NEEDA - National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

Bryce Andersen has accepted the position of Western Regional Sales Manager for the Hale and Class 1 Fire Suppression Groups. His responsibilities include sales, training, and support and servicing of OEM accounts, truck dealers, and fire departments. His territory includes the states of California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Alaska.

Bryce has 23 years of experience in manufacturing, design, sales and service in the fire industry.

NEW ENGLAND FIRE/RESCUE/EMS JUNE 21-24, 2007: EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION, WEST SPRINGFIELD MA
Originally Posted: May 31, 2007 11:32 AM
Last Updated: May 31, 2007 11:32 AM

Seminars June 21-23 begin the New England Fire/Rescue/EMS conference and Expo. Seminars will be in the Sheraton Springfield (MA) Hotel. The exhibits will be June 22-24, 2007 in the Eastern States Exposition hall.

Exhibit info: 781 631 3086
Conference info: 781 749 8626
E-mail: neafc@aol.com
wwwnewenglandfirechiefs.org

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) ISSUES 2007 VERSION OF NFPA 1911: REQUIRES ALL APPARATUS TO BE WEIGHED EACH YEAR
Originally Posted: May 31, 2007 11:24 AM
Last Updated: May 31, 2007 12:52 PM

NFPA 1911 addresses the problem of fire apparatus having improper axle loading: get the apparatus weighed each year. It is possible for a truck to comply with gross vehicle weight rating but not comply with gross axle weight ratings -- exceeding the gross weight of any axle is a violation.

Gary Handwerk, a member of the NFPA Fire Apparatus Standards Committee,
writes in Fire Apparatus Magazine: "Recipe For Trouble: The first way is . . . the fire department buying its own chassis, which is a guaranteed recipe for trouble. Local chassis sales representatives, in most cases, know nothing about fire apparatus and will not make the optional selections needed to build a good apparatus. Too often fire departments make decisions based for two reasons -- "bigger is better" or "how can we save money." Departments that feel compelled to buy chassis on their own really need to get exact specifications from the apparatus builder. That way, the departments can make sure they get what they need.

"The second way trucks with poorly distributed weight end up on the road is by departments not specifying, or taking into account, all the equipment and weight the appartus will be carrying." (May 2007)

He suggests departments wishing to comply with NFPA 1911 should to the rock quarry, grain depot, scrap metal yard, or truck stop to get their trucks weighed!

Ordering a copy of the new 07 NFPA 1911 costs $35 and there are strict copyright limits on the use of the download from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

MORE INFO? webstore.ansi.org/ansidocstore/product.asp?sku=191107PDF OR NFPA 1911: Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus
Get: Current Edition: 2007 Next Revision Cycle: Fall 2011

HAR-ROB FIRE APPARATUS AND PRIORITY FIRE APPARATUS SELECTED AS NEW CRIMSON FIRE DEALERS
Originally Posted: May 31, 2007 10:36 AM
Last Updated: May 31, 2007 10:36 AM

Crimson Fire (Spartan Company) has two new dealers for its dealer network. Both are located in New York State and both are to help Crimson penetrate this key market.

Har-Rob Fire Apparatus in Syracuse: Har-Rob is a full-service dealer that offers apparatus sales and service, warranty work, preventive maintenance, parts and loose equipment sales. Founded in 1975, Har-Rob was one of the first companies in the country to bring preventive maintenance services to customers in their stations. The dealership will serve a 19-county area around Syracuse. Their entire sales team is either career or volunteer firefighters, while their service technicians either are or were firefighters.

We serve more than 700 agencies in the region and are extremely customer-service oriented, said John Harris, Jr., vice president of sales and one of the second generation owners of Har-Rob. We are very pleased to be joining the Crimson team. Crimson has a diverse product line and offers many innovative features and products, particularly its aerial line.

They present themselves as pretty impressive and aggressive.

Priority Fire Apparatus and Service Center, LLC in Courtland: The principals of Priority Fire have more than 40 years of combined experience in the sales, building and service of fire apparatus. Priority Fire, which was launched in January 2005, offers complete service for apparatus, ambulances and law enforcement vehicles. All of its employees have also served as fire-rescue workers. As a new Crimson dealer, Priority Fire will serve nine counties in South-Central New York.

We are very pleased to expand our dealership by representing Crimson Fire, said Gary Henry, president of Priority Fire. As former associates of Saulsbury, we are very familiar with and impressed by the Crimson product line. They make a quality truck. We look forward to growing along with Crimson.

MEDUSA AND COMPUTER SCIENCES CORP SUPPORT 60 PERCENT OF AMBULANCES IN ENGLAND WITH ELECTRONIC PATIENT CARE AND DATA MANAGEMENT
Originally Posted: May 30, 2007 1:23 PM
Last Updated: May 30, 2007 1:23 PM

Medusa Medical Technologies Inc and Computer Sciences Corporation will outfit 2,600, or 60 per cent, of the ambulances in England with the Siren ePCR(TM) Suite, Medusa's electronic patient care reporting (ePCR) and data-management software. Medusa will support CSC's work with the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) on the NHS' Connecting for Health program to improve healthcare service for patients. CSC is currently implementing this program for the NHS across the North, the
Midlands and the East of England.

Andrew Spence, CSC's NHS Healthcare Director: "We selected Medusa's innovative Siren ePCR because it provides the right fit, both clinically and technically, for this area of the NHS program. Adding this service to our portfolio of solutions for the NHS further positions us to continue delivering results that improve patient care."

Designed for use in ambulances en route to a hospital, Siren and its complementary hardware employ an easy-to-use touch screen interface that enables paramedics to record patient data more accurately, and in less time, than with pencil and paper. The system is expected to handle over five million electronic patient care records each year.

Treatments provided at the scene are then transferred to the General Practice's record, provided by CSC as part of the national IT program, to ensure ongoing continuity of care. Should the patient require hospital treatment, the paramedics can send information to allow hospital staff immediate access. By integrating the Medusa product into CSC's current solutions for General Practices and hospitals, paramedics will be able to access a summary of the patients' notes to help determine the best course of treatment, often negating the need to take them to Accident & Emergency.

To date, more than 1,000 paramedics and support staff have been trained to use this paperless technology.

John Scott, Medical Director, East of England Ambulance Trust: "This system allows us to capture quickly and accurately far more information than we ever could on paper. That information is then instantly available to the Emergency Department and Clinical Audit staff."

Medusa president & CEO, Scott Campbell: "Our focus is to continue to expand our support to the emergency services industry globally with our ePCR technology."

Computer Sciences Corporation is an information technology (IT) services company.

CSC's mission is to provide customers in industry and government with solutions crafted to meet their specific challenges and enable them to profit from the advanced use of technology.

With 77,000 employees, CSC provides innovative solutions for customers around the world by applying leading technologies and CSC's own advanced capabilities. These include systems design and integration, IT and business process outsourcing, applications software development, Web and application hosting, and management consulting. Headquartered in El Segundo, CA., CSC reported revenue of $14.7 billion for the 12 months ended Dec. 29, 2006.

Incorporated in 1998, Medusa develops information technology solutions that improve pre-hospital emergency data capture, increase emergency medical staff effectiveness in patient care encounters, and ultimately lead to better pre-hospital emergency treatment protocols. In order to continuously meet market needs, Medusa collaborates with clinicians and field paramedics worldwide to ensure the quality and effectiveness of its leading electronic patient care reporting system remain second-to none.

MORE INFO? www.csc.com

WHAT ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE FOR DEALERS VIA NEEDA, THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT TRADE ASSOCIATION?
Originally Posted: May 30, 2007 12:58 PM
Last Updated: May 30, 2007 12:58 PM

By Kenton Pattie, Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)

Some dealers have asked if NEEDA offers a health insurance program that could benefit the dealer and dealer employees. We have been watching the progress of a multi-year campaign in the Congress to authorize trade association health plans.

Senate Bill 1955, authorizing Small Business Health Plans offered through non-profit associations on a national basis, garnered a 55-vote majority on May 11, 2006 but not the 60 votes necessary to proceed under Sentate rules. NEEDA hopes the sponsors will introduce similar legislation in the 110th Congress in 2007, but so far the effort appears to have stalled with insufficient support from the new Democratic leadership.

If you have views on the value of a health plan being generated by NEEDA or other suggestions, contact Kenton Pattie 703 850 8552.

BAROODY, FRIEND OF FIRE TRUCK MANUFACTURERS, DROPS BID FOR CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION JOB
Originally Posted: May 30, 2007 12:02 PM
Last Updated: May 30, 2007 12:08 PM

Michael Baroody, executive vice president, National Association of Manufactures, chosen by President Bush, has withdrawn his nomination to head the Consumer Product Safety Commission on Wednesday. He was opposed by Democratic senators for a variety of reasons, including a $150,000 severance package.

Senate knowledge of Michael E. Baroodys $150,000 severance agreement with his employer the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and his shrinking chances of being confirmed were the cause of Baroodys May, 2007 request of President Bush to withdraw his nomination to be the chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Baroody is known by fire apparatus manufacturers because of their membership in the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) a large non-profit trade association which represents companies which manufacture products.

FIRE ENGINEERING OFFERS WEBCAST ON IMPROVING FIRE FIGHTER SAFETY: JUNE 7, 2007
Originally Posted: May 30, 2007 11:53 AM
Last Updated: May 30, 2007 1:00 PM

FireEngineering.com will have a Webcast from Lion Apparel and Dupont next month, entitled "Improving Fire Fighter Safety through PPE Selection, Inspection, and Care." The Webcast will help you optimize the life and performance of Personal Protective Equipment and help your department comply with the new edition of NFPA 1851. It will air live on June 7, 2006 at 1300 EDT, so direct your browsers to Webcasts.

MORE INFO? www.fireengineering.com/webcasts/index.htmlo

IRS STEPS UP USE OF PRIVATE DEBT COLLECTORS, DESPITE CONGRESSIONAL CRITICISM
Originally Posted: May 30, 2007 11:32 AM
Last Updated: May 30, 2007 11:32 AM

Democrats and consumer advocates, citing privacy and cost concerns, renewed efforts to terminate a government program that pays private companies to collect delinquent income-tax debts.

However, Republicans and the head of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which runs the program, defended the private debt collectors' efforts, saying they have netted roughly $19.5 million in tax revenue in eight months.

The IRS plans to expand the program in 2008, and expects to collect more than $1.5 billion in tax revenue it otherwise would have forfeited.

SARBANES-OXLEY SECTION 404 RULES: SMALL BUSINESSES FACE PROBLEMS COMPLYING
Originally Posted: May 30, 2007 6:06 AM
Last Updated: May 30, 2007 11:42 AM

Smaller public companies performing their first management assessment under Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 may find their first year of compliance particularly challenging. To help unravel the maze of uncertainty, Lord & Benoit has gathered historical evidence of material weaknesses from companies with revenues under $100 million. Since smaller public companies are uniquely transitioning from an entrepreneurial environment to a more controlled or structured growth, some companies may find that rather challenging.

The research was compiled aggregating the results of 148 first time companies with revenues under $100 million (using Audit Analytics and our experience in assisting smaller public clients). Clients with clean internal controls were excluded from this study.

INFO DEALERS AND FIRE CHIEFS CAN USE IN PUBLIC STATEMENTS: STATISTICS AND OTHER USEFUL SUPPORT MATERIAL
Originally Posted: May 29, 2007 4:34 PM
Last Updated: May 29, 2007 5:03 PM

INFO DEALERS AND FIRE CHIEFS CAN USE IN PUBLIC STATEMENTS: STATISTICS AND OTHER USEFUL SUPPORT MATERIAL

Several NEEDA members have asked me recently for fire and emergency statistics -- info you can use in public statements, reports, newspaper columns, and letters to the editor.

Here below is one source I turn to for info here in Washington DC. The original of this report has many tables and extensive statistics that can be quite useful.

For example, one of the sections shows the number of fire departments that plan to replace their fire apparatus on a regular basis. Also, for example: Roughly 14,000 fire engines (pumpers) (17% of all engines) are 15 to 19 years old, another 15,700 (19%) are 20 to 29 years old, and 10,900 (13%) are at least 30 years old. Therefore, roughly half (49%) of all engines are at least 15 years old.

Most of the information is based on national surveys and is not political or targeted at one legislator's viewpoint or another. Anyone can use this info, whatever your viewpoints are on the future of the fire and emergency services business.

There is far too much detail in the original report for NEEDA to reproduce on this website. So I recommend you look through what NEEDA offers you on this website then either get the report from the Fire Administrations website or order the printed report from the US Department of Homeland Security. The official website which contains a complete copy of the entire report is provided below. Call me if you need help finding what you want!

--Kenton Pattie, Executive Director, National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA) 703 850 8552

HOMELAND SECURITY:
Four Years Later A Second Needs Assessment of the U.S.
Fire Service

Commissioned by US Congress in PL 108-767 (Oct 2006)
By US Fire Administration (USFA)
Department of Homeland Security and
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

MORE INFO? Click on the title of this NEEDA Newsletter story to see a version of this report in an easy to read format. To get the entire document with all tables, charts and footnotes, go to www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/grants/needs-assess2.shtm

FLORIDA AMBULANCE SERVICES FACE FUNDING CRISIS AS LOCAL GOVERNMENT'S CUT BACK FUNDING, NIX RAISES
Originally Posted: May 29, 2007 12:23 PM
Last Updated: May 29, 2007 12:23 PM

Florida's Volusia County is in a financial crisis providing ambulance service. Funds are running out.

The ambulance service needs $1.2 million to keep responding through 2007.

EVAC's Mark O'Keefe: "When you recognize you have a problem, you have a moral obligation to inform your stakeholders. It would have been irresponsible for EVAC not to have let the county know where we are at."

Part of the issue involves raises due to EMS first responders. Other Florida counties have raised EMS pay. A new study that shows EVAC paramedics are paid an average of $4,500 less and work up to four times harder than other area paramedics, making it harder for EVAC to retain employees.

