of the year and will begin delivering 100 foot ladder vehicles to Chicago in December. The amount over three years may exceed the 18 initially ordered.

Pierce Manufacturing (Appleton WI) manufacturer of fire apparatus, was awarded a three-year contract by the City of Chicago for 18 Pierce Dash(R) aerial ladder trucks equipped with 100-foot medium-duty ladders.

The city's Department of Fleet Management Commissioner Bob Degnan, working in conjunction with Fire Commissioner James Joyce, approved the contract. The contract is for three years with an option for two more. The first trucks of the initial order of 18 vehicles could be delivered as soon as this December. The total order could be for 40 to 45 trucks over the life of the contract.

VOLVO N.AMERICAN TRUCK SALES DOWN 36%--US TRUCK SALES DROP FROM 277,000 IN 99 TO 112,000 IN 01
Originally Posted: August 21, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Because many emergency equipment dealers watch overall truck sales (emergency and non-emergency vehicle sales), you may be interested in the latest report which shows Volvo 2001 truck sales down in North America by 36%. Whereas in 2000 they sold 21,557 trucks in North America, they sold only 13,853 this year. The company says North American orders this year are down 31%. Earlier reports received by NEEDA this summer showed that Class A truck sales had dropped from 277,000 in 1999, to 211,000 in 2000, and 112,000 in 2001.

LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS WIN $11.5 MILLION FOR PERSONAL POTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, $.7 MILLION FOR VEHICLES
Originally Posted: August 21, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

In its fifth release of Fire Act grants, FEMA has announbced the 320 fire departments in the US which will receive $15.3 million for such things as turn out gear and emergency vehicles. All previous fund releases under this program have been announced in NEEDA Newsletter. Scroll down.

AMBULANCE MANUFACTURER SPENDS $4 MILLION ON NEW PLANT NEAR MYRTLE BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA
Originally Posted: August 20, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Road Rescue, part of Spartan Motors, is building a new plant for the manufacture of ambulances in South Carolina. Road Rescue produces five ambulance models, has 20 dealers in the United States and Canada, and employs more than 150 people. The Company will begin work on the 100,000-square-foot plant immediately, with a target move-in date of January 2002.

RURAL METRO WINS $4 MILLION EMS SERVICE TO NORTH SAN DIEGO CA COMMUNITIES
Originally Posted: August 19, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

NEEDA reported earlier that it looked like Rural/Metro Corporation (Scottsdale AZ) would win the San Diego EMS service. It has. Rural/Metro has completed its deal with the City of San Diego -- known as San Diego Medical Services Enterprise, L.L.C. -- to provide exclusive 911 ambulance transportation services to the Pacific Ocean coastal communities of Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas and Solana Beach in Northern San Diego County.

The contract, valued at approximately $4 million over two years, includes two, two-year renewal options. The contract was won in a competitive bidding process that included the incumbent provider. Service begins Sept. 1, 2001.

Earlier reports in NEEDA Newsletter show Rural/Metro's efforts to work with banks on improving the firm's financial situation and reducing debt.

FLORIDA FIRE EMS POLICE USE GREENHOUSE TOUCH SCREEN FIELD COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM BY MOTOROLA
Originally Posted: August 19, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Yet another example of local spending on communications equipment, software, and installation . . . this time in Pinellas county FL. Fire, EMS and police are able to transmit live video between dispatchers and mobile units.

Some applications of the Motorola Greenhouse include:
1. Enable fire department access to building plans and hydrants;
2. The ability to distribute a picture of a missing child, or criminal
suspect / sketch, to all equipped vehicles in the field;
3. Robbery videotapes can be distributed shortly after an event;
4. Transmit fingerprints;
5. Transmit live video feeds for police officer pursuits and EMS remote situation analysis.
NEEDA previously estimated that local and state public safety departments may have spent a billion dollars on new communications systems, proving that discretionary money can be found when administrators and politicians agree on an urgent local or statewide need.

THAILAND SEARCH-AND-RESCUE AWARDS $2.5 MILLION CONTRACT TO EMS TECHNOLOGIES FOR PACIFIC RIM DISTRESS
Originally Posted: August 19, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The EMS Technologies, Inc. (Atlanta GA) satellite communications division has won a $2.5 million contract from the Thailand Department of Aviation for ground-based equipment to support search-and-rescue operations over the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system.

