NEEDA - National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

A majority of California legislators voted down a proposed fire retardant ban in legislation known as AB 706.

The defeat in Sacramento, CA will be followed by the development of legislation to address fire safety regulations in the state.

The defeated bill proposed the replacement of the current California TB 117 open-flame standard with a standard that is yet to be developed. Federal employees in Washington D.C would have been involved in the development of a replacement for fire retardant.

Citizens for Fire Safety (CFFSI), a national fire safety advocacy
group, mobilized fire professionals, medical and community leaders to
oppose legislation that threatened to compromise the fire standard
that has caused California's fire-related injuries and deaths to decrease
by over 50% in the past 10 years.

Retired Fire Captain, Greg Lindfeldt: "Fire retardants do make the difference between life and death. As a firefighter, I see that fire retardants are an effective life-saving tool. They increase the time it takes for fires to build in intensity and increase the escape time for people near the fire."

Proponents of the bill focused on risks and fears about the safety of fire retardant products currently used.

In a recent open flame test of fire retardants paid for by CFFSI, two similar couches -- one with the current California-required standard and protections and one without -- were burned in a controlled environment. The couch without the California mandated fire protections ignited in seconds; the couch that was treated with fire retardants used in California barely smoldered.

CFFSI says California law is the "gold standard" in flammability standards
known as TB 117. The standard requires an open-flame test
and applies to most furniture sold in California. AB 706 threatened to
replace the standard with one that does not require an open-flame test and
applies only to cover fabrics. CFFSI told legislators that AB 706 overlooked fire sources such as candles, lighters, and matches, and would not cover foam cushions and filling which have consistently been shown to be the most flammable components of furniture.

CFFSI: California's fire safety standards will remain high, protecting the citizens of California from unnecessary fire injury and property damage.

MORE INFO? Video of the couch burn the study: www.cffsi.org

FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES: SPREADING THEIR CRUDE FORM OF UNFAIR COMPETITION AND ABUSE OF GOVERNMENT POWERS
Originally Posted: August 27, 2008 10:45 AM
Last Updated: August 27, 2008 10:55 AM

by
Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
PO Box 220
Annandale VA 22003
703 850 8552
KentonP1@aol.com

The Department of Defense is moving away from relying on Federal Prison Industries as a single source of certain commercial products and services. At the same time, FPI is expanding its lines of business to take more and more sales and service opportunities away from local businesses such as dealers, distributors and service centers.

Below is NEEDA's position on the current situation:

Should Federal Prison Industries have a monopoly on any Federal buying as long as FPI does not exceed supplying more than 5%?

NEEDA comments on the proposal which would open competition for products that FPI provides 5% or more. And I recognize that the most obvious application of any such rule would cover high volume items such as furniture and certain hardware. The rule would take away FPI's monopoly in selling high volume items to the Federal government and would make FPI compete with the private sector. Heretofore, FPI has not needed to compete because it has always been the highest priority company with which the Federal government does business.

Among the services my members provide is the repair and refurbishment of fire trucks, ambulances, fire boats, and fire fighting aircraft. Some state prisons have been taking in fire vehicle repairs. So already some of my members complain about competition from state prison industries.

Under the pressure of having to compete for some of its businesses, I'm very afraid FPI may turn to other businesses -- such as emergency equipment -- to make up the volume and income they lose to competitoin, following the imposition of the 5% rule.

For example, what if more Federal prisons go into the reapair and refurbishment of fire and emergency vehicles? Their fire truck repair business might help make up sales they lose in the furniture business.

First of all I have no true measure of the size of the fire truck and emergency vehicle repair market nor the size of the Defense establishment market for these services. So I wouldn't know how to calculate the magic 5% threshold number.

Other industries may be in the same boat: what constitutes 5%? Who decides what constitutes 5%? Will the 5% list be published regularly in the Federal Register or on some website? Will there be opportunities for industries to comment on, object to, or formally challenge the accuracy of the 5% findings? Appeals and challenges to the 5% level would go before what neutral and trustworthy body?

In my own situation, because I represent mostly small private emergency fire truck and equipment dealers, I don't ever expect these companies to make public their sales and service firgures. Nor do I ever expect FPI to reveal an honest report on their sales and service figures. FPI will now have every incentive to say that everything is under 5% so they can keep the monopoly going. (FPI will face competition from private sector companies for the first time on items above the 5% threshold.)