County Manager Jim Dinneen: "We support EVAC. Our commitment is clearly to supply enough money to keep the same level of service, But we're not in a position to be talking about raises here." Dinneen is on the EVAC board.

EVAC is a county-owned nonprofit ambulance service that served 73,000 patients last year. It is funded partially by fees collected through Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance; the rest is subsidized by the county.

In the past 10 years, new laws have made it harder for EVAC to collect reimbursements from those insurance programs, forcing it to rely on increased funds from Volusia county.

O'Keefe: "It's a problem every ambulance company in the entire country is facing,"The study was commissioned by the county last fall after EVAC asked for a subsidy of $3.5 million, some of which would have been used to give employees a raise.

The county agreed to pay only about half of what EVAC asked for, and said it would revisit the issue once the study was concluded.

But the study came back two months ago, and so far the county has not responded to the wage issue.

Dinneen: "To tell you the truth, it's not as high a priority as it once was."
Volusia stands to lose up to $55 million in revenue if the Legislature slashes taxes, he said. They may further cut real estate taxes.

Dinneen: "Even if there's some justification to what they [EVAC] is saying, I'm not in a position to be offering them more for raises," Dinneen said. "How do you cut the jail [budget], cut the sheriff [budget] and give them a raise? It doesn't work, even if I wanted it to."

County Chairman Frank Bruno: "If we see them falling behind, we will keep them in the black."

NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie was in Valusia County, Florida, earlier this year and noted a dramatic decline in the real estate market, with the unsold inventory of empty houses growing and sales prices dropping, any government dependent on real estate taxes is in difficulty today.

FEMA EXPANDS FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANTS TO HELP IN FLORIDA
Originally Posted: May 29, 2007 12:00 PM
Last Updated: May 29, 2007 12:02 PM

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to reimburse the state costs in fighting the fires. The addition adds the Patterson Fire into reimbursement coverage.

FEMA has approved nine Fire Management Assistance Grants in Region IV so far this spring, five in Florida and four in Georgia. The latest is Calloosahatchee Fire Complex in Lee and Collier counties, Florida.

The two states and much of the region are under a triple fire threat: extreme drought, low humidity and generally windy weather. Current weather forecasts show little chance of improvement in those areas any time soon.

Federal fire management assistance is provided through the US Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible state firefighting costs covered by the grant aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided. Eligible costs covered by the aid can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

CALIFORNIA WORRIED ABOUT IMPACT OF DISASTERS ON STATE'S OIL SUPPLY
Originally Posted: May 29, 2007 11:42 AM
Last Updated: May 29, 2007 11:42 AM

In August 06 corroded British Petroleum pipelines threatened to halt supplies from Alaskan oil fields to California refineries. To help, President Bush released oil from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve to stop gasoline from going to $4 per gallon.

Elizabeth Douglass, LA Times Staff Writer, in a copyrighted May 28, 2007 story says: "Ultimately, the outage was half as bad as first thought, and consumers in the West were hit with a relatively small price hike. It was a lucky turn of events that spared federal officials from facing an uncomfortable fact: In an oil-supply crisis, the western U.S. would be on its own."

Douglass writes: "The U.S. stockpile along the Gulf Coast, the nation's $23-billion oil insurance policy, would be of little use to California in a crunch. The massive cache of crude isn't connected to the West by pipeline and is at least 16 days away from California by tanker."

Douglass: "Oil-rich California, once self-sufficient, now relies on imports for 60% of the oil that flows through its refineries roughly 20% from Alaska and 40% from Saudi Arabia, Ecuador and other foreign countries. With oil production declining in California and Alaska, state officials expect foreign oil imports to more than double during the next 15 years."

"Energy companies are holding smaller backup inventories of oil and fuel and that the nation's crucial network of ports, pipelines and refineries is maxed out and vulnerable."

This year a fire at a Texas refinery crimped the flow of gasoline into Arizona from the east, forcing California to send extra supplies to Phoenix for the last few months further straining regional fuel inventories. Last week BP acknowledged that a water pipeline problem forced it to shut down a quarter of its production in the same Alaskan oil field that made news last year.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA PROVIDES GRANT TO ANADIS FOR GEL TO STOP AND NEUTRALISE BIO HAZARDS
Originally Posted: May 29, 2007 11:25 AM
Last Updated: May 29, 2007 11:25 AM

A gel to contain and neutralise biological hazards will be further developed through an Australian Government research grant, according to Australia's Attorney-General Philip Ruddock.

NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie was in Australia recently and reports on new developments there in the fire and emergency business.

The $480,000 grant to Melbourne-based laboratories Anadis Limited is funded jointly by Emergency Management Australia, part of the Attorney-General's portfolio, and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet's Research Support for Counter-Terrorism Program.

Ruddock: "This funding will allow extended research that will enhance Australia's counter terrorism capability."

Ruddock: "The product being developed in Melbourne will help detect and contain biohazards and decontaminate equipment, facilities and the environment. It will greatly increase the capacity of emergency services personnel to respond to biological terrorism."

The gel incorporates antibodies to the biological hazard. Emergency workers apply the gel onto an affected area and it stops the biohazard spreading. The antibodies in the gel assist in decontaminating the area.

Anadis says the technology can be extended to be used in other chemical, biological and radiological hazards.

Once developed and tested, the gel is expected to be made available to hazardous materials (HAZMAT) specialist officers in the State and Territory fire agencies who are trained to deal with incidents involving chemical or biological agents.

CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION'S NEW MATTRESS FIRE STANDARDS EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2007
Originally Posted: May 29, 2007 11:11 AM
Last Updated: June 18, 2007 12:45 PM

When ignited, the flammable materials inside mattresses take just three minutes to reach a deadly "flashover" stage in which an entire room becomes engulfed in flames,making safe exit impossible. Flashover is responsible for two-thirds of all mattress fire fatalities.

Approximately 20,800 home fires each year are linked to mattresses and bedding, causing 380 deaths and 2,220 injuries, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

To help all families avoid the devastating reality of mattress fires, Louisville Bedding Company has a home fire safety awareness campaign. The BusyMom's Guide to Home Fire Safety includes four free, easy-to-read home fire safety guides.

MORE INFO? www.firedefendersystem.com

FOREST SERVICE FUNDING CRISIS LOOMING, FORMER CHIEFS WARN CONGRESS: CUTS HURT RESPONSE TO WILDFIRES
Originally Posted: May 21, 2007 5:58 PM
Last Updated: May 21, 2007 5:58 PM

The Bush administration has proposed cutting $64 million out of the US Forest Service's $4.1 billion budget and another 2,100 jobs bringing the total recent force reduction to 5,000. Forest Service chiefs have warned Congress that such cuts reduce the Service's response to wildfires.

FOREST SERVICE FUNDING CRISIS LOOMING, FORMER CHIEFS WARN CONGRESS: CUTS HURT RESPONSE TO WILDFIRES
Originally Posted: May 21, 2007 5:57 PM
Last Updated: May 21, 2007 5:57 PM

the Bush administration has proposed cutting $64 million out of the US Forest Service's $4.1 billion budget and another 2,100 jobs bringing the total recent force reduction to 5,000. Forest Service chiefs have warned Congress that such cuts reduce the Service's response to wildfires.

RISE FIRESAFE SEALING SYSTEM USED ON NEW US-EUROPE YACHT EXPRESS
Originally Posted: May 21, 2007 1:23 PM
Last Updated: May 21, 2007 1:30 PM

Beele Engineering at Aalten, the Netherlands, has provided the fire safe system on the Yacht Express which was built by Yantai Raffles Shipyard, China. The ship will shuttle yachts between the Americas and Europe. Yachts will float on and off the Yacht Express and reach Europe from the US in 10 days. Engineering for the Yacht Express was by Beele Engineering. The company operating the Yacht Express is called Dockwise Yacht Transport. The Yacht Express enters service this month (May 2007) and will travel at 18 knots to complete a transatlatic crossing between the Mediterranean and Florida or the Caribbean in ten or fewer days.

Firesafe seals for all penetrations carrying cables and plastic pipes have been constructed with the RISE system by Beele Engineering at Aalten.

The vessels semi-submersible design enables it to accommodate yachts of any size by means of the unique float-on/float-off loading bay. With a length of 209 metres and width of 32 metres, the Yacht Express has a carrying capacity of 5,000 tons and a total deck area of 5,115 square metres. In addition to its cargo of yachts, the vessel can also accommodate 50 crew and on-board riders in considerable luxury. Facilities available on board include a swimming pool, fitness centre and an atrium.

The decision to choose the firesafe RISE sealing system was based among other things on its simplicity of installation. The short installation times which are possible with the RISE system ensure substantial cost savings on installation not only during the shipbuilding stage itself but also at vessel refits and conversions. Apart from providing seals that are fire resistant as well as smoke, gas and water tight, the system is also very maintenance friendly, and enlargements or modifications of cable sets can be performed without detriment to fire safety. Furthermore, the RISE system is designed to cater for both cable and pipe penetrations, which means that one single system is sufficient to seal all types of transit openings.

The decision to choose the firesafe RISE sealing system was based among other things on its simplicity of installation. The short installation times which are possible with the RISE system ensure substantial cost savings on installation not only during the shipbuilding stage itself but also at vessel refits and conversions. Apart from providing seals that are fire resistant as well as smoke, gas and water tight, the system is also maintenance friendly, and enlargements or modifications of cable sets can be performed without detriment to fire safety. Furthermore, the RISE system is designed to cater for both cable and pipe penetrations, which means that one single system is sufficient to seal all types of transit openings.

RISE has been tested world-wide under the harshest possible conditions. On the basis of its performance the system has been certified by all major classification bureaus.

MORE INFO?+31 543 461 629 or info@beele.com or www.rise-systems.com

SHOULD YOU OFFER A RETIREMENT PLAN FOR DEALER EMPLOYEES
Originally Posted: May 18, 2007 10:07 AM
Last Updated: May 18, 2007 10:07 AM

Fidelity polled 992 businesses of the same size, and only 36 percent of employers viewed a retirement plan as critical or very important to staff retention or recruiting new talent.

Edmund F. Murphy III, executive vice president of the Boston-based Fidelity Employer Services Company: small business owners simply can't afford not to offer a retirement plan. Unfortunately, many owners without a retirement plan have a misperception that offering one is too expensive, yet we know it's generally one of the lowest operating costs and offers some of the biggest benefits."

The average monthly cost reported for administering a plan was just over 1 percent of monthly operating expenses. However, the top reasons why small businesses report not having a plan is because they are too expensive (23 percent) or the company is not profitable enough yet (23 percent) to offer one.

The days of lifetime pensions and medical care are gone, and now most of the retirement-planning burden falls on the employees. Some companies get aggressive about helping their workers.

Fidelity Investments has a pilot program that automatically enrolls workers 50 and older to contribute as much as $20,500 annually of their pre-tax paychecks to 401(k) retirement savings plans. Employees can opt out, but studies show that most don't, the Chicago Tribune reported. Fifty employers from big to small, for-profit to nonprofit, in a variety of industries are trying it out.

Brian O'Rourke, a principal at O'Rourke & Co. Inc., a Boston-based financial planning firm, told Investment News: A retirement plan is a great tool to retain talent.

O'Rourke: Don't look at it as a cost. Whatever you'll pay for a matching contribution is cheap compared to going out to the marketplace and trying to replace that good employee.

E-ONE INTRODUCES NEW PRODUCTS INCLUDING QUEST CHASSIS
Originally Posted: May 17, 2007 5:19 PM
Last Updated: May 17, 2007 5:19 PM

Federal Signal Corporation says its E-ONE subsidiary has introduced a suite of products that offers firefighters new ways to help protect people, property and the environment. The new product offerings
include:
-- The Quest(TM) chassis -- features industry leading ergonomic cab
design, 100% improvement of swept windshield area and added interior
cab space. The Quest chassis offers unmatched visibility for the
driver operator and passenger officer.
-- HP 100' aerial platform -- this rear-mounted ladder requires less space
for side-to-side setup than comparable products. A new variable speed
control system elevates and rotates quicker based on platform position
to deliver precise control.
-- 134' Bronto rescue ladder platform -- the tallest aerial at the recent
FDIC conference offers a new general control system that makes
operating the Bronto easier than ever.
-- The Titan Force(TM) F6 airport rescue firefighting vehicle -- delivers
industry leading storage capabilities and a spacious five-person cab.
-- The E-ONE hybrid energy command center -- reduces fuel consumption,
lowering harmful emissions and decreases the amount of apparatus
maintenance.
"We've accelerated our engineering efforts to take our fire rescue
vehicles to a new level and reclaim our heritage as the industry's product
leader," said Marc F. Gustafson, president of the Federal Signal Fire
Rescue Group. "Our next-generation E-ONE products deliver the robust and
reliable product performance that firefighters depend on when seconds
count."

As a manufacturer of fire rescue vehicles, E-ONE engineers and
builds a complete line of apparatus including hazardous materials units,
explosive ordnance disposal vehicles, command centers and aircraft rescue
vehicles. E-ONE is an ISO 9001 registered manufacturer and is a subsidiary
of Federal Signal Corporation, listed on the New York Stock Exchange as
(NYSE: FSS). When lives are in the balance and seconds count.

Federal Signal Corporation is a leader in advancing
security and well-being for communities and workplaces around the world.
The company designs and manufactures a suite of products and integrated
solutions for municipal, governmental, industrial and airport customers.
Federal Signal's portfolio of trusted, high-priority products include
Bronto aerial devices, Elgin and Ravo street sweepers, E-ONE fire
apparatus, Federal Signal safety and security systems, Guzzler industrial
vacuums, Jetstream waterblasters and Vactor sewer cleaners. In addition,
the company operates consumable industrial tooling businesses. Federal
Signal was founded in 1901 and is based in Oak Brook, IL.