The United States, Russia, Canada and France jointly operate the Cospas- Sarsat system, which provides distress alert and location data to assist search-and-rescue operations.

EMS has provided ground equipment and management systems for use with the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system since its launch in 1981. Since that time, the system has been credited with saving 10,000 lives by using spacecraft and ground facilities to detect and locate signals from distress beacons.

EMS Technologies, Inc. designs and manufactures wireless and satellite solutions, and focuses on the needs of broadband and mobile information users. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, employs 2,000 people worldwide at manufacturing facilities in Atlanta, Brazil, Montreal and Ottawa. The SATCOM Division of EMS Technologies, based in Ottawa, Canada, specializes in the design and development of satellite-based terminals and antennas for the aeronautical and land-mobile markets.

TRW’s NE OFFICE LOOKING FOR ACQUISITIONS AND BUSINESS IN PUBLIC SAFETY, POLICE, FIRE EMS MARKETS
Originally Posted: August 17, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

TRW is making acquisitions of other companies to build its sales to state and local governments in New England. TRW is a huge, 100 year old company which has extensive Federal business. It's acquisitions are taking it more and more into the state and local government market.

WESTERN GOVERNORS & FEDERAL OFFICIALS AGREE TO 10-YEAR MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR WILDFIRE FIGHT
Originally Posted: August 14, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, Interior Secretary Gale Norton, and the Western Governors’ Association have agreed to a new 10-year plan to jointly fight wildfires, according to news reports from Coeur D’Alene, ID which is near Spokane, WA. Removing dry, dead underbrush, restoring destroyed habitats and training property owners in the west on how to reduce the threat of loss are three features of the plan. This announcement comes as the Federal government is spending the $1.7 billion appropriated by Congress at the end of the Clinton Administration, the biggest Federal investment in wildfire control. The new plan, if OK’d by Congress will increase Federal funding over the ten year period. Western Governors are alarmed at the recent explosion of wildfires which until July had been running below the record-breaking 2000 wildfire season.

MORE INFO? http://www.westgov.org

FOURTH FIRE ACT GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT: FEMA AWARDS $9.9 MILLION IN FIRE GRANTS
Originally Posted: August 14, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

More than $5.8 million of the funds in this round are to be used for personal protective equipment, $1.8 for wellness and fitness programs, $1.4 million for fire prevention, $403,574 for vehicles and $353,856 for training. More grants in these categories will be announced in coming weeks.

PUBLIC SAFETY WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS: OCT 23-25, 2001 LAS VEGAS
Originally Posted: August 14, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The PSWN Program is a joint initiative sponsored by the Department of Justice and the Department of the Treasury. The program works with the public safety community at all levels of government to improve wireless radio interoperability. The Oct 23-25 conference will attract fire, law enforcement, EMS and business experts in an effort to increase interoperability in the use of wireless communications services. There is no registration fee, but the deadline is Oct 8, 2001.

OSHKOSH PUTS RETIRED GM CEO ON BOARD
Originally Posted: August 13, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Top General Motors exec joins the Oshkosh Truck Corporation Board. Dick Donnelly was President of GM Europe and has spent a career in various GM positions. He is an engineer and has taken courses at harvard Business School. Oshkosh Truck sells under the Oshkosh, Pierce, McNeilus, Medtec, Geesink and Norba brand names. is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wis., and had annual sales of $1.324 billion in fiscal 2000.

SPRINKLER GROUP OFFERS VIDEO TO DRAMATIZE HAZARD OF HOME FIRES
Originally Posted: August 10, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

You can download the movie at no charge, to view when not on the Internet and to use for presentations. Viewers need the "Flash" plug-in, which is also available to download on the web site.

The Coalition Web site also has facts about residential fire sprinkler systems, a PDF file of the full Scottsdale Report, copies of the HFSC’s newsletter The Solution, and member information.