But, if the new 5% rule drives Federal prisons into the repair and refurbishment of fire trucks business -- so that they can penetrate a market in which they stay under 5% -- I would be hard pressed to monitor FPI volume vs. fire industry volume. First I would not trust FPI figures on what they are doing in my industry. Second I cannot obtain data from hundreds of small businesses to see what impact any increaed competition from FPI is having on the dealers I represent.

Unless FPI publishes specific and timely information on each job they understake, my members will not know what business they are losing to FPI. Under the monopoly FPI has today, they are not obligated to announce their business deals -- without open bidding or some other public forum, dealers would have no idea whatsoever what business opportunities they are losing to FPI.

I'm raising these concerns in hope that in writing a joint statement for all the affected industries we will express problems anticipated by industries that could be invaded by an FPI on the prowl for new business opportunities which they would take away from dealers like ours.

As you can guess, like you, I'm opposed to any monopoly lock FPI enjoys. And I'm equally opposed to FPI's freedom to dive into new markets in competition with private firms under any circumstances.

A few years ago, when I represented the National Association of Police Equipment Distributors (NAPED) FPI was manufacturing bullet proof vests . . . we objected that this was entirely inappropriate work for prisoners to do. At that time, there was really no clear appeals process or almost no public information available from FPI. At that time, it took a letter to the FPI Board and some letters from legislators.

FPI is part of the US Department of Justice . . . as you can imagine it is pretty hard to write to the Justice Department about a commission of injustice, lack of fair play, and monopoly by the very department pledged to protect justice, fair play, and litigate against monopolies!

And as you can imagine, I hope I don't have to go through that again to say repairing emergency equipment is inappropriate work for prisoners. I frankly would not want prisoners working on any emergency truck, ambulance, or public safety vehicle: totally inappropriate!

Maybe, the process for the injured industries has changed; but if it hasn't I think any industry I might represent would be potentially threatened with loss of business to the FPI . . . particularly business FPI can do by driving a vehicle into a prison shop for repairs: with no public bidding, no public documentation.

So, while we are composing an industry response to the specific issue of the 5% rule, I think we have to again raise the big issues that are involved so that we don't improve one aspect of the situation while encouraging FPI to go after other industries spreading their crude form of unfair competition and abuse of government powers.

SPARTAN HAS BUILT 30 FURIONS SINCE AUGUST 07 TRUCK INTRODUCTION
Originally Posted: August 20, 2008 1:05 PM
Last Updated: August 20, 2008 1:05 PM

Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. exhibited the multi-functional Furion, at the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire-Rescue International Conference (FRI) and Expo, August 14-16, 2008 in Denver, CO.

Unveiled at FRI in August 2007, the Furion was designed as
an emergency rescue vehicle. The Michigan-based manufacturer has built 16 Furion cab/chassis units since its introduction in 07. Spartan currently has 14 more Furion cab/chassis units in the build schedule to be completed by the end
of 2008 for delivery in the U.S. and Canada.

Richard Schalter, president of Spartan Chassis: "Fire departments are increasingly recognizing the value of purchasing a cab and chassis specifically designed for front-line service with the latest in safety, durability and performance enhancements. Departments can easily configure the Spartan Furion to maximize their response to the diverse calls they receive without compromising their budget."

The NFPA-compliant Furion features:

-- A 94-inch stamped galvanized steel 4-door tilt cab
-- Fully-dipped E-coated cab for corrosion protection
-- 50 degree front axle cramp angle for maximum maneuverability
-- Multiple seating options for up to 6 occupants and equipment
-- Superior visibility with a one piece, 3,265 sq inch windshield

John Sztykiel, president and CEO of Spartan Motors: "As our communities continue to grow and change, so too do the capabilities of fire departments like Miami-Dade to fill the critically important first responder role. The Spartan Chassis Furion is a major initiative in the emergency rescue market that can help departments-urban or rural-to meet the varying demands of their communities effectively."

The Gladiator(R), Metro Star(TM) and the Furion offer varying degrees of
customization based on the model chosen allowing fire departments to meet
their specific needs. Spartan also offers its customers warranties for repairs, parts and replacements, and training programs for vehicle operators, as well as mechanics and technicians.

Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc., is a l developer and manufacturer of custom chassis for recreational vehicles, fire trucks and specialty vehicles. Spartan Motors manufactures emergency rescue vehicles under the brand names of Crimson Fire, Crimson Fire Aerials and Road
Rescue, The company had sales of $681.9 million in 2007.

MORE INFO? www.spartanmotors.com

US FIRE ADMINISTRATION ISSUES EXTREME WEATHER TECHNICAL REPORT
Originally Posted: August 20, 2008 12:24 PM
Last Updated: August 20, 2008 12:43 PM

The United States Fire Administration (Emmitsburg, MD) has a new technical report titled Fire Department Preparedness for Extreme Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters.

This report examines the impact of extreme weather and natural disasters on the fire service and the types of service calls most likely to arise as a result of these disasters.

U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade: "Firefighters continue to be called upon to respond to many types of incidents, disasters, and situations – in all kinds of weather, day and night, Our country's fire service is an amazing cadre of specially trained individuals whom the public relies on during emergencies – including extreme weather and natural disasters. This requires all firefighters to be prepared to respond in the most challenging conditions."

Fire Department Preparedness for Extreme Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters also addresses equipment and planning needed in order to be prepared. Safety, mutual aid, shift management, resource identification, logistics, and other related issues are discussed, along with examples from case studies of fire departments that have learned from experience what can happen. The report provides information fire departments can use to enhance their level of preparedness and ensure greater safety the next time disaster strikes.

Cade: "September is Preparedness Month. . . this critical information is in support of not only this important Department of Homeland Security initiative but also to continue our mission of ensuring the fire service is capable of responding to any and all emergencies, regardless of scope."

The USFA reports usually involve incidents including multiple deaths or a large loss of property, but the primary criterion for deciding to write a report is whether it will result in significant lessons learned.

Under this project, USFA also develops special reports addressing a variety of issues that affect the fire service such as homeland security and disaster preparedness, new technologies, training, fireground tactics, and firefighter safety and health.

MORE INFO? U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727
(301) 447-1000 Fax: (301) 447-1346 Admissions Fax: (301) 447-1441

US CONGRESS: CAMPUS EMERGENCIES REQUIRE IMMEDIATE NOTIFICATION TO ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF
Originally Posted: August 15, 2008 11:50 AM
Last Updated: August 15, 2008 11:51 AM

Colleges will now be required to "immediately notify" their students and staff upon confirmation of a significant emergency on campus, such as an active shooter situation, under higher education legislation signed into law Thursday August 14, 2008 by President George W. Bush.

The move follows calls for faster action after shootings at several campuses across the country, including the deaths of 32 students and employees at Virginia Tech in 2007.

Jonathan Kassa, the Executive Director of Security On Campus, Inc… "Immediate notification of an emergency will empower students and
employees to better be able to protect themselves and save lives,"

Security on Campus is a national non-profit organization that worked with both families of the Virginia Tech shooting victims and campus law enforcement to help develop the new warning provision.

U.S. Representative Carolyn McCarthy (NY-4): This provision "will go a long way to make our nation's campuses and students safer and improve colleges' eadiness and in the event of emergencies." Using both high and low
tech means, many institutions across the country have already adopted this
approach and are issuing campuswide emergency notifications."

The new provision, adopted as an amendment to the Jeanne Clery Act
campus crime reporting law, also calls for colleges to test and publicize
their emergency response and evacuation procedures once a year. Other
campus safety measures in the new law include a federal matching grants
program to fund campus emergency response and notification improvements, an expansion of the reporting of hate crime statistics, and new fire safety
reporting requirements.

Security On Campus, Inc. (SOC) was founded in 1987 by Jeanne Clery's
parents Connie & Howard after she was raped and murdered in her on-campus
residence hall at college, by a fellow student whom she didn't know. SOC
worked to secure passage of the Jeanne Clery Act, originally known as the
Campus Security Act, in 1990 and continues to be the nation's leading voice
for the improvement of campus safety. SOC is headquartered in King of
Prussia, Pennsylvania.