MORE INFO? /www.federalsignal.com

54 HOUSE MEMBERS SUPPORT REPEAL OF MANDATORY WITHHOLDING ON DEALER SALES
Originally Posted: May 17, 2007 11:50 AM
Last Updated: May 17, 2007 5:10 PM

In an earlier NEEDA Newsletter story, we warned NEEDA members about a new law that requires 3 percent withholding on sales, not based on Federal taxes owed but on the dollar volume of the sale.

John Maggs, in a copyrighted National Journal article (5-12-07) writes: "Withholding as a way to increase tax compliance has been the law for most individuals since 1943, based on a Federal Reserve official's observation that people liked paying on the installment plan. But it has not been mandatory for business. The withholding provision, tucked at the last minute into legislation that extended some of President Bush's tax cuts, was inspired by a series of Government Accountability Office reports that found pervasive underpayment of taxes by some types of government contractors. A bipartisan congressional committee recommended withholding part of government payments as a way to increase tax revenue by an average of $220 million a year.

"Now opposition is mounting, even though the new withholding doesn't take effect until 2011. The Internal Revenue Service refuses to write regulations for the law, and privately says it is waiting to see whether the provision is repealed or changed. Treasury Department officials declined to endorse the withholding; their response was that simple reporting requirements would be nearly as effective, without putting a financial burden on businesses. The independent Office of the Taxpayer Advocate, which endorsed the idea of broader withholding in 2004, came out against the law and has urged a more targeted approach involving contractors working in areas cited often for tax fraud."

As mentioned in the NEEDA Newsletter story, the House and Senate are considering bills to repeal the withholding. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Procurement Committee on which NEEDA serves, is working for repeal of the new law, contending that the withholding will wipe out cash flow for the many contractors and other businesses that operate on low margins.

The US Chamber of Commerce says the new law is just one step closer to withholding for all dealers. We are not alone: state and local government officials support repeal because it is an unfunded administrative burden that hurts states when competing with the private sector for goods and services!

Repeal of the new law will be very difficult. The new law provides a $6 billion windfall to the IRS in the form of first-year withholding. The windfall doesn't take into consideration that a substantial portion of the withholding may have to be refunded to companies.

Legislators like the idea of having more money to spend on their own Congressional Districts. For example, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. last year proposed paying for school construction with the windfall from the new mandatory 3% withholding; Wyden wants to make the new withholding law effective immediately. He had the support of Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-MT and Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, who was Finance Committee chairman in 2005.

A Grassley aide told the National Journal: Contractors and other business groups didn't take the proposal seriously when Democrats (then in the minority) proposed the withholding idea in early 2005.

The National Journal states: "The 2005 law requires federal, state, and many local governments to withhold 3 percent of money from a variety of for-profit businesses -- mostly contractors or providers of goods and services but also Medicare providers and recipients of farm disaster assistance. It would cover about $200 billion a year in federal and other government payments, according to one estimate. Contractors that file quarterly estimated tax statements would subtract the withholding, so the cash flow for many would be little affected. But contractors with low profit margins and minimal tax liability could see their cash flow disrupted for as long as a year, conceded one congressional staffer who helped draft the law."

The withholding idea was proposed to close the "tax gap" of $350 billion a year that business and individuals may not be paying the IRS.

When considered in 2005, there was no debate about this last-minute 3% withholding provision.

Any business with a small profit margin, for example 2.2 percent, would be hurt."

Small businesses will not be able to compete with large companies because of the withholding requirement.

While some dealers make estimated tax payments quarterly, so they can adjust for withholding and reduce the government's hold on their money to three months. Subchapter S dealers pay taxes through their individual owners once a year. Having paid the withholding under the new rule dealers could wait up to 18 months for any refund, if one is due.

The National Journal says: "In 2006, the GAO estimated that 3,800 General Services Administration contractors, about 10 percent, owed $1.4 billion in unpaid taxes. In a broader survey the year before, the GAO estimated that 33,000 civilian agency contractors owed more than $3 billion in unpaid taxes. As of 2002, 27,000 Pentagon contractors owed about $3 billion on their taxes, according to another GAO report."

The new withholding law requires state and local governments with annual revenue greater than $100 million to withhold payments to contractors. This would increase tax compliance for these governments.

NEEDA: the obvious solution is to improve compliance with the existing laws, focusing on those who may not be paying their full share of taxes, rather than imposing a mandatory withholding penalty on all dealers. The withholding law penalizes almost all dealers who annually pay their full share of taxes or are due a refund.

Of 435 Members in the US House 54 are sponsors of legislation to repeal the new mandatory 3% withholding requirement.

OSHKOSH PICKS PAYLOR AS PRESIDENT, ROEMER AND SZEWS AS BOARD MEMBERS
Originally Posted: May 16, 2007 4:41 PM
Last Updated: May 16, 2007 4:41 PM

Oshkosh Truck Corporation (Oshkosh WI) picks Craig E. Paylor as president of JLG Industries, Inc., its access equipment subsidiary and newest acquisition.

Oshkosh Truck Corporation also selected Timothy J. Roemer and Charles L. Szews to serve on the company's Board of Directors.

Mr. Roemer currently serves as president of the Center for National Policy and as a distinguished fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University - a non-profit research and educational institution dedicated to improving public policy outcomes. He has also served as a Trustee of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and served the country as a 9/11 Commission member. Before joining the Companys Board, Roemer was a Member of Congress from Indiana.

Were pleased to welcome Tim to our Board. We expect his outstanding leadership and broad expertise in issues of national and homeland security as well as improving education to enhance the leadership our Board provides for the corporation and our shareholders," said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkoshs chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Mr. Szews is currently the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Oshkosh Truck Corporation. He joined the company in 1996 as vice president and CFO and was appointed executive vice president in 1997.

Paylor served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for JLG with global responsibility for business development, sales, marketing, customer service and aftermarket. Since joining JLG in 1978 as a district manager, Paylor has held increasingly responsible, customer-focused roles primarily in the areas of sales, marketing and business development. In 1996, Paylor became an officer of JLG and was appointed Sr. Vice President of Sales and Market Development in 1999. During his nearly 30 years with JLG, the company has grown from annual revenues of $40 million to $2.3 billion in fiscal 2006.

Robert G. Bohn, Oshkoshs chairman, president and chief executive officer: Craig brings exceptionally strong leadership skills, broad business acumen, international business management capabilities and an acutely perceptive understanding of JLGs customers and markets to this role. He has led many of the developments in the access equipment industry during his career, including JLGs most recent ServicePlus® initiative, which offers improved life cycle management to rental and end user customers. I am delighted we found such an outstanding leader within JLG and am confident in his ability to drive JLGs growth in revenues and development of its value proposition for the global marke."

Paylor succeeds Charlie Szews, Oshkoshs executive vice president and chief financial officer, in the position. Szews had been acting president since Oshkoshs acquisition of JLG in December 2006 and now returns full time to his corporate responsibilities.

Paylor holds a bachelors degree from Penn State University and a masters degree from Harvard Business School.

Oshkosh Truck Corporation designs, manufacturs and markets specialty access equipment, commercial, fire and emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh's products are are used by rental companies, fire and emergency units, defense forces, municipal and airport support services, and concrete placement and refuse businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount.

MORE INFO? www.oshkoshtruckcorporation.com

GEO COMMAND INTRODUCES EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM
Originally Posted: May 16, 2007 3:18 PM
Last Updated: May 16, 2007 4:45 PM

GEOCommand, Inc. offers an emergency response system that incorporates a mobile Geographic Information System (GIS) and interoperable two-way data communications. The company demonstrated its Emergency Response Information System for the United States Department of Homeland Security's Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, AL on April 30, 2007.

The demonstration consisted of two parts: A simulated emergency response to a hypothetical chemical spill at the CDP Toxic Agent Training Facility, and a live demonstration that illustrated GEOCommand's ability to seamlessly integrate and display data from multiple radio frequencies commonly used by first responders.

The first part of the demonstration showcased GEOCommand's ability to provide first responders with an enhanced awareness of an emergency situation. This was accomplished through the use of GEOCommand's Map and Emergency Response Plan interfaces.

During the simulation, GEOCommand displayed its multi-functional map
including aerial photography, structure footprints, real-time vehicle
positions, and remote sensor data including weather and chemical sensors.
The map also displayed North American Emergency Response Guide (NAERG)
isolation distances for chemicals stored at the Toxic Agent Training
Facility. These fall-back zones allowed responders to identify a
safe zone around the incident.

On the way to the emergency, first responders were able to review
GEOCommand's emergency response plan for the site. The response plan
contained a full complement of planning documents stored in GEOCommand,
including floor plans, digital photos, emergency contacts, and hazardous
materials. With access to this critical site-specific information en route,
responders were able to more accurately judge the potential scope of the
emergency and call for backup before arriving at the scene.

The demonstration showed that GEOCommand provides information to the right people when it is needed. By using GEOCommand, first responders were able to decrease response time and keep out of harm's way through enhanced situational awareness.

The second part of the demonstration showcased GEOCommand as a bridge for interoperable data communications. During the live demonstration, GEOCommand used data radio and networking equipment from several
manufacturers to operate on four radio frequencies in the VHF and UHF bands
simultaneously: 220 MHz, 450 MHz, 900 MHz, and 2.4 GHz. Using these
frequencies, GEOCommand integrated streamed video and data from remote
weather sensors, remote radiation sensors, and GPS.

In the event of a disaster that disables communications systems,
GEOCommand's flexibility and interoperability allow responders to quickly
deploy a backup data radio system for emergency response. GEOCommand mobile units provide responders with the most recent local data until
communication is restored and the units can resynchronize with the server.

Albert Koenigsberg, President of GEOCommand: "We are extremely appreciative of the opportunity to demonstrate our
solution to the CDP. We feel confident that our demonstration has successfully illustrated GEOCommand's ability to have a positive impact on the daily operations of first responders."

GEOCommand Inc., of Boca Raton, FL, offers an advanced and intuitive mobile GIS solution for first responders. GEOCommand protects and assists emergency responders in their effort to save lives by providing the
up-to-date information they need to make critical decisions in the field.

GEOCommand continues to advocate for the public safety community, most
recently by filing comments with the FCC in support of public safety
communications. The company's goal is to encourage the government to
allocate sufficient spectrum for public safety use. With adequate radio and
broadband spectrum, first responders can utilize GEOCommand's
capabilities and protect lives.

AFTER KATRINA, EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS MUST GET BETTER: GLOBAL SECURITY SYSTEMS OFFERS ALERTING AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Originally Posted: May 16, 2007 12:28 PM
Last Updated: May 16, 2007 12:30 PM

Former National Hurricane Center Director Max Mayfield and CBS News and WFOR-TV, Miami Hurricane Analyst Bryan Norcross have teamed up with Global Security Systems of Jackson, MS to an emergency
alerting and communication system.

The components of the system are:
AEN on the Internet - a website available free to the public containing
video feeds and bulletins issued by emergency management offices and other
government agencies.
AEN-TV - a TV channel carrying the most important new conferences and
other feeds from emergency management offices and government agencies. Some
feeds will be carried live, while others will be prioritized and run on a
schedule posted on the channel.
Alert FM (powered by GSSNet)- a comprehensive alerting system using
part of local FM stations' signals (subcarriers) that can send messages
instantly to an entire community or to specific neighborhoods or
individuals using proprietary technology. In addition, the alerts can be
sent to specific mobile phones as text or voice messages and by email.

The fully-deployed AEN/Alert FM system will be a public/private
partnership between local, state, and national emergency agencies and
America's Emergency Network. Any government agency with
emergency-management responsibilities for a community, regardless of size,
will have access to the secure AEN system to distribute their information.

After a regional disaster like Hurricane Katrina, many of the smaller
cities, counties, and parishes could not get their critical messages out to
their residents because the media was concentrating on the tragedy in the
more populated areas. By joining AEN, local governments will be able to
"push" their information to the worldwide media instead of having to wait
for reporters to come to them.

Media outlets will have full and free access to information from
governments of all sizes to feed to reporters on the scene increasing the
accuracy of emergency information being broadcast.

AEN's satellite backbone will assure that the system will function even
when the terrestrial phone lines, cable, and mobile service is knocked out.
In addition, residents that have evacuated to distant locales will have
direct access to critical information from officials back home.

America's Emergency Network was conceived by Bryan Norcross based on
nearly 40 years experience in radio and television. Norcross: "There is nothing more frustrating than being in a functioning TV or radio station after a hurricane (or other disaster) not knowing what's going on because you can't
communicate with the outside world. Governments cannot even begin to deal with a natural or man-made disaster if emergency managers can't communicate with the public. This is a problem that had to
be solved."

America's Emergency Network and Alert FM is a solution.

Max Mayfield will work with emergency management agencies to help them
use the system to their and the public's benefit. Mayfield: "This may be the most important thing I've ever done. No newspaper or TV station
can possibly send reporters to cover all the emergency operation centers."
AEN will fill the gaps in the nation's emergency communications system
caused by this reality.

Robert L. Adams, President of Global Security Systems: "The
combination of a credible emergency content provider with the GSS
technology platforms to disseminate the data across multiple devices is
powerful."

Norcross plans to have AEN operational on the internet later
this year, with AEN-TV on the air in early 2008. "There is a lot of work to
do, but with the interest we've seen from emergency managers so far, and
the support of our technology partners at Global Security Systems, I think
it's a reasonable goal."

Global Security Systems (GSS) is a systems integrator, service provider
and manufacturer of homeland security and natural disaster ALERT FM
systems. The company has its headquarters in Jackson, Mississippi with
offices in Louisiana, Florida and Washington, D.C.

ALERT FM is a personal alert and messaging system that enables
emergency management personnel to create and send digital alert messages,
including tornado warnings, homeland security notices, hurricane evacuation
instructions and Amber alerts. First responders, school officials and
citizens can receive these alerts based on geographic or organizational
groupings through specially designed ALERT FM receivers or any device
equipped with a standard FM chip, such as cell phones, USB drives, smoke
detectors, home alarms, clocks or any mobile communication device before,
during or after an event.