The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) was founded in 1996 by the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA). Its mission is to provide accurate information to the public about the life-saving value of residential fire sprinkler protection, particularly in new construction of one- and two-family dwellings. In addition to the three founding associations, other steering committee members include: Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association (CASA), Sharel Stokes Fire Sprinkler Public Education Foundation, Underwriters Laboratories, and U.S. Fire Administration, as well as 15 affiliate members.
The HFSC has developed educational material with

SOME EMTS MAY SEE DEATHS DUE TO ASTHMA INHALERS
Originally Posted: August 10, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Emergency Medical Technicians are being told that asthma patients may have died from using drug inhalers. The news hit when Shering-Plough recalled drug inhalers. Ten deaths are suspected.
Some of the inhalers did not have the right dose of albuterol which helps breathing. Altogether, 5,000 die in the US due to asthma. A lawsuit has been filed.

COURT SAYS NO TO TAXING ASSOCIATIONS WHICH LOBBY LEGISLATURE
Originally Posted: August 10, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

A new chapter in the long running battle in Vermont: Should associations such as NEEDA be taxed if the association were to lobby? This is the second time the tax-the-lobbyists plan has been dealt a setback. Taxing trade associations which represent small businesses, such as emergency equipment dealers, is double taxation in that these companies have already paid their corporate and Federal taxes. A tax on their association would tax the same dollars twice in that most dues to trade associations, even though the association is a 501(C)(6), are not deductible except under certain circumstances. Deductibility is lost for dues when a substantial amount of the association's work is advocacy and lobbying on legislation, for or against it.

RURAL/METRO HEADED FOR THREE MORE YEARS PROVIDING EMS TO SAN DIEGO
Originally Posted: August 9, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Based on a 5-0 vote of the San Diego Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee, Rural/Metro appears very likely to win renewal of EMS transportation services in San Diego. Rural/Metro has been serving SD since 1997. The new contract would begin July 1, 2003. As reported earlier in NEEDA Newsletter, Rural/Metro has succeeded in getting new lending terms to strengthen its financial recovery and debt retirement.

OSHKOSH TRUCK DELIVERS MEDIUM TACTICAL VEHICLE REPLACEMENT TO THE US MARINES: ORDER TOTALS 1,100
Originally Posted: August 8, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

1,100 Oshkosh MTVRs are headed to US Marine locations. Oshkosh Truck has been manufacturing the MTVR since September 1999. The company received approval for full-rate production, known in military circles as Milestone III, in April 2001. All MTVRs are manufactured on Oshkosh's flexible production line at their state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Oshkosh, WI.

GAO GIVES GOOD MARKS TO MOST OF FEMA OPERATIONS
Originally Posted: August 8, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The US General Accounting Office (GAO), an investigating arm of Congress, has issued its annual analysis of FEMA operations. FEMA is the Federal Emergency Management Administration responsible for Fire Act grants and many other emergency response programs of the Federal government. Here is a summary of the GAO report.

FEMA AWARDS $10 MILLION TO HELP FIRE DEPARTMENTS BUY VEHICLES
Originally Posted: August 7, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

This is the third announcement by NEEDA Newsletter of Fire Act matching grants issued by FEMA. More than $10 million of the funds in this round are to be used for firefighting vehicles, $300,000 for fire prevention programs and $38,000 for training purposes. More grants in these categories will be announced in coming weeks.

VISION AIR USES REMEDY CORP FOR CUSTOMER TRACKING
Originally Posted: August 7, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

VisionAIR and Remedy Corp are working together to improve VisionAIR's customer tracking in the public safety market. VisionAIR, Inc., designs, develops, and markets public safety applications in addition to its wireless and web-based enterprise solutions. The Company offers the fully integrated Public Safety Suite for law enforcement agencies, 911 centers, fire and emergency departments, inmate facilities, courts, criminal justice centers, and departments of public safety.

US GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION HIRES NEW LOBBYIST: SHIRLEY PUCHALSKI CONGRESSIONAL AFFAIRS
Originally Posted: August 7, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

New GSA Administrator Stephen A. Perry has picked Shirley R. Puchalski as the agency's new lobbyist. She worked 15 years in the US Senate. GSA says she “shepherds GSA's legislative program and budget through Congress” despite Federal law which prohibits Federal agencies from lobbying. The Bush Administration is continuing the long Executive Branch tradition of pretending that all their lobbyist does at tax payer expense is provide information when in fact the lobbyist in each agency is responsible for winning the agency’s legislative goals. One of GSA’s goals is expected to be the passage of legislation proposed by Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA) which would institute Federal Centralized Cooperative Purchasing allowing local governments to use GSA suppliers to obtain, without seeking bids from local dealers, communications and other products for the fire, emergency, rescue and EMS professions.

