NEEDA - National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

Raytheon Infrared (Dallas TX) offers new lens options for its Thermal-Eye(TM) TSC cameras. Thermal-Eye TSC cameras use heat, not light, to detect people in total darkness. Because they make it easy to spot people in pitch-black areas, over water and in dark corners, thermal imaging cameras are superior to traditional CCTV cameras, image intensifiers or near-infrared cameras.

Raytheon Infrared manufactures and sells thermal imaging products and solutions serving the fire and rescue, public safety, law enforcement, transportation, industrial security, utilities and Homeland Security markets.

The company's Thermal-Eye cameras and detectors are used for fire incident search and rescue, perimeter surveillance, investigation, industrial process monitoring, preventive maintenance, automotive and truck night vision.

Raytheon Company (Waltham, MA) had 2003 sales of $18.1 billion, sells to defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft markets. Raytheon employs 78,000.

As NEEDA Newsletter has reported in previous news stories, Ratheon offers its termal imaging products to the fire, emergency and first responder markets.

Use the "Search" function in the upper right of your screen to get other news about thermal imaging.

SHARP RISE IN DIESEL FUEL PRICES AFFECTS FIRE DEPARTMENTS: AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS URGES ACTION BUSH ADMIN
Originally Posted: September 23, 2004 9:08 PM
Last Updated: September 26, 2004 4:26 AM

As many emergency equipment dealers have reported, the price of diesel fuel has soared, pushing up the costs of local fire and EMS departments throughout the country. Various manufacturers have introduced new truck engine features designed to make the diesel motors more efficient; some of these developments have been reported here in NEEDA Newsletter. The even so, the cost of diesel fuel has hit the fire and emergency response services with rising costs at a time when they face flat or declining budgets.

The American Trucking Associations among other associations has been pushing this point with the Bush Administration.

ATA's Bill Graves says:
. . .the continued escalation of diesel fuel prices nationwide and the devastating effect they can have on the trucking industry. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the price of diesel fuel is currently averaging more than $1.91 per gallon nationwide, the highest level on record. With crude oil prices continuing to rise, plus weather-related oil supply disruptions along the Gulf Coast, we remain concerned about prices in the future.
Diesel fuel is often the second highest operating expense after labor for a trucking company, equaling between 10 and 25 percent of total operating expenses. The motor carrier industry consumes close to 34 billion gallons of diesel fuel every year, so an increase of just one penny annualized over a year would cost $340 million. This industry is on a recovery path, which is a great indication that the economy is on solid footing, but surging energy costs could easily act as a roadblock.
I wrote you earlier this year asking you to reduce the fill rate of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. I now ask, in light of the oil supply disturbance along the Gulf Coast due to the devastating effects of the recent hurricanes, that you consider loaning U.S. refineries much-needed crude oil from the SPR.

Click on the headline above and you will see the complete letter issued by the ATA to Spencer Abraham, US Secretary of Energy. For NEEDA News stories mentioning diesel engines, use the "Search" function in the upper right of your NEEDA screen.

To send information about diesel motors to NEEDA, write:
PO Box 220, Annandale VA 22003

FEMA, FIRE CHIEFS, FIRE FIGHTERS AND FIRE COUNCIL UNITE TO REDUCE NUMBER OF FIREFIGHTER DEATHS: FOCUS ON DEATHS CAUSED RESPONDING TO AND RETURNING FROM INCIDENTS
Originally Posted: September 23, 2004 8:54 PM
Last Updated: September 23, 2004 8:54 PM

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has partnership with three fire service membership organizations to reduce the number of firefighters killed while responding to or returning from the emergency scene. The FEMA are the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).

In the last ten years, over 225 firefighters have been killed in the line of duty while responding to or returning from emergencies. Deaths during this type of duty are typically only second to deaths on the emergency scene in the number of firefighters killed. In 2003, more firefighters lost their lives while responding or returning than were killed by non medically-related causes on the fire scene. Most of these deaths occurred in vehicle crashes. This outreach project to the fire service regarding vehicle safety will address issues such as seatbelt use.

For the full NEEDA Newsletter story, click on the headline of this story. Or use the "Search" function in the upper right of your screed to read other NEEDA stories about FEMA and the Fire Administration.

OSHKOSH TRUCK/PIERCE/MEDTEC REVEAL 2005 PROJECTIONS AND 4th QUARTER RESULTS ON OCTOBER 28, 04
Originally Posted: September 23, 2004 5:52 PM
Last Updated: September 23, 2004 5:52 PM

Oshkosh Truck Corporation manuractures for the defense, fire and emergency, concrete placement and refuse hauling markets with products marketed under the Oshkosh(R), Pierce(R), McNeilus(R), Medtec(R), Jerr-Dan(R), Geesink, Norba and BAI brand names.

A live conference call will be held at 9:30 a.m. EDT. The conference call will be available simultaneously, in a listen-only format, via webcast. To access the webcast, go to www.oshkoshtruckcorporation.com at least 15 minutes prior to the event.

WOMAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS CUSTOMIZES EMERGENCY VEHICLES USING VENTURE FINANCING AND GSA CONTRACTS
Originally Posted: September 21, 2004 10:43 PM
Last Updated: September 21, 2004 10:43 PM

UTFC Financing Solutions, is making a $225,000 investment in Emergency Management Equipment (Salt Lake City, UT) which designs and builds customized emergency vehicles and security consoles in demand by government agencies, first responders and corporate security officials.

The company is providing mobile command, communications and SWAT vehicles designed for managing large events and responding to hostage crises, bioterrorism, bomb threats and many other contingencies. The company also designs and builds equipment consoles and modular workstations for fixed sites such as dispatch and command centers, airports and corporate security offices.

UTFC's investment will help fund development of a concise and structured marketing plan to re-establish the firm in the corporate market.

UTFC Financing Solutions, LLC is a small business investment company (SBIC) in Salt Lake City that provides needed capital to start and grow businesses. It specializes in funding new businesses with little operating history and provides up to $500,000 in subordinated debt to startup companies in and around Utah.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF JIM PAGE CELEBRATED AT MEMORIAL SERVICE IN CALSBAD CA: FRIEND OF NEEDA AND EVERYONE IN THE EMS BUSINESS
Originally Posted: September 21, 2004 10:25 AM
Last Updated: September 21, 2004 10:25 AM

Mourners gathered on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2004, to grieve for the loss and celebrate the life of James O. Page, the dean of modern emergency medical response, who passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 4, 2004. Nearly 1,000 friends, family and colleagues from across the country came together for a heartfelt memorial ceremony in Carlsbad (Calif.) Community Church.

The ceremony ended with a procession of 60 fire apparatuses and ambulances from different areas of L.A. and San Diego counties, and as far away as Las Vegas; the vehicles escorted the family to a private service at a nearby cemetery.

Jims beloved Rescue 11 and the famous Squad 51 traveled side-by-side at the front of the procession in a fitting tribute to Jim. An impressive fly-over by helicopters from the L.A. County Fire Department, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and Mercy Air brought tears to the eyes of onlookers as the helicopters flew over the long line of emergency vehicles.

DESPITE 9-11-01 TRAGEDY, FIRE DEPARTMENTS FACE MAJOR CUTBACKS: NYU RESEARCH SAYS DEMANDS ON FIREFIGHTERS HAVE RISEN
Originally Posted: September 21, 2004 9:52 AM
Last Updated: September 21, 2004 10:00 AM

Despite the national promise after the 9-11-01 tragedies that Congress and the Administration would channel a greater investment in fire departments and public safety units, many fire departments appear to be struggling with budget cuts. Fire fighters are responding to the job cuts by going to court and becoming more politically involved. This is a tough position for first responders: to be tackling the very political public establishment which creates and pays for fire fighting.

For example, first responders in Cleveland OH, Pittsburgh PA, Philadelphia PA and even Waterbury, CT are fighting substantial budget and job cutbacks in fire departments.

Philadelphia Mayor Street proposes to close eleven fire companies and cut 218 Fire Fighter-Emergency Medical Technician positions.

Pittsburgh plans to cut 168 of 816 firefighters but faces a court imposed injunction putting the plan on hold.

For the complete NEEDA story, click on the headline above. for other news about matching grants to local communities to help fire departments, use the "search" box in the upper right of your screen.

SPARTAN MOTORS JOHN SZTYKIEL TO SPEAK SEPT. 15 AT 3-DAY NEW YORK INVESTORS CONFERENCE: AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET FOR 60 DAYS
Originally Posted: September 14, 2004 12:18 PM
Last Updated: September 14, 2004 12:29 PM

Spartan Motors, Inc. (Charlotte MI) president and CEO John Sztykiel, presents on September 15, 2004, at the Roth Capital Partners New York Conference.

Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures custom chassis and vehicles for the recreational vehicle, fire truck, ambulance and emergency-rescue markets. The Company's brand names are Spartan", Crimson Fire". Crimson Fire Aerials", and Road Rescue". The Company employs 700 at facilities in Michigan, Alabama, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and South Dakota.

STATEWIDE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS: FLORIDA
Originally Posted: September 11, 2004 9:11 PM
Last Updated: September 11, 2004 9:11 PM

Florida's Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) weathered two major hurricanes, operating successfully during Hurricanes Charley, Frances and their aftermath, according to state law enforcement officials.

While local systems and cell phone systems were failing at the height of the storms, the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System continued to operate. When the local law enforcement agencies were unable to communicate, all of the state's law enforcement agencies were communicating on the SLERS system, which worked continuously throughout the storm.

The statewide 800MHz system has established a single, unified radio network to meet the radio communications needs of state law enforcement officers throughout the state of Florida. This collaboration of 14 state agencies is estimating the entire project covering all counties in the state will be completed in 2005. The state of Florida is expected to save approximately $622 million over 20 years.