MORE INFO? www.alertfm.com

BOOK THAT HELPS WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS HAS ADVICE FOR ALL DEALER OWNERS AND MANAGERS
Originally Posted: May 16, 2007 12:15 PM
Last Updated: May 16, 2007 12:15 PM

Karlin Sloan, international executive coach and author of SMARTER, FASTER, BETTER: Strategies for Effective, Enduring, and Fulfilled Leadership, sees first hand what happens when women go overboard with the proverbial muscle-flexing.

Female leaders are outnumbered, theyre trying to make headway in a male-dominated environment and that can be tricky, says Sloan. But developing a dictatorial leadership style almost always backfires. Instead of gaining the respect and trust of your staff, you wind up isolating them. That has a trickle down effect on production, sales, and other measures of success.

Sloan, who, by the way, is a woman, recommends that women develop their own leadership style based on their strengths and some common sense strategies.

Women need to be honest with themselves and admit that yes, as a female they may have staff members who stereotype them as being weak or emotional, says Sloan. Dont let that influence you to become overbearing or to create a tough guy persona for yourself. That takes too much energy-- energy that you could use in more effective ways.

Thats why Sloans mantra of SMARTER, FASTER, BETTER is sound advice for women who want to prove em all wrong by becoming great leaders. Sloan uses real-life business scenarios to demonstrate how the paradox of actually slowing down, taking time to reflect and focusing on the greater good can create a leader who is smarter, faster and better.

To be smarter, leaders stop trying to be an expert and ask more questions. Smart leaders know how to ask the right questions, how to distribute and manage information and how to surround themselves with smart and talented people.

To be faster, leaders take time to reflect and focus. Slowing down sounds contradictory to working faster, but innovation often happens when you relax and lose track of time; thats when your brain is in the alpha or theta states.

To be better, leaders stop focusing solely on gaining a competitive edge. Instead, they direct their energy on improving themselves, their team members, their organization, their industry, their customers and their communities. Leadership is no longer about "me," its about "we."
If you can show that youre an effective, enduring leader, youll blast those stereotypes, says Sloan. Great leaders improve employee morale, workplace environment and the community. They strengthen the bottom line by creating loyalty with employees, customers and the community the result of showing they value their staff and take civic responsibility.

SMARTER, FASTER, BETTER encourages leaders to practice sustainable working styles for themselves and employees, advocating a balance between work and home life.

This has always been a big issue for women in the workplace, says Sloan. As a leader, you can turn around absenteeism and job turnover by using traditional female attributes; by being empathetic to your staffs needs. Not only do you build more solid rapport with your employees when you focus on them, you also save money with better, more focused performance, fewer absences, and reduced turnover.

By building a team that sees you as a concerned, fair and flexible leader, women can ultimately become leaders who are touted for their strengths and abilities; leaders who earn their teams vote every day.

US GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA) APPOINTS RICHARD REED TO HEAD EMERGENCY SUPPORT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND RECOVERY TEAMS
Originally Posted: May 14, 2007 4:29 AM
Last Updated: May 14, 2007 4:29 AM

The US General Services Administration has picked Richard Reed
to the post effective April 29, 2007, of first Chief Emergency Response and recovery Officer.

GSA Administrator Lurita Doan "Richard's broad experience in emergency and crisis management will strengthen GSA's mission to support the government's emergency response efforts across the United States, I look forward
to working with him to bring world class service and support to GSA and the
federal government's response and recovery programs."

OERR is responsible for coordinating all GSA resources in support of
first responders, emergency workers and recovery teams across all levels of
government. GSA is the nation's premier contracting and acquisition
resource; with the creation of OERR, GSA is better prepared to respond to
national emergencies. Reed will report through the Chief of Staff Office to the Administrator.

Prior to his appointment at GSA, Reed served as Director of
Continuity of Policy for the Homeland Security Council at the White House.

In that position, he led continuity of operations policy development,
coordination and implementation. In addition, he was the senior policy
representative for the Department of Homeland Security on interagency
organizations relating to continuity of operations. Prior to working at the
White House, Reed was Director of the Operations Division, Office of
National Security Coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

At FEMA he was responsible for Continuity of government programs for
the federal government and Chairperson of the Interagency Advisory Group.

Reed holds undergraduate degrees from Purdue University and Indiana
University, and a master's degree from Indiana University.

Founded in 1949, GSA serves as a centralized procurement and property
management agency for the federal government. GSA manages more than one-fourth of the government's total procurement dollars and influences the
management of $500 billion in federal assets, including 8,300
government-owned or leased buildings and 205,000 vehicles.

GSA helps preserve our past and define our future, as a steward of more than 420 historic properties, and as manager of USA.gov, the official portal to
federal government information and services. GSA's mission to provide
superior workplaces, expert technology solutions, acquisition services,
purchasing and E-Gov travel solutions and management policies, at best
value, allows federal agencies to focus on their core missions.

GSA's Disaster and Emergency Operations Vendor Profile
form puts small businesses on the government's radar so small companies
get federal contract opportunities in a time of disaster. More than
1,500 small businesses have used the online form to identify themselves.

FEMA RELEASES 29 FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY GRANTS: $2 MILLION TO FIRE DEPARTMENTS
Originally Posted: May 13, 2007 6:31 AM
Last Updated: May 13, 2007 6:31 AM

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded the second round of Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants, awarding 29 grants totaling over $2 million to fire departments and fire prevention organizations throughout the United States.

Under the FY 2006 program, FP&S will award approximately 300 awards totaling $27 million to fire departments and other eligible organizations to reduce losses from fire and fire-related hazards. FP&S projects focus on preventing fire-related injuries to children, seniors, firefighters, and other high-risk groups. FP&S also supports innovative fire prevention solutions and research on improving firefighter health and safety.

FEMA Administrator David Paulison: "Every year, fire kills more Americans than all natural disasters combined," said . "These grants support critical efforts to protect the public and firefighters from death or injury due to fires that could be prevented."

FP&S awards support projects in two categories:

Fire Prevention and Safety, such as public education, arson prevention/awareness, code enforcement/awareness, wildfire prevention/education, juvenile fire setter intervention, burn prevention, media/PR campaigns, sprinkler awareness, or smoke alarm distribution.

Firefighter Safety Research and Development, such as data collection and analysis projects; sociological projects and problem-focused technology studies that address firefighter safety, wellness, fitness, or health.

FP&S is part of FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which is a component in a comprehensive effort to strengthen the Nation's overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

MORE INFO? www.firegrantsupport.com

MSA INCREASES DIVIDEND PAYMENTS TO STOCKHOLDERS
Originally Posted: May 13, 2007 6:24 AM
Last Updated: May 13, 2007 6:24 AM

The Board of Directors of
MSA (Pittsburg PA) increased their dividend to stockholders by 22 percent over the previous quarterly dividend of 18 cents per share. The Board also declared a dividend of 56-1/4 cents per share on
preferred stock, payable June 1, 2007 to shareholders of record on May 21,
2007.

Their line integrates electronics, mechanical systems and advanced
materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening
situations. The company's line of products is used by workers
around the world in the fire service, homeland security, construction and
other industries, as well as the military.

Principal MSA products:self-contained breathing apparatus, gas masks, gas detection instruments, head protection, respirators and thermal imaging cameras.

The company also
provides consumer and contractor safety products through
retail channels. These products are marketed and sold under the MSA Safety
Works brand.

Since 1914, MSA has developed, manufactureed and supplied safety products. MSA has annual sales of $914 million.

For other NEEDA Newsletter stories mentioning MSA, use "search" in the upper right corner of your screen.

MORE INFO? www.msanet.com

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY HOLDS HEARING ON 07 HURRICANE SEASON PREPARATIONS
Originally Posted: May 11, 2007 5:15 PM
Last Updated: May 11, 2007 5:15 PM

Tuesday, May 15, 2007 @ 1pm
311 Cannon House Office Building

Committee on Homeland Security will meet to hold a hearing entitled "The 2007 Hurricane Season: Are We Prepared?" Witnesses include The Honorable R. David Paulison, Undersecretary, Federal Emergency Management Agency; Mr. William Jenkins, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues Division, U.S. Government Accountability Office; Mr. Craig Fugate, Director, Florida Division of Emergency Management; Mr. Joe Becker, Senior Vice President, Preparedness and Response, American Red Cross National Headquarters.

TAX BREAKS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES CAUGHT IN BUSH-CONGRESS STRUGGLE OVER THE FUTURE OF IRAQ WAR
Originally Posted: May 11, 2007 5:11 PM
Last Updated: May 11, 2007 5:11 PM

President Bush vetoed the supplemental appropriations bill Congress narrowly passed. The bill, which primarily would have provided money necessary to continue military operations in Iraq, also included a set of tax breaks for small businesses.

Congressional leaders have gone back to the drawing board with the difficult task of crafting a bill that can win a majority of votes in the House and Senate, be signed by the President, and be enacted within the next two weeks so that the military doesn't run out of money.

If the first two challenges cannot be overcome quickly, Congress might send the President a non-controversial bill that funds the war for two months. Such a bill would not include the tax provisions. However, if Congress does produce a second supplemental bill soon, the tax provisions are expected to be included.

ECOSPHERE PARTNERS WITH PIERCE TO SHOW MOBILE WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM IN DISASTER PRONE FLORIDA
Originally Posted: May 11, 2007 12:10 PM
Last Updated: May 11, 2007 12:10 PM

Ecosphere Technologies,Inc., a provider of clean air and water
technology solutions, offers a Mobile
Water Purification System (MWPS) for disaster relief efforts at the Florida
Governor's Hurricane Conference (Ft. Lauderdale FL, May 10, 2007).

Ecosphere partners with Pierce Manufacturing, manufacturer of fire vehicles and frequently mentioned in NEEDA Newletter stories.

Joe M. Allbaugh, former FEMA Director and
director of Ecosphere Technologies: "In the wake of a devastating hurricane and other emergency situations,
clean water often becomes a precious limited resource vital to response and
recovery efforts. In the days and weeks following
Hurricane Katrina, Ecosphere's filtration technology provided safe water to
thousands of people in Waveland, Mississippi. Offering rugged performance
and easy deployment, the MWPS is equipped to play an essential role in
future disaster response operations throughout the gulf region and across
the country."

Mike Schoenberger, Vice President Government, Rescue and International Sales for Pierce Manufacturing:
"The water purification system combines an innovative and proven clean
technology from Ecosphere with Pierce's own expertise in military-grade
emergency response vehicle manufacturing. The result of the joint effort is
a mobile unit that can provide critical disaster response capabilities
ensuring scarce water resources do not inhibit relief efforts."

Ecosphere's MWPS provides up to 72,000 gallons of clean
water per day for cooking, cleaning, bathing and drinking. Capable of
treating virtually any water source, the powerful filtration system employs
a multi- stage process capable of removing all traces of animal and human
byproducts, industrial toxins, biological pathogens, salt and other
pollutants.

Readily deployed to disaster areas, the MWPS features
Ecosphere's robust Ecos Water Filtration technology installed on an
Oshkosh(R) Highland(R) chassis by Pierce Manufacturing Inc. a
manufacturer of specialty trucks for the defense and emergency response
industries and an Oshkosh Truck Corporation company.

Built-in monitoring systems and satellite capabilities further enable successful disaster response in remote locations by delivering real-time information about the quality of the water flowing both in and out of the MWPS.

Ecosphere Technology Inc develops and commercializes
water and renewable energy technologies. Since it was founded in 1998,
Ecosphere's mission has been to bring clean technologies to commercial
reality. Ecosphere's products have been successfully licensed and
commercialized by major corporations and have been used in several
large-scale and sustainable applications across industries, nations and
ecosystems. Ecosphere holds an extensive patent portfolio of clean air and
water technologies.

MORE INFO? www.ecospheretech.com or www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1368&to=ea&s=0

RURAL METRO REPORTS THIRD QUARTER RESULTS: UP 3.1 PERCENT
Originally Posted: May 10, 2007 7:25 PM
Last Updated: May 10, 2007 8:17 PM

Rural/Metro Corporation for the third quarter had consolidated net revenue up 3.1 percent on growing same-service-area medical transport volume, $1.9 million in new medical transportation contract growth and continued increases in subscription fire services; two 911-contract renewals and one new 911 contract awarded during the third quarter.

Company announced $5.0 million unscheduled principal payment to further reduce debt under Term Loan B credit facility; debt refinancing planned for March 2009 when tender costs are significantly reduced.

Board of Directors developing equity-based compensation plan.

Results of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007:
Consolidated net revenue for the third quarter increased 3.1 percent,
or $3.5 million, to $116.0 million, compared to $112.5 million for the same
period of the prior year. Medical transportation and related services
revenue for the period increased 1.6 percent, or $1.5 million, to $97.5
million, compared to $96.0 million for the prior year. Fire and other
services revenue increased 11.8 percent, or $2.0 million, to $18.5 million,
compared to $16.5 million for the same period of the prior year. The Company gained from growth in rates and the number of subscribers in current fire protection services markets.

Third-quarter 2007 medical transportation and related services revenue
growth increased $1.5 million, which included $1.9 million in new contract
revenue offset by a $0.4 million decrease in same-service-area medical
transportation revenue. The decrease in same-service-area medical
transportation revenue included a $3.7 million increase related to medical
transport volume offset by a $4.1 million decrease in net medical transport
average patient charge.

The increase in fire and other services revenue was due primarily to a
$1.2 million increase in master fire fees, and a $0.7 million increase in
fire subscription revenue, of which $0.5 million was related to higher
rates and $0.2 million was related to an increase in the number of
subscribers.

Jack Brucker, President and Chief Executive Officer: "We continue
to drive solid growth within both of our business lines by increasing
market share through same-service-area expansion efforts. Our contract
renewal rate remains strong, and we were pleased to enter into a new
contract during the third quarter to provide exclusive 911 emergency
medical transportation services in Martinsville, Indiana, which is near our
large base of operations in Indianapolis.