79 FIREFIGHTER FATALITIES INCLUDE 9 WHO DIE IN HELICOPTER INCIDENT FIGHTING CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
Originally Posted: August 11, 2008 11:26 AM
Last Updated: August 11, 2008 11:26 AM

Here are the identities of all nine Iron Complex fire pilots and wildfire firefighters killed recently in a helicopter accident. NEEDA salutes each of these firefighters and we extend our warmest hand of support to the families, friends, and community they come from. This brings the toll to 79 for 2008. I know our industry does all it can for safety and we all share the hope that no life will be lost in service. Good bless their souls and their families. Kenton

Name: Roark Schwanenberg
Rank: Pilot
Age: 54
Gender: Male
Status: Wildland - Contract
Home Fire Department: Carson Helicopters, Inc., Grants Pass, OR

Name: James Ramage
Rank: Pilot
Age: 63
Gender: Male
Status: Wildland Full-Time
Years of Service: 20+
Home Fire Department: US Forest Service, CA

Name: Shawn Blazer
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Status: Wildland - Contract
Home Fire Department: Grayback Forestry Inc., Merlin, OR

Name: Scott Charleson
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Status: Wildland - Contract
Home Fire Department: Grayback Forestry Inc., Merlin, OR

Name: Matthew Hammer
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Status: Wildland - Contract
Home Fire Department: Grayback Forestry Inc., Merlin, OR

Name: Edrik Gomez
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Status: Wildland - Contract
Home Fire Department: Grayback Forestry Inc., Merlin, OR

Name: Bryan Rich
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Status: Wildland - Contract
Home Fire Department: Grayback Forestry Inc., Merlin, OR

Name: David Steele
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Status: Wildland - Contract
Home Fire Department: Grayback Forestry Inc., Merlin, OR

Name: Steven Renno
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 21
Gender: Male
Status: Wildland - Contract
Home Fire Department: Grayback Forestry Inc., Merlin, OR

Date of Incident: 08/05/2008
Time of Incident: 1930hrs
Date of Death: 08/05/2008
Incident Fire Department: US Forest Service - Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Address: 3644 Avtech Parkway, Redding, CA 96002
Fire Department Chief: National Forest Supervisor Sharon Heywood
Fire Department Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity/index.shtml

Incident Description: Two pilots and seven firefighters assigned to the Iron Complex fire in California's Trinity Alps Wilderness, perished in a crash as they were taking off from a helispot in a contract Sikorsky S-61N helicopter (N612AZ). Of the 13 people reported to be on-board, one other pilot and three firefighters survived the crash. The four survivors were subsequently transported to hospitals with serious and some critical injuries. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Tribute is being paid to these firefighters and pilots at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

As of this incident date, 79 firefighter fatalities had been reported to USFA in 2008 as a result of incidents that occurred in 2008. USFA does not have a Line-of-Duty-Death (LODD) criterion nor does it make LODD determinations. “Please note, running totals of firefighter fatalities used on these initial notices do not necessarily reflect the number of firefighter fatalities used in totals for the (provisional) monthly year-to-date USFA firefighter fatality reports, or year-end (provisional) reports posted online (http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm)

NEEDA ASKS US SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCATE TO OPPOSE THE 3% WITHHOLDING LAW WHICH THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT IS PUTTING INTO EFFECT
Originally Posted: August 11, 2008 10:24 AM
Last Updated: August 11, 2008 10:24 AM

McDowell, John D.
To: kentonp1@aol.com
Cc: Holman, Keith W.
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:04 am
Kenton,

Thank you for your r3 submission. By copy of this email I am sending it
to Keith Holman our r3 team leader. He will contact you if he needs
further information about your submission.

Thanks again!

John McDowell
Press Secretary
Office of Advocacy

-----Original Message-----
From: kentonp1@aol.com [mailto:kentonp1@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, August 09, 2008 7:12 PM
To: McDowell, John D.
Subject: Rules that need to be changed

John:

I have made previous recommendations to your office which were not
accepted.

But, I'll try again. The Treasury Department is preparing to promulgate
a Federal regulation that will require that all small businesses which
do business with local, state and Federal procurement offices have 3% of
everything that is owed to the small business retained by the US
goverment for deposit in the US Treasury only to be forwarded to the
small business if their are no tax issues at the end of the tax year.
This is an entirely unacceptable and reprehensible demand of all small
businesses that they would give up 3% of their earned income for long
periods of time. I have not found a Federal agency or small business
that thinks this is a good idea. Can it possibly be that the Small
Business Advocate would see our small business side of the argument and
therefore advocate for the repeal of the law and the regulatory process
that threatens to take 3% of small business income out of the private
economy?

Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
PO Box 220
Annandale VA
22003
703 850 8552

CONGRESS IS COMING TO A CLOSE FOR 2008: SOME LEGISLATION MAY HELP OR HURT COMPANIES THAT SELL TO LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL BUYERS
Originally Posted: August 11, 2008 6:00 AM
Last Updated: August 11, 2008 10:27 AM

by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
PO Box 220
Annandale VA 22003
KentonP1@aol.com

The current session of the US Congress is nearing an end. The upcoming national election will cause legislators to close work early so they can get back to their states and districts for the election period. Meanwhile, in the area of procurement alone, here is a list of legislation being followed by NEEDA.

This list does not include laws that have been passed such as a new law that gives the US General Services Administration the power to offer emergency equipment directly to local and state fire departments, thus bypassing dealers, bypassing bidding, and only offering the products of manufacturers who play ball with GSA. NEEDA opposed this legislation which is now law. The law should be repealed.

Similarly, the "Withholding Tax" which takes 3% of all dealer sales income and gives it to the Treasury Department should be repealed. If it is not repealed, the Treasury Department will put this law into effect in the next few months and in every sale you make 3% of your income will be sent to Washington instead of to you. Every dealer will be affected. Every sale you make to local, state or federal buyers will be hit with the same 3% rule. HR 1023 below is designed to stop this 3% scheme from going into effect. NEEDA supports HR 1023.

HR 1023, Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2007
Repeals 3% Tax Withholding Law
258 Bipartisan Cosponsors

HR 1362, Accountability in Contracting Act Government Contracting Provisions Passed House 347 - 73 on 3/15/2007

HR 1870, Contractor Tax Enforcement Act Contractor Tax Debts

HR 1873, Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act Government Contracting Provisions Passed House 409 - 13 on 5/10/2007

HR 1986, Federal Contractor Accountability Act Contractor Tax Debts

HR 2419, Farm Bill State Outsourcing Provision Became law on 5/22/2008

HR 3033, Contractors and Federal Spending Accountability Act of 2007 Government Contracting Provisions Passed House by voice vote on 4/23/2008

HR 3056, Tax Collection Responsibility Act Withholding Delay, Prohibition on Private Debt Collection Passed House 232 - 173 on 10/10/2007

HR 3867, Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act Government Contracting Provisions Passed House 334 - 80 on 10/30/2007

HR 3928, Government Contractor Accountability Act of 2007 Disclosure of Executives' salaries on government contracts Passed House by voice vote on
4/23/2008

HR 4854, False Claims Act Correction Act of 2007 False Claims Act Expansion Provisions Passed House Judiciary Committee by voice vote on 7/16/2008

HR 4881, Contracting and Tax Accountability Act of 2007 Tax Delinquency for Contractors Passed House by voice vote on 4/14/2008

HR 5658, Defense Authorization Bill Numerous contracting-related provisions, similar to past years Passed House 384 - 23 on 5/22/208

HR 5712, Close the Contractor Fraud Loophole Act Ensure overseas contracts include a provision to report fraud in certain circumstance Passed House by voice vote on 4/23/2008

HR 5719, Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008 Withholding Delay, Prohibition on Private Debt Collection Passed House 238-179 on 4/15/2008

HR 5959, Intellegence Authorization Act Passed the House by voice vote on 7/16/2008

HR 6411, Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act of 2008 Expands USASpending.gov Database and creates more certifications Introduced 6/26/2008

S. 680, Accountability in Contracting Act Government Contracting Provisions Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent on 11/7/2007

S. 777, Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2007 3% Tax Withholding Law 14 Cosponsors

S. 2041, False Claims Act Correction Act of 2007 False Claims Act Expansion Provisions Passed Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/3/2008

S. 2300, Small Business Contracting Revitalization Act of 2007 Government Contracting Provisions Passed Senate Small Business Committee on 11/7/2007

S. 2394, Good Government Contractor Act of 2007 Repeals 3% Tax Withholding Law and includes other provisions to ensure contractors with tax liability are not awarded contracts Introduced 11/16/2007

S. 2519, Contracting and Tax Accountability Act of 2007 Tax Delinquency for Contractors Introduced 12/19/2007

S. 2904, Contractors and Federal Spending Accountability Act Database for Contractors Introduced 4/24/2008

S. 2905, Close the Contractor Fraud Loophole Act Ensure overseas contracts include a provision to report fraud in certain circumstance Introduced 4/24/2008