EMS TECHNOLOGIES & RADIO MOBILE SOLUTIONS COMBINE TO PROVIDE WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FOR FOLEY AL PO
Originally Posted: August 7, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Here is another in a series of NEEDA Newsletter stories about public safety agencies spending big bucks on new communications systems. While there do not appear to be national statistics on the public safety market's consumption of communications systems, NEEDA estimates that recent year spending for county and city police and fire is close to one billion in the US and Canada. As strapped for funding as many jurisdiction are, they seem to come up with funding to install new, state of the art communications systems. While many NEEDA members may not be involved in these large scale procurements, the trend in the market does indicate where the discretionary money is going and why urgently needed replacement of EMS, rescue, and firefighting equipment may take second place to replacement of communications systems.

US SENATE Oks GRANTS TO LOCAL GOVERMENTS FOR PORTABLE EQUIPMENT TO SAVE LIVES OF HEART ATTACK VICTIM
Originally Posted: August 7, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN) have introduced the Community Access to AED’s bill (s. 1275) which authorizes $50 million in grants for local governments, first responders, and others to purchase AEDs. August 1st, 2001 the Senate Committee on Health Education, labor and Pensions approved the bill which will be considered on the Senate floor in September as Congress is currently in recess

$20,000 GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR RURAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS FOR EQUIPMENT, TRAINING AND PREVENTION
Originally Posted: August 7, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

The US Department of Interior has a new grant program for rural fire departments that serve fewer than 10,000 people. The program will assist with training, equipment and prevention programs. To receive the grant of up to $20,000, a fire department must meet a 10% matching requirement. Interior will work with each state forester to implemnent the program. Interested fire departments should contact the Department of Interior’s office in their state.

MORE INFO? www.doi.gov or www.fireplan.gov

AMERICAN LAFRANCE IN NEW ORLEANS, HAS NEW PRESIDENT
Originally Posted: August 3, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

American LaFrance will be displaying a full range of products at the New Orleans show, including several Eagles (with pumper, telesquirt, and aerials), Metropolitans, a Dodge Durango American LaFrance edition and a new
configuration to be announced at the show.

PATIENTS BILL OF RIGHTS PASSES WITH EVERY REPUBLIC VOTE: GOES TO HOUSE-SENATE CONFERENCE
Originally Posted: August 3, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

As Congress heads into a month long recess, it passed the Patients' Bill of Rights with limits imposed by President Bush on lawsuits against HOMs.

RURAL METRO BANK OKs PLAN TO REDUCE $143 MILLION DEBT
Originally Posted: August 2, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

This is one of several reports NEEDA has published about the efforts of Rural Metro to draw down their debt and restore financial stability to the company. Rural Metro will provide an additional $1.25 million in principal to further reduce its bank debt, as well as regular monthly interest at prime plus 0.25 percent. To date, the Company has paid $3.9 million in principal on its revolving credit facility, bringing the outstanding balance to $143.0 million plus $6.5 million in letters of credit.

STUDENTS HELP FIGHT WESTERN WILDFIRES WITH HELP FROM NATIONAL FIRE PLAN GRANT & HOME DEPOT
Originally Posted: August 2, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

NEEDA salutes the Student Conservation Association (SCA) for the many students who are working this summer in fighting the western wildfires.

As firefighters race to knock down more than a dozen western wildfires, specially trained college-age volunteers continue a race they began in June: to help area homeowners take preventive
measures.

TOUCH SCREEN LAP TOP FOR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS AMONG NEW PRODUCTS AT TRADE SHOW
Originally Posted: August 1, 2001 12:00 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2001 1:35 PM

Public safety officers like bright touch screen software which speed up the use of computers kept in vehicles. Products responding to this demand will be on show at the annual trade show of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials in Salt Lake City, August 2001. One such product is by Cycomm of McLean VA.