"However, the costs of uncompensated care remained a key challenge.
Our 911 emergency medical transports were up nearly 14 percent over the prior year, a portion of which we believe indicates greater utilization of public systems by patients who have no other safety net for medical care. We are working actively to implement initiatives that we believe will assist in our continued goal to reduce uncompensated care and are committed to staying ahead of the issue."

MORE INFO? www.ruralmetro.com

HOUSE PASSES AUTHORIZATION TO REINSTATE FIRE ACT GRANTS
Originally Posted: May 10, 2007 2:09 PM
Last Updated: May 10, 2007 2:09 PM

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 1684, FY 2008 Department of Homeland Security Authorization Bill:

Rep. Thompson, Committee Chairman: " This bill marks a tremendous accomplishment by giving the Department of Homeland Security the resources, accountability, and authority needed to finally become the Federal agency that Congress envisioned and the American people deserve.

"Since the creation of the Department, qualified leaders have been few and far between, disasters have turned into catastrophes, and waste, fraud and abuse have run rampant, all while those in charge turned a blind eye. Today, we bring focus to the shortcomings hampering the Department's ability to function and uphold our promise of protection to the American people."

Specifically, H.R. 1684:

Reinstates critical funding for the first responder programs like the State Homeland Security Grant program and FIRE Act grants.

Gives the Inspector General some sharper teeth to investigate disaster response and border security programs.

Strengthens the integrity in the agency's contracting practices and promotes small business opportunities.

ADMINISTRATION URGED BY CONGRESS TO IMPLEMENT HOMETOWN HEROS SURVIVORS BENEFIT ACT: MOST ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS ARE BEING TURNED DOWN
Originally Posted: May 10, 2007 1:47 PM
Last Updated: May 10, 2007 1:47 PM

The "Dear Colleague" format below was sent to every member of Congress in an attempt to build pressure on the Bush Administration to administer an act of Congress. Authors of "Dear Colleague" letters are themselves Members of Congress. In sending it to trade associations such as NEEDA, the Members of Congress ask that associations urge their own members, such as NEEDA members, to write Congress to express the view of constituents on this issue. Kenton Pattie, NEEDA Executive Director

Honor Our Fallen Hometown Heroes:
End the Benefit Delays Facing the Surviving Families of Our Brave First Responders

May 9, 2007

Dear Colleague:

On December 15,2003, President Bush signed into law the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefit Act.

This important legislation reflects the belief of a large, bipartisan majority of Congress that the families of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders should be cared for when a public safety officer dies of a heart attack or stroke in the line of duty. To date, in direct opposition to the clearly expressed intent of Congress, the U.S. Department of Justice has made only two positive determinations from the more than 230 applications it has received. We ask you to join us in writing to President Bush to ask for an explanation.

Our firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMS workers face stressful and strenuous situations every day as they work to protect their communities and our entire nation, and respond to myriad threats. They bravely serve our communities in the best traditions of America, and day-by-day must be ready to react to any emergency, whether natural or man-made. Our first responders deserve to know that their families will be cared for should they come to harm.

Over thirty years ago, Congress created the Public Safety Officer Benefit Program to provide the families of public safety officers who are killed in the line of duty with a one-time financial benefit. While this in no way can compensate for the loss of a loved one, it allows our first responders the peace of mind that their families will receive support. The Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefit Act corrected a technicality in the law that made it difficult for families of those felled in the line of duty by a heart attack or stroke to
claim the benefit. Despite the clear intent of Congress, the Department of Justice continues to deny or delay the vast majority of these claims.
There is little doubt that first responders face undue stress and that their duty can result in a heart attack or stroke. A recent Harvard study confirms this, finding that firefighters engaged in emergency response are
up to 100 times more likely to die of a heart attack than the general public.

The presumption made by the law is appropriate to their devoted service, and the least we can do.

We urge you to honor our nation's hometown heroes and defend Congress' efforts by demanding that the Bush administration fully implement the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefit Act.

MORE INFO? David Weinreich with Representative Bob Etheridge at 225-4531, or Greg Cota with Senator Patrick Leahy at 224-2414

MSE ENVIRO-TECH CORP OFFERS TITAN 21 FIRE BLANKET TO HARTINDO PRODUCT LINE
Originally Posted: May 10, 2007 1:12 PM
Last Updated: May 10, 2007 1:15 PM

MSE Enviro-Tech Corp. (Brentwood TN) adds the Titan 21 Fire Blanket to its Hartindo fire inhibitor and fire suppression products.

The Hartindo Titan 21 Fire Blankett can protect people, including fire fighters, from fire, and can also be used to blanket, and extinguish, the fire source. It is ideal for houses, offices, hospitals, hotels, buses, ships, nightclubs, etc. Unlike synthetic fire blankets, that are designed to only withstand flash fire, the Titan 21 Fire Blanket protects from flash fires as well as direct fire attack.

Titan 21 Fire Blanket is of particular value in any fire rescue operation, where it can wrap the person being rescued in what is, effectively, a completely fire-inhibiting cocoon of safety. It is of value for such applications as military operations, camping and other uses where risks may be greater than usual and safety is of paramount importance. The Titan 21 Fire Blanket will not burn or be penetrated by fire, acting as a wall of protection against fire.

Mike Robinson, National Business Development Manager: " we believe that it will complement our product line and reinforce our efforts to make a real difference in reducing the enormous costs of accidental fires nationwide."

In any one year, fire causes millions of dollars in damage and thousands of people are killed or seriously injured. Although most fires start small, they often spread rapidly onto surrounding flammable surfaces until the phenomenon of flashover occurs, where superheated gases cause a whole room to erupt into flame within seconds. MSE Enviro-Tech Corp. believes the Hartindo line of fire inhibitor and fire suppression products admirably addresses the critical need to improve fire safety nationwide.

MORE INFO? info@mseenviro-tech.com

FDIC 2008: April 7-12 INDIANAPOLIS CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW
Originally Posted: May 10, 2007 5:16 AM
Last Updated: May 10, 2007 5:16 AM

Several of you asked me for the 08 date of FDIC, Indianapolis-- Kenton Pattie, NEEDA Executive Director:

FDIC 2008
April 7-12 2008
Indianapolis, IN
www.fdic.com

BIO-KEY AND INTERGRAPH SELL INFORMATION SYSTEM TO FIRE AND EMS IN CALIFORNIA
Originally Posted: May 9, 2007 5:45 AM
Last Updated: May 10, 2007 8:10 PM

BIO-key International Inc. says the City of
Brea, CA has purchased BIO-key's FireRMS(TM) Enterprise Edition for
use in five fire/EMS stations. Brea is installing ten FireRMS(TM) Mobile licenses for field data collection and reporting.

The BIO-key system is part of a larger contract issued by the City of
Brea to BIO-key's partner, Intergraph Corporation that also includes Intergraph's emergency incident planning, response and
reporting solution.

The system, which is comprised of law enforcement
records management and computer-aided dispatch technologies, will replace
Brea's system installed in 1999. Intergraph's new
technology will drive efficiency and effectiveness for dispatchers, field
officers and emergency responders in serving more than 100,000 individuals
who visit Brea each day.

Brea's Fire Department joins over 100 departments in California that
are currently using BIO-key solutions for Fire and EMS data management.

Anthony Barone, General Manager of BIO-key's Fire and EMS
Division: "Our product enhancements are driven by constant feedback from
our customer base. Brea Fire Department will realize immediate and dramatic
improvements in operational efficiency. They join over 1,500 customer
agencies across the country in helping us shape the future of our product
offerings."

BIO-key develops and delivers identification solutions and
information services to law enforcement departments, public safety
agencies, government and private sector customers.

BIO-key mobile wireless technology provides first responders with critical, reliable, real-time data and images from local, state and national databases.

The company's high-performance, scalable, cost-effective and easy-to-deploy biometric finger identification technology accurately identifies and authenticates wireless and enterprise data to improve security, convenience and privacy and to reduce identity theft. Over 2,500 police, fire and emergency services departments in North America use BIO-key solutions, .

Intergraph Corporation is a provider of spatial
information management (SIM) software.

Security organizations, businesses
and governments in more than 60 countries rely on the company's spatial
technology and services to make faster operational decisions.

Intergraph's customers organize complex data into
understandable visual representations, creating intelligent maps, managing
assets, building and operating better plants and ships and protecting
critical infrastructure and millions of people around the world.

MORE INFO? www.bio-key.com or www.intergraph.com.

PROTECT YOUR DEALERSHIP FROM FRAUD OR THEFT BY AN EMPLOYEE!
Originally Posted: May 9, 2007 5:30 AM
Last Updated: May 9, 2007 5:30 AM

Most fraud at the dealer level costs your company $190,000 per fraud scheme, which is higher than the cost-per-scheme in large companies.

Here are some suggestions for all dealers to protect your company from employee fraud. (Of course, you love and trust all your employees. But, being prudent is in the best interest of your small business.)

Ask employees to report suspicious behavior.

Employees usually don't want to rock the boat by telling you stuff about other employees. Therefore, why not have an anonymous tip line, e-mail reporting system or even a simple anonamous drop box at the owners office door?

Fraud is uncovered by accident or through employee tips. Fraud hotlines also limit losses.

There is a profile of an employee who may be involved in fraud: overly protective of his work, comes in at odd hours or suddenly drives a fancy car ( bought with inherited money).

Fraud is less likely if dealer employees know theyre being watched.

Conduct surprise audits. For example, look at all travel expense reimbursement let employees know that a surprise audit will be done of expense reports.

Regular audits also work because employees know documents and inventories are going to be examined at a certain time of year.

Send the message that fraud prevention covers everyone at the company including your brother, wife, partner and son.

While a dealer's policy may state that the same person who makes bank deposits may not be the same one reconciling the bank account, don't lift that rule when a key employee has extended absences, such as a maternity leave, personal travel, or family illness.

Most dealers, even the most successful and prominent, say they have had some employee theft or fraud at some point since they opened their business. But most dealers are reluctant to talk about it.

MORE INFO? www.acfe.com/fraud/report.asp

BAE BUYS ARMOR HOLDINGS FOR $4.1 BILLION: GETS SUCCESSFUL PROTECTIVE GEAR FIRM SERVING LAW ENFORCEMENT, HOMELAND SECURITY AND DEFENSE MARKETS
Originally Posted: May 8, 2007 6:39 PM
Last Updated: May 8, 2007 6:39 PM

Armor Holdings, Inc. (Jacksonville FL), a manufacturer and distributor of tactical wheeled vehicles, security products and vehicle armor systems serving military, law enforcement, homeland security and commercial markets, will be acquired by BAE Systems, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, a global company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defense and aerospace systems in the air, on land and at sea.

BAE Systems, Inc. will acquire all of the outstanding stock of Armor Holdings, Inc. for $4.1 billion. The transaction is subject to approval of Armor Holdings, Inc. shareholders and to customary closing conditions, including compliance with The Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and approval under the Exon-Florio National Security Test for Foreign Investment. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter.

Warren B. Kanders, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Armor Holdings, Inc.: "We are exceptionally pleased to join forces with BAE Systems plc, a global leader in the defense industry. We would like to thank our shareholders for the constant support they have shown our company through numerous transactions and business initiatives that have enabled us to deliver superior investment returns. Importantly, we would also like to thank our management team and our Board of Directors for their dedication and stewardship over the years."

Robert R. Schiller, President of Armor Holdings, Inc.,: "We are excited to move this business to the next phase of its development. We have no doubt that BAE Systems will place the needs of our customer and those of the men and women in uniform who depend on our products at the center of their ongoing effort. We owe a special thanks and a deep debt of gratitude to each of our over 8,000 employees around the world. Their tireless commitment to excellence and innovation has and will continue to make this organization strong for many years into the future."

Armor Holdings, Inc. is a diversified manufacturer of branded products for the military, law enforcement, and personnel safety markets.

MORE INFO? www.armorholdings.com

WILDFIRES STRIKE GEORGIA, FLORIDA, MINNESOTA
Originally Posted: May 8, 2007 6:31 PM
Last Updated: May 8, 2007 6:31 PM

Crews already battling more than 200 wildfires across Florida faced a new threat Tuesday as a huge blaze in Georgia moved toward the state line and a smaller fire crossed it. This is the largest fire ever in Georgia, the Associated Press writes in a copyrighted story.

Fires, high wind and tinder-dry conditions made it difficult to battle the 200 Georgia and Florida blazes, which had covered about 78 square miles, or 50,000 acres. Authorities evacuated about 200 homes in north Florida on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 and hundreds more residents were on evacuation standby.

Georgia crews were battling two fires less than 10 miles apart - one that had blackened about 100,000 acres, or 156 square miles, and another that had covered 30,000 acres.

A fire crossed the Florida border.

The Georgia wildfire is going into the Okefenokee Swamp and toward Florida.

A wildfire at the US-Canadian border burned nearly 26 square miles in Minnesota. 100 people were evacuated.

OSHKOSH FIRE AND EMERGENCY SALES UP $32.9 percent to $294 MILLION IN QUARTER
Originally Posted: May 7, 2007 6:04 PM
Last Updated: May 7, 2007 6:04 PM

Oshkosh Truck Corporation (Oshkosh WI), a manufacturer of specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies has second quarter of fiscal 2007 earnings on $1.7 billion and net income of $50.9 million.

Fire and emergencyFire and emergency segment sales increased 32.9 percent to $294.2 million for the quarter compared to the prior year quarter. Operating income was up 54.6 percent to $27.6 million, or 9.4 percent of sales, compared to the prior year quarter operating income of $17.9 million, or 8.1 percent of sales. The acquisition of Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles (OSV) contributed sales and operating income totaling $35.8 million and $2.2 million, respectively, in the quarter. OSV results included a charge of $1.6 million related to the revaluation of inventory at the acquisition date of OSV. The 16.8 percent increase in sales for other businesses in the segment reflected double-digit percentage increases in sales of fire apparatus, towing products and airport products. In the second quarter of the prior year, two separate supplier component issues precluded revenue recognition of 70 fire trucks involving sales of $13.6 million and operating income of $2.0 million. The operating income margin for the segment increased largely due to improved margins at the Companys domestic fire apparatus business as a result of ongoing cost reduction initiatives.