STATES FOCUS ON IMPROVING COMMUNICATION AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS DURING INCIDENTS: PENNSYLVANIA
Originally Posted: September 11, 2004 8:53 PM
Last Updated: September 11, 2004 8:53 PM

Pennsylvania is replacing its multiple incompatible, mobile radio systems with a single system that provides for wireless data and voice communications. The project began in the mid-90s, but has more significance following the 9-11-01 communications problems among first responders, which occurred during the attack on the World Trade Center.

The state police conversion to the system will be completed by 2008 and the total project cost will be around $270 million.

A recent study has criticized the software being used in Pennsylvania.

JIM PAGE ADVOCATED STATURE FOR EMS, PUBLISHED EMS JOURNAL, DIES AT 68: WAS FRIEND OF NEEDA, ADVISER TO CONGRESS
Originally Posted: September 6, 2004 8:22 AM
Last Updated: September 6, 2004 8:22 AM

James O. Page, whom many consider the father of modern emergency medical services (EMS), died suddenly Sept. 4, 2004. He was 68. Page will be greatly missed by his mother, Marion, his wife, Jane, four children and six grandchildren.

He was a speaker and participant in the NEEDA San Diego member conference and served with NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie on advisory committee to the Congressional Fire Service Institute which advises Congress on fire and EMS issues.

NEEDA President James "Pat" Griffin (American Fire Equipment, Woodbridge VA) said: "Jim Page was one of the most inspirational leaders in our business. He spent so much of his time and energy advocating what is right . . . dignity and respect for emergency medical services and cooperation and unity in the whole emergency response field. He shared his ideas and his passion with many NEEDA dealers and we are very grateful for the enormous legacy he leaves because the country is better off today thanks to Jim Page."

Over the years, Page published five books, wrote more than 400 magazine articles and editorials, and presented more than 800 public speeches. In 1996 he established and funded an EMS educational foundation at Palomar College in San Marcos, Calif., because of his intense interest in EMS education.

In 1979, he founded JEMS (Journal of Emergency Medical Services) and turned it into one of the worlds most respected sources of information for emergency services. While at Jems Communications he oversaw the launch of FireRescue Magazine, for which he wrote the highly regarded Burning Issues column.

For the complete story on Jim Page, click on the headline. To search "EMS" or other topics use the "Search" function in the upper right of your NEEDA screen.

FIRE DEPARTMENTS MUST APPLY SEPTEMBER 1-30, 2004 FOR $27.5 MILLION IN FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY GRANTS
Originally Posted: September 3, 2004 10:06 AM
Last Updated: September 3, 2004 10:06 AM

The application period for the 2004 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants has opened and will continue to the deadline of September 30, 2004. Applications should be submitted on line at: https://portal.fema.gov.

The Fire Prevention and Safety Grants fund projects related specifically to fire prevention. Fire departments as well as national, regional, state or local organizations with expertise in fire prevention are eligible to apply for these grants. This program is part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program that will award over $700 million to firefighters this year to help local fire departments purchase equipment, fund health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical services programs, and conduct fire education and prevention programs.

Meanwhile 329 matching Fire Act grants to fire departments where made in the fourteenth round of the Fiscal Year 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The grants will ultimately total approximately 8,000 awards worth nearly $750 million in direct assistance to firefighters.

Information on the 2004 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants is available at http://www.firegrantsupport.com.

For other NEEDA NEWSLETTER articles about the Fire Act grant program, use the Search box in the upper right of your screen. To read this entire story, click on the headline above.

FIRE DEPARTMENTS URGE CONGRESS TO ACT ON PROMISES TO IMPROVE COMMUNCIATIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS; PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS ENDORSE SEN. JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT
Originally Posted: September 2, 2004 4:07 PM
Last Updated: September 2, 2004 4:17 PM

In a sign of the growing pressure on Congress to take action to deal with the police and fire communicatibns interoperability crisis that was highlighted nearly three years ago on 9-11-01, 12 fire chiefs have joined the First Response Coalition.

Since its launch in June 2004, the First Response Coalition includes the National Black Police Officers, the American Legislative Exchange Council and the California Seniors Coalition. In addition to Stilp and William Fox, commissioner, Metropolitan Fire Association, New York City, the Coalition's original members include the Gray Panthers, the Black Chamber of Commerce and the American Corn Growers.

Meanwhile The National Coalition of Public Safety Officers (NCPSO) has endorsement of United States Senator John Kerry for President of the United States. Two coalitions are not related.

"President Bush has misled cops on Homeland Security. After 9-11, President Bush promised that cops would receive training and equipment to prepare themselves against terrorist attacks. But the facts show front line officers have not received the training and equipment we need to protect the public," stated Chris McGill, President of the National Coalition of Public Safety Officers and a 21-year law enforcement veteran.

"In the event of a terrorist incident, it will be the first responders such as police officers, fire fighters and EMS personnel on the scene. It will not be the National Guard. . ."

For the full story, click on the headline of this NEEDA NEWSLETTER item.