S. 2916, Guaranteeing Real Accountability in Federal Transactions Act Contracting transparency and whistleblowers Introduced 4/24/2008

S. 3001 Defense Authorization bill Numerous contracting-related provisions, similar to past years In Senate, on 7/31/2008 cloture on the motion to proceed did not pass by vote of 51 - 39

S. 3077, Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act of 2008 Expands USASpending.gov Database and creates more certifications Introduced 6/3/2008

S. 3328, A bill to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for a one-year extension of other transaction authority Expand Other Transaction Authority Passed Senate Government Affairs/Homeland Security Committee on 7/30/2008

BIONEUTRAL OFFERS PRODUCT TO SUPPRESS TOXIC GASES CAUSED BY FIRES
Originally Posted: August 9, 2008 6:37 AM
Last Updated: August 9, 2008 6:37 AM

BioNeutral (Newark, NJ)says its fire formulation was proven extremely effective in suppressing the numerous toxic gases typically found in most household & industrial fires.

These are the same lethal toxins that incapacitate and take the lives of 6,000 people overcome by smoke in fires every year in the US.

Dr. Andy Kielbania, Chief Scientist at BioNeutral: "This
field trail is consistent with our laboratory findings -- Ogiene FS Smoke
Suppression(TM) Fire formulation will reduce toxic gas levels. Reducing the
level of toxic gases in a fire is extremely significant as incapacitation
by these toxins may lead to death. This formulation could provide
individuals with the much needed time to improve their chances of survival.
This is especially important since fires kill more Americans each year than
all natural disasters combined."

Stephen Browand, Director BioNeutral: "If I didn't experience firsthand the before & after effects of our Ogiene FS Smoke Suppression(TM) Fire formulation, I would have never believed it. Much the same as former NYC Fire Commissioner Tom Von Essen, I could actually
breathe in the still heavily smoke filled room with virtually no ill
effects on my eyes, nose or throat. There is no question in my mind that
our new smoke suppression fire formula will save lives, as its use will buy
critical extra minutes in a potentially lethal fire. This has important
implications for the military, firefighters and certain government
agencies."

BioNeutral was organized in 2003 to commercialize a novel combinational
chemistry-based technology that can neutralize harmful environmental
contaminants, toxins and dangerous micro-organisms including bacteria,
viruses and spores. The formulations are "Green" and include natural and
common ingredients which are found in baby products and the foods we eat.

MORE INFO? www.bioneutrallabs.com

SENATORS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO BAN LIGHTERS THAT LOOK LIKE TOYS
Originally Posted: August 9, 2008 6:24 AM
Last Updated: August 9, 2008 6:24 AM

US Senators Ron Wyden (OR) introduced S. 3375, the Protect Children from Dangerous Lighters Act July 31, 2008. The legislation bans cigarette lighters constructed to look like toys or regular household items.

Commonly referred to as "novelty lighters," the lighters pose a serious threat to the safety of children. US Senator Susan Collins (ME) and US Senator Christopher Dodd (CT), both co-chairs of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, joined Senator Wyden as original co-sponsors of the bill.

The ban would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to treat novelty lighters as a banned hazardous substance, prohibiting the manufacture, importation, or sale of the lighters anywhere in the country. Both Maine and Tennessee have recently passed novelty lighter ban legislation and similar bans are being introduced in other states.

In October of 2007, at the request of the National Association of State Fire Marshals the Congressional Fire Service Institute National Advisory Committee (NAC) adopted a resolution to ban novelty lighters.

CITY REPLACES EMTS WITH VANGUARD AMBULANCE SERVICE; UNION PROTESTS
Originally Posted: August 6, 2008 10:47 AM
Last Updated: August 6, 2008 10:47 AM

Hackensack, New Jersey, Fire Department EMTs received pink slips in the mail. City Manager Stephen Lo Iacono and Mayor Michael Melfi plan to replace fire department EMTs with a private ambulance company already hired by Hackensack University Medical Center. Vanguard Ambulance Servicesis the city's choice to replace the city EMTs.

City officials argue budget constraints; but opponents say politics, not money, was the driving force.

John Linquito, president of Hackensack Professional Firefighters and EMTs, I.A.F.F., Local 2081, disclosed that the union has offered the City an impartial financial expert a former fiscal officer with experience in municipal budgets to show Lo Iacono and Melfi how the City can save money without eliminating an appropriation as important to residents as EMTs.