These results compare with sales of $844.8 million and net income of $49.8 million for 2006s second quarter.

Sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 doubled, increasing 96.6 percent as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2006. The recent acquisition of JLG Industries, Inc. contributed sales of $707.9 million to the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

Sales grew in the Companys fire and emergency and commercial segments, while the Companys defense segment sales declined due to an anticipated decrease in parts and service sales.

Operating income increased 69.1 percent to $134.8 million, or 8.1 percent of sales. The Companys access equipment segment contributed operating income of $53.2 million. Operating income grew at double-digit percentages in the fire and emergency and commercial segments, while the defense segment experienced a double-digit percentage decrease in operating income.

Robert G. Bohn, chairman, president and chief executive officer: Were pleased with this most recent performance, and especially encouraged by the strength we continue to experience with JLG, which comprises our new access equipment segment. JLG is the latest and largest of Oshkosh Trucks acquisitions, and is proving to be the strong and transformational business that we thought it would be. In addition to the solid results from JLG this quarter, we also increased our sales and earnings expectations for JLG for fiscal 2007 and now expect the acquisition to be approximately $0.25 - $0.35 accretive to earnings in fiscal 2007.

Bohn:This quarter, we also had a number of other important developments for the business. We announced a major contract renewal in our defense business and the award of an initial contract for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles that could lead Oshkosh into a new product offering for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied nations. We believe we repositioned our European refuse operations for improved performance by commencing a plan to reduce the workforce, close a facility and relocate some fabrications to a lower-cost factory in Romania.

Also, our entire team contributed to deliver exceptional cash flow during the quarter. We reduced our debt by $221 million during the second quarter, achieving our fiscal 2007 debt reduction target six months early. And, we were able to re-price our $2.6 billion term loan B at a 25 basis point lower spread, which will lower our expected interest costs over the next several years."

Factors affecting second quarter results for the Companys business segments included:

Access equipmentAccess equipment segment sales were $707.9 million for the quarter, while operating income was $53.2 million, or 7.5 percent of sales. These results included charges totaling 3.5 percent of sales, consisting of $8.5 million related to the revaluation of inventory at the acquisition date of JLG and $16.1 million related primarily to recurring amortization of intangible and tangible assets established in the preliminary purchase accounting for the JLG acquisition.

Sales reflected strong demand in Europe for all products and for aerial work platforms in North America, but the segment experienced softer demand for traditional telehandler business in North America. Sales for the segment were 19.6 percent higher in the quarter than sales for JLG as a stand-alone company for the same period last year. JLG was dilutive to EPS for the second quarter by $0.02 per share. The Company had previously estimated that JLG would be dilutive to second quarter EPS by $0.10 - $0.15 per share, but average borrowings during the quarter were lower than the Companys previous estimates.

DefenseDefense segment sales decreased 8.4 percent to $306.0 million for the quarter compared to the prior years second quarter due to a decrease in parts and service sales. Truck sales were up slightly versus the comparable prior year quarter.

Operating income in the second quarter was down 19.8 percent to $52.8 million, or 17.3 percent of sales, compared to the prior year quarter operating income of $65.8 million, or 19.7 percent of sales. The decrease was primarily due to an unfavorable mix of truck sales and lower margins on the renewal of the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles contract.

CommercialCommercial segment sales increased 20.9 percent to $361.9 million in the second quarter compared to the prior year quarter. Operating income increased 44.3 percent to $22.1 million, or 6.1 percent of sales, compared to $15.3 million, or 5.1 percent of sales, in the prior year quarter. The acquisition of Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. (IMT) contributed sales and operating income totaling $28.8 million and $3.9 million, respectively, in the quarter. The 11.2 percent increase in sales for other businesses in the segment was largely driven by higher unit sales volume at the Companys domestic operations involving sales of chassis with 2006 diesel engines, which more than offset lower sales at the Companys European refuse business. The increase in operating income for these businesses was largely due to higher pricing and higher production volumes in North America offset in part by a loss sustained at the Companys European refuse operations. The Companys European refuse operations had an operating loss of $6.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 compared with operating income of $1.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. The operating loss resulted from charges totaling $4.9 million for workforce reductions and other adjustments and lower unit volumes.

Corporate and other Operating expenses and inter-segment profit elimination increased $1.6 million to $20.9 million. The increase in the second quarter was largely due to higher personnel costs and integration costs associated with the acquisition of JLG. Interest expense net of interest income for the quarter increased $61.2 million to $61.0 million compared to the prior year quarter. Higher interest costs were due to additional acquisition-related debt primarily for the acquisition of JLG.

The provision for income taxes in the second quarter decreased to 36.0 percent of pre-tax income compared to 38.0 percent of pre-tax income in the prior year quarter. The lower effective tax rate reflected the impacts of the JLG acquisition and the reinstatement of the federal research and development tax credit.

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates increased to $2.9 million during the second quarter compared to $0.4 million in the prior year quarter due to improved performance of an affiliate in Mexico and the addition of a joint venture in Europe which was acquired in the acquisition of JLG.

Total debt decreased $220.7 million during the second quarter to $3.1 billion at March 31, 2007 as compared to $3.3 billion at December 31, 2006 due primarily to the repayment of the revolving line of credit as a result of the receipt of customer advances.

The Company reported that earnings per share decreased 11.5 percent to $1.23 per share for the first six months of fiscal 2007 on sales of $2.7 billion and net income of $92.1 million compared to $1.39 per share for the first six months of fiscal 2006 on sales of $1.6 billion and net income of $102.9 million. The JLG acquisition contributed significantly to both the increase in sales and decrease in net income compared to the prior year. Due to the impact of certain purchase accounting adjustments and the closing of the JLG acquisition during the seasonally slow holiday period, the acquisition of JLG was dilutive to EPS for the first six months of fiscal 2007 by $0.15 per share. Lower defense sales and operating income, due to an adverse truck product mix and lower parts and service sales, also contributed to the decline in EPS for the first half of fiscal 2007.

Operating income increased 31.0 percent to $218.4 million, or 8.2 percent of sales, in the first six months of fiscal 2007 compared to $166.7 million, or 10.2 percent of sales, in the first six months of fiscal 2006. The increase in operating income compared to the prior year was driven primarily by the JLG acquisition.

Fiscal 2007 Estimates

The Company reaffirmed its estimated range of fiscal 2007 earnings per share to be between $3.15 and $3.25 per share compared to $2.76 per share in fiscal 2006. This estimate range reflects the Companys better than anticipated financial performance during the second quarter of fiscal 2007, and that the Company now expects $50 million of lower defense parts and service sales in the second half of fiscal 2007 as a service contract was awarded to the Company later than anticipated. The estimate range also recognizes the challenges the Company expects to face throughout the balance of fiscal 2007. The Company expects its earnings per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 to be between $0.90 and $0.95 per share compared to $0.72 per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 due to a shift in defense sales from the first to the second half of the fiscal year, and as JLG is expected to be $ 0.20 to $0.25 per share accretive to earnings in the third quarter.

Oshkosh Truck Corporations Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share of Common Stock. The dividend, unchanged from the immediately preceding quarter, will be payable May 25, 2007, to shareholders of record as of May 17, 2007.

Oshkosh Truck Corporation is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, military, commercial and fire and emergency vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkoshs products are valued worldwide by rental and construction companies, defense forces, fire and emergency units, municipal and airport support services, and concrete placement and refuse businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount.

MORE INFO? www.oshkoshtruckcorporation.com

RURAL METRO HAS AMBULANCE SERVICE IN TUCSON AZ
Originally Posted: May 7, 2007 5:08 PM
Last Updated: May 7, 2007 5:08 PM

Rural/Metro Corporation's (Scottsdale AZ) Southwest Ambulance division has been awarded a renewal contract to continue as the exclusive 911 emergency medical transportation partner to the City of Tucson, AZ, and the Tucson Fire Department.

Southwest Ambulance has been the sole provider of Basic Life Support (BLS) medical transportation services in Tucson for more than a decade. The latest renewal contract term began March 1, 07 and is renewable annually through 12. Tucson Fire Department provides all Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance transports within the city. Billing services for all Tucson Fire Department transports are provided under a separate contract with Southwest Ambulance.

Jack Brucker, President and Chief Financial Officer: "Our longstanding partnership with in Tucson serves as a excellent example of our ability to tailor our services to the needs of a growing community and to partner with fire department professionals to enhance delivery of high-quality patient care."

Tucson Fire Department Assistant Chief Dave Ridings: "This partnership involves cooperation, open dialogue, and strategic planning that is wholly devoted to providing rapid patient care of the highest quality. Southwest Ambulance continues to be responsive to the needs of the city and our department whenever pre-hospital issues arise. We believe we have been and will continue to be well-served through this contract."

Jeff Sargent, President of Southwest Ambulance: "We are pleased to continue our partnership in Tucson. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Tucson Fire Department to explore innovative ways to enhance the delivery of emergency services to Tucson residents."

Southwest Ambulance responds to 28,000 BLS ambulance requests for transports each year throughout the City of Tucson and employs 250 emergency service professionals to meet the medical transportation needs of the community.

Rural/Metro Corporation provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation, fire protection, and other safety services in 24 states and approximately 400 communities throughout the United States.

MORE INFO? www.ruralmetro.com

ROAD RESCUE/SPARTAN OFFERS NEW AMBULANCE
Originally Posted: May 7, 2007 7:17 AM
Last Updated: May 7, 2007 7:17 AM

Road Rescue, Marion SC, will manufacture a new ambulance with safety
features to protect emergency medical technicians working on patients
during the transport process. Road Rescue said at the April 07 FDIC trade show in Indianapolis that they are accepting orders.

Randy Knors, President of Road Rescue: "The current configuration of most ambulances makes it difficult for technicians to safely perform life-saving functions on their patients while remaining securely strapped into their seats. "Our new design has repositioned the seating and added retractable harnesses that provide more freedom of movement to EMTs
without sacrificing their personal safety.

Road Rescue's new safety ambulance concept features:

Reconfigured seating that replaces the traditional squad bench with two separate seats for technicians. The front tech seat is on a base that moves along a track with a five-point, retractable harness that provides the EMT with more mobility at the head of the patient. The rear-seating position features an independent seat-base and a static five-point harness.

Revised door placement, which shifts the side-entry door toward the bulkhead, allows for an additional working area along the curb-side wall inside the vehicle.

Redesigned internal cabinetry, provides an "action-area" configured to support the equipment necessary to provide life-saving care to a patient during transport.

Secondary control panel, providing full control of the patient compartment lighting and other functions in the patient area to technicians seated on either side of the patient.

"Safety of technicians, patients and the driver is critical," Knors
said. "Our new safety ambulance, which allows emergency-rescue personnel to provide effective patient care in a safe, secure environment, should
resonate with the industry."

More than 16.2 million patients arrive at emergency rooms across the
country each year, a number that has grown over the past decade. More than
80 percent of all fire department service calls nationwide are now
requesting emergency medical services.

Established in 1976, Road Rescue, Inc. designs and
manufactures custom ambulances and emergency-rescue vehicles. Road Rescue new features allow technicians to provide effective patient
care in a safe, secure environment. Road Rescue is a subsidiary of Spartan
Motors, Inc.

MORE INFO? www.roadrescue.com

FEDERAL AND PRINCE WILLIAM (VA) OFFICIALS SEEK 05 DUMFRIES (VA) CHURCH ARSONIST
Originally Posted: May 4, 2007 5:27 PM
Last Updated: May 4, 2007 5:27 PM

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Prince William County (VA) Fire Marshal's Office is seeking the public's help in identifying the person(s) responsible for the fire at the Abundant Life Baptist Church in Dumfries Va.

The fire occurred at 1 AM on April 28, 05, and completely destroyed the church, which was located at 17950 Curtis Drive in Dumfries. Fire damage to the church was over $1 million. Two firefighters also received minor injuries while fighting the fire.

Arson investigations are very complex, often taking several months or
years to complete.

An ATF behavioral profiler has provided investigators with a list of traits and characteristics that might assist someone who may know the individual responsible for this fire.

People from all walks of life have been convicted of arson, including
professional people, public safety officials, and others. Oftentimes
members of the public have information of value, but don't come forward
with the information because of concerns that it may not be important, or
may be a waste of time.

Members of the public should contact ATF or the
Prince William Fire Marshal's office no matter how insignificant they might
think their information is.

The following analysis is not considered all inclusive, and the public
should not discount an individual they suspect if he does not fit perfectly
with this analysis. The use of the profiler is just one of many
investigative tools available to investigators and is not the end all to a
case.

This fire was intentionally set; it is possible, however, that the fire
setter did not intend for the blaze to get out of hand, resulting in the
total destruction of the church.

An assessment of this type of offender would suggest that at the time of the fire, he was stressed by some emotional issue and may have been experiencing feelings of hurt, anger or jealousy.

Although starting the fire may have given the arsonist some temporary
relief, it is unlikely that its results provided him any comfort. The arsonist may have resorted to substance abuse to deal with the original problems, which may now be escalated by feelings of remorse for his actions.

The 07 anniversary time will remind the arsonist of the night of the fire and
bring forth feelings of anxiety associated with it. This anxiety cannot
ever be totally relieved since this investigation will not be closed until
the offender is identified. The arsonist probably has not been able to move on at all with his life, and he will not be able to do so, until this matter is
resolved. Others around him may note he is particularly withdrawn or
anxious at this time. Again, he may turn to alcohol and drug use to attempt
to ease his pain.

Investigators would like to help him. It's possible that things may
have gotten out of hand that night and officials want to hear the arsonist'ss side of the story.

What may have started as a simple act of vandalism grew into a much
greater than intended destruction of property. Investigators are confident the arsonist will be identified. The arsonist who chooses to contact us, will be putting this incident behind. He will be treated by our legal system.

Investigators have considered the possibility that the person
responsible for this fire did not act alone and that the fire may have been
motivated by excitement.

It is unlikely that they intended for the entire church to be destroyed. Experience shows that in incidents involving more than one fire setter, eventually at least one of the parties' talks or is identified through investigation. Obviously, it would be in their best interests to come forward together.

Relationships and loyalties change over time. Priorities to associations may change as individuals mature and develop new values. At least one of these
individuals is considering coming forward and is encouraged to do so.
Investigators understand that the events of that night could have been the
result of a prank gone badly.

Investigators are reaching out to the public at large, especially to
those persons who may be potential witnesses or have crucial information.
It may be that someone close to the fire setter suspects or knows of his
involvement. There is a great likelihood that at least one family member --
a parent, sibling, or older relative -- has knowledge or strong suspicions
about the fire setter. It truly is in the best interest of the person or
persons responsible to be identified. Individuals close to the fire setter
are not doing the arsonist any favors by preventing accountability for the act.

MORE INFO? 1-888-ATF-FIRE

IMPROVEMENTS IN HEAVY TRUCK ENGINE EMISSIONS: ARGONNE NATIONAL LABS AND CATERPILLAR
Originally Posted: May 4, 2007 12:03 PM
Last Updated: May 4, 2007 12:06 PM

The Transportation Technology R and D Center of Argonne National Labs:

Diesel trucks no longer produce visible smoke, but diesel exhaust continues to come under heavy scrutiny for producing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).

NOx contributes to the formation of atmospheric ozone, and particulate matter, very small (nanometer-sized) carbon-based particles, is believed to be a health hazard. A trade-off exists between these two exhaust emission in which reducing PM increases NOx and vice versa.

Argonne engineers have found and patented a way to reduce both NOx and PM simultaneously with late-cycle air/oxygen-enriched air injection technology. As a result of this invention, Argonne and Caterpillar Inc., established a CRADA program to explore new technologies for reducing diesel engine exhaust emissions.

KIVA Model: Results of Late-Cycle Air Injection
The program with Caterpillar began in 1998 by using a two-phase approach for reducing the engine exhaust emissions with late-cycle air/oxygen enriched air injection.

In Phase I, the concept was studied with the help of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, KIVA-3. Phase II involves verifying the modeling results experimentally. To do this, a single-cylinder version of Caterpillar's popular on-highway truck engine (model 3406E) has been installed at Argonne's Powertrain and Emissions Research Laboratory.

Caterpillar Engine: Results

The KIVA-3 studies show that when late-cycle air injection characteristics are optimized, the technology can reduce PM emissions by 70% while simultaneously reducing NOx emissions by 40%. This reduction was achieved without sacrificing overall engine efficiency. Experimental verification of these findings on the single-cylinder Caterpillar research engine is currently under way.

Future Plans

Verification of the KIVA model will lead to more in-depth study of optimizing the air injection system and devising, innovative ways to physically introduce the air into the engine's combustion chamber. The KIVA model and the experimental facility will continue to be used to provide further insight into the mechanisms controlling this modified combustion process.

US STILL NOT PREPARED FOR CATASTROPHE: COMMISSION MAKES 25 RECOMMENDATIONS
Originally Posted: May 4, 2007 11:42 AM
Last Updated: May 4, 2007 11:42 AM

Federal, state and local governments, the private sector, and American citizens themselves must be substantially better prepared to face the devastating impact of future mega-catastrophes.

Governments at all levels, together with the private sector, must do a
better job of attending to the human and economic needs of victims
immediately after mega-catastrophes.

These are two of the findings released in the new report "A Call to Action" by the Financial Services Roundtable Blue Ribbon Commission on Mega-Catastrophes. The report identifies other disaster preparedness needs and offers 25 recommendations to better prepare the nation for future catastrophes.

The Blue Ribbon Commission was formed to develop a comprehensive report and to make recommendations to reduce the impact of mega-catastrophes (mega- CATs on human life and the economy, pay for the costs of rebuilding and reconstruction after mega-CATs in an efficient and equitable manner, and improve immediate responses to and recovery from mega-catastrophes.

"We urge policymakers at all levels of government to take prompt action
to implement the recommendations," said Edward Rust, Jr., chairman and CEO
of State Farm Insurance Companies and chairman of the Blue Ribbon
Commission. "We must learn lessons from previous disasters. We must apply
those lessons to minimize the consequences of future mega-catastrophes."

The report includes 25 recommendations for how the United States can
best prepare for and recover from mega-catastrophes. The recommendations
are divided into the following three areas:
-- Reducing the human and economic impacts of future mega-CATs
-- Paying for the costs of future mega-CATs more efficiently and fairly
-- Improving response to victims and expediting recovery from future
mega-CATs

Kerry Killinger, chairman and CEO of Washington Mutual Inc., and vice chairman of the Blue Ribbon Commission: "Above all else, we certainly know one thing from past such events: preparation makes all the difference.
Although events never unfold exactly as we have planned, having no plan is simply a plan for failure."

A mega-CAT is a natural or man-made event that has significant adverse
national impacts on economic activity, property or human life. The report
covers a wide range of mega-CATs, including hurricanes, earthquakes,
floods, pandemics and terrorist attacks. The report describes the potential
impact of mega-CATs on the United States, including these:
-- Hurricane. A Category 5 storm in Miami would destroy 1.6 million homes.
-- Pandemic. The death toll from a pandemic virus outbreak could be
2 million in the U.S. (300 million worldwide).
-- Terrorist attack. A New York terrorist attack could result in losses of
over $700 billion.
-- Earthquake. A magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Los Angeles would destroy
700,000 homes and cause $700 billion in damage.

Roundtable member companies account directly for $65.8 trillion in managed assets, $1 trillion in revenue, and 2.4 million jobs.

MORE INFO? www.fsround.org/media/pdfs/FINALmegacat4.pdf.

JUNE 17-23 07: FIRE DEPARTMENTS FOCUS ON TRAINING AND SAFETY IN READY TO RESPOND STAND DOWN
Originally Posted: May 4, 2007 11:25 AM
Last Updated: May 4, 2007 11:29 AM

The Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA), Lynnfield, MA, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Fairfax VA, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) of the IAFC, support the third International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down June 17-23, 07.

Giff Swayne, President of FEMSA: "FEMSAs Personal Responsibility Code is one example, and the Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down is another. If, as a result of the Stand Down, we can help responders understand how important it is to take even the basic step of always wearing a seat belt, the effort will have been worthwhile. FEMSA is proud to partner with the IAFC, IAFF and VCOS in this effort."

The Stand Down, "Ready to Respond," will focus on proper training and equipage; it will prepare firefighters and emergency medical technicians to respond to, mitigate and return home safely from an emergency. Failure to remain cautious can cause routine activities to become hazardous, as has been shown in the many fire service and emergency medical service line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

It is estimated that up to 10,000 fire departments participated in 2006 Stand Down and it is anticipated that the number will increase this year as fire departments realize the importance of this event. In 2006, 105 firefighters died in the line of duty; and already this year, 28 have been lost. The purpose of the Stand Down is to reduce these deaths and injuries by calling attention to safety practices and improving them. Stand downs have been used by the military for years to correct issues that have been identified as a problem throughout the ranks.

Departments will have access to resources, including a detailed schedule of events, lessons learned, safety reports, links to firefighter health and wellness programs and a chiefs guide to planning and outreach.

MORE INFO? www.iafc.org/standdown

STATE INSURNCE COMMISSIONERS WEBSITE PROVIDES INFO TO SMALL BUSINESSES
Originally Posted: May 4, 2007 10:48 AM
Last Updated: May 4, 2007 10:53 AM

The website of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners may provide you with useful information on worker's compensation, group health and disability, business property and liability, commercial auto, group life, key person life and home-based buseinss insurance.

This national association represents state insurance commissioners.

Only 59 % of business with fewere than 20 employees have worker's compensation insurance and only 35 % hyave business interruption insurance.

Half of home-based businesses use their homeowners insurance even though that insurance does not cover all the business operations.

For the complete NEEDA Newsletter story, click on the headline above for this news story.

MORE INFO? www. insureUonline.org/small business

IS YOUR LENDER A SMALL LOCAL BANK?
Originally Posted: May 4, 2007 10:42 AM
Last Updated: May 4, 2007 10:42 AM

A study examining the link between market valuation and small business lending for 817 publicly-held banking organizations during the period 1994 through 2005 shows: dealers do better when they have a relationship with a small bank.

Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the US Office of Advocacy: "The market values the added profit that comes from personally knowing small business customers, and being able to offer them loans and services not obtainable from other banking organizations."

Many times small firms have little or no collateral and younger firms do not have a credit history on which to base banking decisions. These firms may be excluded from "transactional" financing decisions that require credit scoring and other analysis of hard data used to evaluate the credit worthiness of the business and its owner.

The "relationship" of bank-dealer relations requires an investment by the bank in costly information acquisition and processing as well as the monitoring of dealer activities. Such investments result in higher fees and interest rates for the small business customer to offset the cost of these banking activities.

Dr. Joe Peek presented his study of bank-small business relations to the Washington (DC) Area Finance Association Conference at George Mason University, Fairfax VA, near the NEEDA headquarters.

GETTING DEALER CUSTOMERS TO PAY THEIR OVERDUE ACCOUNTS
Originally Posted: May 4, 2007 10:28 AM
Last Updated: May 4, 2007 10:28 AM

Outstanding invoices are tough on every dealer. Many owners dont want to spend their time on phone calls and e-mails to customers about payment.

Quickbooks Billing Solutions lets customers access to their own personalized and pass-word protected Web page where they can pay invoices.

Emergency equipment dealers have said that customers may be more likely to pay on time if payment terms are made clear in contracts signed before work begins on a truck or equipment order.

Make the dealer call friendly to avoid damage to the relationship says entrepreneur.com.

Come up with a greeting that is pleasant and projects confidence. The customer or client is not likely to want to discuss the overdue payment and is not likely to respond to a dull message.

Speak in a clear but not loud tone.

Dont allow yourself to be distracted from the purpose of the call.

Document all collection calls. Observe the requirements of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): call Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on Sunday only if the customer has not returned your call.

NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 30, 2007
Originally Posted: May 3, 2007 11:59 AM
Last Updated: May 3, 2007 11:59 AM

irst Semester National Fire Academy Application Period Is Now Open

Emmitsburg, MD -You may now apply to attend the U. S. Fire Administration's
National Fire Academy (NFA) in Emmitsburg, MD. The application period runs
through June 30, 2007.

The first semester includes:
Courses running October 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008.

NEEDA Execuitive Director Kenton Pattie has been to the Emmitsburg campus:
"This is a great place to study and meet others with similar career goals. The faculty is excellent and the opportunity to participate is very unique."

NFA Superintendent Dr. Denis Onieal: "The variety of courses being offered during the second semester covers all 11 NFA curriculum areas and includes a mix of 10-day and 6-day delivery options. It's the
United States Fire Administration's mission to enhance the ability of
the Nation's fire and emergency services community to deal more
effectively with fire and related emergencies. These National Fire
Academy programs clearly support this effort."

In addition to eight (8) two-week sessions and eight (8) six-day
sessions, the schedule includes one session of the Volunteer Incentive
Program (VIP). The VIP session is scheduled for February 17 - 22, 2008,
with 6 different courses being offered. The VIP is an intensive six-day
educational opportunity designed specifically for volunteer and
combination department emergency services personnel.

In addition to the course specific selection criteria and course specific prerequisite requirements, applicants must also have ICS 100 and ICS 200 level training in order to be considered for any NFA course. To assist in meeting this requirement, the NFA offers the following two courses available through NFA Online at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/nfaonline/ :

Q462: ICS 100 - Introduction to ICS for Operations First Responders
Q463: ICS 200 - Basic ICS for Operational First Responders

MORE INFO? www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/catalog/ and
www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/about/attend/apply.shtm

TANKER WITH 8,600 GALLONS MELTED FREEWAY IN CRASH: FIREFIGHTERS AMONG THOSE ASKING QUESTIONS FOR FUTURE
Originally Posted: May 2, 2007 4:47 PM
Last Updated: May 2, 2007 5:10 PM

Should tankers hauling 8,600 gallons of fuel flammable liquids be permitted to pass through areas used by daily commuters? Should key major highways be built to withstand the fire that erupted on a freeway in San Francisco this week?

Experts in the trucking industry are asking if vehicles can be made any more safe in event they are involved in an accident.

Firefighters are examining how they can respond to this type of critical incident involving extreme heat which undermines structures used by fire apparatus.

Gas stations in urban areas depend on regular deliveries of gasoline which requires tanker trucks to go over the same bridges and freeways that are used by the cars which will fill with gas at urban gas stations. Thus it is hard to regulate the flow of tankers as it is impossible to replentish stations only in the early morning hours. Federal laws require truckers to "minimize the impact" of hazardous items by delivering at non-rush periods.

These are some of the questions the Bay Area leaders are asking in the aftermath of the closing of a freeway Sunday, April 29, 2007, which collapsed after being struck by a truck with inflammables aboard.

Abolhassan Astaneh, UC Berkeley Civil Engineering Professor: "This is a wake-up call for the engineering community in California."

Experts say two freeway segments failed: one came down after it was softened by the heat, and the other after bolts and connections melted due to intense head from the truck explosion and fire.

Astaneh told the Los Angeles Times in a copyrighted story that "the section of the 1950s-vintage freeway should be strengthened to modern standards when it is rebuilt, but not initially fireproofed because it is unlikely that fire would strike that precise location soon. Policymakers should then identify all such sensitive freeway interchanges in the region and make them more resistant to fire and explosion," he said.

In February 1995, a tanker carrying liquefied gas crashed and exploded on a nearby interchange, killing one person and injuring several. Authorities said speeding was a factor in the accident.