The expert found the City of Hackensack to be in excellent financial condition, and not in any serious economic stress, according to Linquito.

MORE INFO? 914-403-4072 (cellular)

FIRE THREAT ON AND OFF CAMPUS IS ISSUE FACING 18 MILLION STUDENTS FOR 08-09 HIGHER EDUCATION YEAR
Originally Posted: August 6, 2008 10:26 AM
Last Updated: August 6, 2008 10:26 AM

There are four common factors in a number of campus fires:

Lack of automatic fire sprinklers
Missing or disabled smoke alarms
Careless disposal of smoking materials
Impaired judgment from alcohol consumption

Each year college and university students, on- and off-campus, experience hundreds of fire-related emergencies nationwide. There are several specific causes for fires on college campuses: cooking, intentionally set fires, and open flame. Overall, most college-related fires are due to a general lack of knowledge about fire safety and prevention. The great majority of student fire deaths occur in off-campus housing that lacks insufficient exits, missing or inoperative smoke alarms, and automatic fire sprinklers. Also, use of candles, careless smoking habits, and the misuse of alcohol – which impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts – contribute to off-campus housing fire deaths.

This 08-09 college school year, colleges and universities are busy preparing for the arrival of new residents to their campus communities.

Some will be first year students moving into the residence halls. Other arriving students will be moving off-campus and living on their own, some for the first time. For most of these students, the last fire safety training they received was in grade school; but with new independence comes new responsibilities. It is important that both off-campus and on-campus students understand fire risks and know the preventative measures that could save their lives.

Safety Tips for Students from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Candles
Do not leave candles unattended.
Keep candles away from draperies and linens.

Cooking
Cook only where it is permitted.
Keep your cooking area clean and uncluttered.
If you use electric appliances, don't overload circuits.
Never leave cooking unattended.

If a fire starts in a microwave, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.

Smoking
If you must smoke, only smoke outside of the building.
Use deep, wide, sturdy ashtrays. Ashtrays should be set on something sturdy and hard to ignite.
It is risky to smoke when you've been drinking or are drowsy.
NEVER smoke in bed.
Soak cigarettes before emptying an ashtray.
After a party, check furniture and cushions for smoldering butts.

Escape Planning
If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit.
Before opening a door, feel the door. If it's hot, use your second way out.
Use the stairs; never use an elevator during a fire.

If you're trapped, call the fire department and tell them where you are. Seal your door with rags and signal from your window. Open windows slightly at the top and bottom; shut them if smoke rushes in from any direction.

If you have a disability, alert others of the type of assistance you need to leave the building.

Off-Campus Fire Safety

According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are approximately 18 million students enrolled in 4,100 colleges and universities. Approximately two-thirds of the students live in off-campus housing.

Campus-Related Fire Fatalities from January 2000 to Present
Occupancy Deaths
Off-Campus 108
Residence Hall 10
Greek Housing 10
Other 1
Total student deaths: 129

Annual Number of Fatalities by Academic Year
2000-2001 17
2001-2002 14
2002-2003 14
2003-2004 11
2004-2005 14
2005-2006 11
2006-2007 20
2007-2008 18
Source: Campus Firewatch

JOHNSON COUNTY, KANSAS BUYS MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR 275 RESPONDERS
Originally Posted: August 6, 2008 5:32 AM
Last Updated: August 6, 2008 5:32 AM

Johnson County, a large suburb of Kansas City. has deployed NetMotion's Mobile
Virtual Private Network (VPN) to support its police ambulance and firefighter professionals. NetMotion is based in Seattle, WA.

Johnson County has purchased equipment for 275 mobile
workers including countywide paramedics and 13 fire departments.

Johnson County is responsible for over 500 square miles of coverage in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area, including Overland Park, Kan. and 19 other cities with a population of 530,000.

Johnson County uses wide-area wireless and Wi-Fi networks for access to
emergency information, fire inspection data, police reports and other
information critical to their duties.

Dwight Purtle, Technical Services Manager, Johnson County Emergency Communications: "NetMotion's software helps to secure our wireless communications across every network we utilize and to minimize the challenges that coverage gaps present."

Pam Cory, vice president of marketing, NetMotion Wireless: "Our Mobile VPN increases productivity, giving Johnson County's emergency services more reliable data and application connections across their entire area of coverage."