Jack Moehle, a structural engineering professor at UC Berkeley says the freeway should be rebuilt with fireproofing or precast-concrete construction. Either that or ban tankers from using this type of freeway.

FIRE HYDRANTS; MANY DON'T WORK IN WASHINGTON DC
Originally Posted: May 2, 2007 1:56 PM
Last Updated: May 2, 2007 1:56 PM

The Washington Post, in a copyrighted story based on research by Keith Alexander and Allison Klein, says many fire hydrants are not in working order in Washington DC. Reporters found non-working hydrants that are not marked.

Defective hydrants have contributed to slow fire response recently.

This is not a new issue in Washington DC where a few years ago firefighters had to go several miles to find a fire hydrant working sufficiently to fight a warehouse fire off Florida Avenue.

Washington officials say they have 53 hydrants that need repair. But the reporters speculate that there are far more than 53 non working hydrants as they found many not on the list.

Firefighters in the District keep their own district by district list of non working hydrants so they will be prepared in event of fire. Fire officials pointed out to the Post that some fire apparatus carries 500 gallons of water, enough to handle a one bedroom house fire.

The Washington water authority states that 99 percent of all city hydrants are working; fixing them is a priority of the water authority.

SPARTAN MOTORS REPORTS STRONG FIRST QUARTER: $84.4MILLION FIRE BACKLOG
Originally Posted: May 2, 2007 1:46 PM
Last Updated: May 2, 2007 1:46 PM

Spartan Motors, Inc. (Charlotte, MI) reported record quarterly results, including a 37.8 percent year-over-year increase in net sales and a 60.8 percent year-over-year increase in net earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2007.

Spartan, a manufacturer of custom vehicle chassis and
emergency- rescue vehicles, said net earnings grew to a record $7.2
million, or $0.33 per diluted share, on net sales of $142.9 million in the
2007 first quarter, compared with net earnings of $4.5 million, or $0.23
per diluted share, on net sales of $103.7 million in the first quarter of
2006.

Spartan attributed its strong profitability to improved execution of
its strategic plan within its various markets. All financial information
includes the adjustment for the Company's 3-for-2 stock split in Dec. 2006.

John Sztykiel, president and CEO of Spartan Motors: "We have begun 2007 in an excellent position, encouraged by our best-ever quarterly results on both the top and bottom line and thankful for our success. In addition, we are in the process of adding three manufacturing facilities to our Spartan Chassis operations, expanding our production capacity to allow us to capitalize on our growing backlog and become more effective and efficient in our execution.

"Though the RV industry is currently doing well and our sales and
backlog for motorhome chassis increased in the first quarter of 2007
compared to the fourth quarter of 2006, we do have some concerns about the future impact of rising fuel prices on the overall RV market."

Spartan's gross margin improved to 17.3 percent in the first quarter of
2007, compared with 16.2 percent for the same period in 2006 and 16.8
percent in the fourth quarter of 2006, reflecting higher sales and improved
product mix, overhead utilization and labor efficiencies. Operating margin
also improved to 8.0 percent in the first quarter of 2007, compared with
6.6 percent in the same quarter of 2006.

Spartan Motors' consolidated backlog increased 37.6 percent over the
same period of last year to approximately $250.1 million as of March 31,
2007, the largest backlog in company history. Spartan Motors anticipates
filling its current backlog orders by the end of 2007.

Sztykiel: "We are confident that our innovation, speed to market and current
momentum in each business unit will help us grow market share in our
existing products and support our new product initiatives during the
remainder of 2007. We are expanding on a company-wide basis, but also have the market trend- winds at our backs. The aging U.S. population, with 11,000 Americans turning 50 each day, remains an opportunity for the RV and ambulance markets. More than 70 percent of U.S. casualties in Iraq are from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles are protecting our troops from IEDs on the battlefield. Every 32 seconds there is an 'all- hazards, first-response call' to a U.S. fire department and this level is increasing, expanding the market for our emergency-rescue products."

On a consolidated basis, Spartan posted its best-ever quarterly return
on invested capital (ROIC) of 25.7 percent in the first quarter of 2007, a
17.9 percent increase compared to ROIC of 21.8 percent for the same quarter
in 2006. (Spartan defines return on invested capital as operating income
less taxes, on an annualized basis, divided by total shareholders' equity.)
ROIC for 2006 was 15.7 percent compared to ROIC of 10.4 percent in 2005.

The Company ended the quarter with $21.1 million in long-term debt,
which includes financing for Spartan Chassis' new and renovated facilities
and growth in working capital to support its increased sales. Spartan
reported $1.3 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the first
quarter of 2007.

"I want to thank of all of our team members at Spartan Chassis, Crimson
Fire, Crimson Fire Aerials and Road Rescue for their focus on becoming
efficient and effective," Sztykiel said.

Sales at Spartan Chassis, the company's largest operating unit,
increased 44.5 percent to $128.0 million, or 86.0 percent of Spartan
Motors' total sales. Earnings at Spartan Chassis improved 50.0 percent in
the current first quarter compared to the same quarter of last year, and
the unit's backlog as of March 31, 2007 increased 52.4 percent compared to
last year.

Sales of fire truck chassis increased 37.5 percent in the first quarter
of 2007 compared to last year. Backlog for fire truck chassis at the end of
the first quarter was $84.4 million, a 22.3 percent increase compared with
last year. Other product sales, including specialty vehicle chassis and
Spartan's subcontracts for military vehicle customers, increased 251.6
percent in the first quarter of 2007, and backlog for specialty vehicles
increased 625.6 percent to $53.2 million as of March 31, 2007.

Spartan's RV chassis sales increased 2.9 percent in the first quarter,
driven in part by an 8.0 percent increase in industry wholesale shipments
for Class A motorhomes in the first two months of 2007, the latest industry
data available from the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).
Backlog for RV chassis decreased 2.5 percent year-over-year to $37.7
million as of March 31, 2007, though it increased 33.6 percent compared to
RV chassis backlog at the end of the fourth quarter of 2006.

"Spartan Chassis as a whole continues to execute, as evidenced by its
increasing profitability, while also growing market share, as seen in our
record backlog," said Sztykiel. "Industry shipments for motorhomes
increased in early 2007. This momentum may offset the possibility of higher
fuel prices as we move into early summer. As we continue to pursue market
share in RV, we expect to continue to see increased sales as more OEMs
adopt a Spartan chassis as their platform."

Sztykiel "Spartan Chassis unveiled a new product system at
FDIC 2007 (Indianapolis, IN) allowing fire truck customers to customize every chassis from two base models of chassis. This platform concept is a first for the industry, and we believe it will eventually become an industry standard, as it provides the customer with exactly what they want at greater operational efficiency.

"We also received several large orders from our military vehicle
strategic partners in the last several months, including those for the
important Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) program, and we remain
optimistic about our prospects as a supplier to this new market."

Spartan's mergency Vehicle Team (EVTeam) operating unit, consisting of its Crimson Fire, Crimson Fire Aerials and Road Rescue subsidiaries, reported a sales increase of 8.6 percent in the 2007 first quarter, as compared to the same quarter of 2006. The EVTeam reported backlog of $74.8 million at the end of the quarter, a 12.1 percent increase compared to the unit's backlog in the first quarter of 2006.

"The first quarter was another step in the right direction for the
EVTeam," Sztykiel said. "Our chassis production constraint affecting
Crimson Fire and Crimson Fire Aerials will be solved by our new Spartan cab
and chassis plant opening in the next month. All three EVTeam companies had several new products on display at FDIC 2007, including Crimson Fire
Aerial's new, cost-effective Boomer, which is targeted to the 25,000 fire
departments in the U.S. that do not have an aerial or waterway device due
to cost."

Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures custom chassis and vehicles for the recreational vehicle, fire truck, ambulance, emergency-rescue and specialty vehicle markets. The Company's brand names -- Spartan(TM), Crimson Fire(TM), Crimson Fire Aerials(TM), and Road Rescue(TM) -- are known for quality, value, service and being the first to market with innovative products. The Company employs approximately 1,100 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and South Dakota. Spartan reported sales of $445 million in 2006.

MORE INFO? www.spartanmotors.com/

CLEAN AIR STANDARDS TO BE INCREASED IN 2007 FOR FIREFIGHTERS AND OTHER CITIZENS
Originally Posted: May 1, 2007 5:12 PM
Last Updated: May 1, 2007 5:19 PM

EPA is required by the Clean Air Act to set air pollution standards
called the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, for each major air pollutant by setting levels that protect public health.

EPA expert scientists reviewed the research on the health effects of ozone pollution. These experts recommended unanimously that the standard should be much tighter. They were absolutely clear that the existing standard did not protect public health.

People most sensitive to ozone pollution are children and teens, the elderly, anyone with asthma and other lung diseases, and even healthy people such as firefighters who work in threatening air conditions. The standards must be set at levels that will protect firefighters and these people from dangerous ozone pollution.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now considering a change to the national air quality standards for ozone pollution. These standards set the official limits on how much ozone pollution can be in a community and require clean up to meet these standards.

According to the American Lung Association's State of the Air 2007 report, released on May 1, 2007 the air is still not clean enough to be safe to breathe in most of the nation.

For example, this week the air in Los Angeles and Long Beach was declared the worst in the nation, below national standards.

Science shows that millions are at risk from ozone pollution-often called smog-even at the levels EPA has considered safe. Ozone smog can cause asthma attacks, coughing and wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain when inhaling deeply. Breathing ozone smog threatens serious health risks, including new evidence that links it to premature death.

People most sensitive to ozone smog such as firefighters are vulnerable.

MORE INFO? www.cleanairstandards.org.

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: POSSIBLE ACTIONS BY CONGRESS AFFECTING BUSINESSES
Originally Posted: May 1, 2007 11:22 AM
Last Updated: May 1, 2007 11:22 AM

Many bills have been introduced in Congress, but few that have moved forward. Here is a list of bills being watched by the Procurement Committee of the US Chamber of Commerce. NEEDA's Exective Director, Kenton Pattie, is a member of this US Chamber of Commerce Committee.

Below is a quick overview of some of the bills/provisions; they can all be found on .

HR 1585 FY 2008 Defense Authorization Bill
House Subcommittee markups are scheduled for this week and full committee markup of bill is scheduled for May 9. As with every year, there will be many acquisition reform/contracting provisions included and will be a vehicle for members to try to attach their favorite amendments.

HR 1591 Emergency Supplemental (Title 5)
Title V of the House version included a number of policy issues related to government contracting. Section 569 of the Senate-version mandated debarment for immigration violations. These were removed in the final conference report. Though it is going to be vetoed by President Bush, I do not expect them to be added back in to the version that eventually is signed into law.

HR 1870 Contractor Tax Enforcement Act (Rep. Towns)
The House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing on this on April 19. The bill basically prohibits contracts to companies that have no paid all their taxes. GAO testified at the hearing and with the unflattering title, Thousands of Federal Contractors Abuse the Federal Tax System. You can find the entire report at: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07742t.pdf

HR 1986 Federal Contractor Accountability Act of 2007 (Rep. Ellsworth)
This is similar to the proposed rule where it requires companies to certify that they do not owe taxes before they can obtain a federal contract.

S 777 and HR 1023 Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2007 (Sen. Craig and Reps. Meek and Herger)
We continue to make progress educating members and obtaining cosponsor for the House bill, HR 1023. We are up to 36 cosponsors in the House and we obtained a cosponsor in the Senate, Sen. Hagel.

S 119 and HR 400 War Profiteering Prevention Act of 2007 (Sen. Leahy and Rep. Abercrombie)
S. 119 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 25. Senator Leahy held a hearing on this bill on 3/20. It amends the federal criminal code to prohibit profiteering and fraud (increases penalties) involving a contract in connection with a war, military action, or relief or reconstruction activities within U.S. jurisdiction.

HR 1873 Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act
This passed the House Small Business Committee on April 24 and was referred to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. This bill seems that it may move quickly through the House. http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=36714&sid=5

HR 1362 Accountability in Contracting Act (Rep. Waxman)
We are at the same place as we were last Legislative Update. House Government Oversight and Reform Committee marked up this bill on 3/8; House Armed Serviced Committee marked up the bill on 3/13; and the House passed it on 3/15 by a vote of 347-73. The Senate has not taken up the bill and the closest bill to it for a companion bill is S. 680.

S 680 Accountability in Government Contracting Act of 2007 (Sen. Collins)
Again, we are at the same place as we were last Legislative Update. While it has the same name as HR 1362 in the House, it is substantially different and much more comprehensive/longer. This bill has not been marked up in committee, but I would look for it to be in the coming monthsor at least provisions from it inserted into other bills. Not surprisingly, there are some good and bad provisions in it.

HR 1884 Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Rep. Thompson)
This passed the House Homeland Security Committee by a vote of 26-0 on March 28, 2007. Title IV includes contracting provisions and there are a few others throughout the bill. There are jurisdictional issues with the Senate so it is less likely that this bill will move through the Senate. There was the same problem in the previous Congress and they never passed a DHS Authorization bill. This is not to say these provisions wont be included in other bills of course.

HR 803 Department of Homeland Security Procurement Improvement Act of 2007 (Rep. Carney)

S 4 Improving America's Security by Implementing Unfinished Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007
This bill passed the Senate on March 13 by a vote of 60-38 and the companion bill HR 1 passed the House on January 9 by vote of 299-138. One particular section of bill raises concern, Section 603. It allows the DHS Chief Privacy Officer subpoena authority and broad access to information from contractors and other entities with a relationship to DHS.

HR 1538 Wounded Warrior Assistance Act
Section 301 of bill prohibits A-76 studies at DOD military medical facilities. This stems from the Walter Reed issues and the misplaced blame that the conversion to the contractor played a part in publicized problems.

HR 1645 STRIVE Act, which is the Rep. Gutierrez/Flake Immigration Reform Bill
On page 283 of bill is language that debars contractors for immigration violations. It is similar, but not identical, to Sessions language.

MORE INFO? http://thomas.loc.gov