Other state and local first responders that utilize NetMotion's Mobile VPN include: Los Angeles Police Department, Santa Barbara County, the Texas Departmentof Public Safety, Orange County Sheriff's Department, the State of
Washington, the City of Las Vegas, the State of Illinois, the Florida
Highway Patrol, Fairfax County, Virginia, Police Department, the State of
Connecticut.

MORE INFO? www.netmotionwireless.com

NEW OWNERS PLACE GENE GOODSON (FORMERLY CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF OSHKOSH TRUCK) AND DON VIOLA (FORMER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF MACK TRUCKS) ON E-ONE BOARD: RECENT PURCHASE OF E-ONE IS FINALIZED
Originally Posted: August 6, 2008 5:18 AM
Last Updated: August 6, 2008 5:18 AM

As reported by NEEDA Newsletter, American Industrial Partners Capital
Fund IV, L.P. has acquired E-ONE, Inc., a subsidiary of Federal Signal Corporation. A formal announcement that the entire deal has been completed was made in New York City August 5, 2008.

E-ONE's Board of Directors will include Gene Goodson and Donn Viola who
each have substantial experience in the fire rescue and heavy truck
industries. Gene Goodson is the former Chairman and CEO of Oshkosh Truck.
Donn Viola is the former Chief Operating Officer of Mack Trucks.

E-ONE makes fire rescue vehicles including aerials, pumpers, rescues, mobile command centers and aircraft rescue fire fighting vehicles. E-One products are sold by emergency equipment dealers.

E-ONE (Ocala, FL) was founded in 1974.

Dino Cusumano, a managing partner of American Industrial Partners: "We believe in the leadership of Peter Guile and the depth and experience of the E-ONE management team and employee base. We are confident that our partnership with E-One management will create an industry leading
company. E-ONE is a premier brand name in the fire rescue market and has a
tremendous franchise that we can build on. Our operating resources will
allow the Company to achieve its full potential as an industry leader."

Peter Guile, Chief Executive Officer of E-ONE: "Under our new
ownership, we are implementing a comprehensive agenda of operating
initiatives targeted at achieving industry leadership in areas such as
quality, delivery, cost, product performance, and aftermarket support. We
believe the unique resources and expertise of AIP will help E-ONE achieve
significant success as an independent company."

New E-One Board Member Gene Goodson stated: "It is exciting to be involved with a company with such high potential as E-ONE. The challenges and opportunities in the fire apparatus industry have changed dramatically in the past ten years and I look forward to being part of such a dynamic industry."

American Industrial Partners is a middle market private equity
firm that makes control equity investments in mid-sized industrial
companies that can benefit from the firm's systematic approach to
implementing strategic and operational improvements. AIP was founded in
1989 and has managed three prior investment funds which total over $1
billion of equity capital.

E-ONE engineers, manufactures and markets mission-critical vehicles including custom and commercial pumpers, rescues and tankers, aerial ladders and platforms, command and communication vehicles, quick attack units, industrial trucks, and aircraft rescue firefighting vehicles.

MORE INFO?www.e-one.com or www.aipartners.com

KANSAS CITY TRADE SHOW FEATURES ADVANCES IN FIRST RESPONDER COMMUNICATIONS
Originally Posted: August 6, 2008 5:00 AM
Last Updated: August 6, 2008 5:00 AM

Most of the 30,000 first responder agencies in the United States use ‘land mobile radio’ (LMR) networks. With the rapid advancement of 3G wireless technologies, Public Safety users are seeking to complement their existing LMR solutions with the advantages derived from 3G.

Those solutions include more capable intelligent 3G handsets, interoperability between fire, police and other responders with expanded network coverage and lower cost.

Renewed interest in public safety communications is reflected in the numbers. A recent study showed that government spending on IT applications for first responders is expected to grow to $21.3 billion by 2011. Public safety technological growth is also supported, at least partially, by Department of Homeland Security grants and other communications initiatives sponsored by the federal government.

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International, meeting this week in Kansas City, MO, is demonstrating the latest developmens in first responder communications.

APCO International has 15,000 members and helps them by addressing professional issues and providing education, products and services for local, state and Federal responders who manage, operate, maintain and supply the communications systems used by police, fire and emergency medical dispatch agencies.

ISCO International, Inc. a wireless telecommunications is one of this week's demonstrators of the latest communications system.

Gordon Reichard, Jr., ISCO president and CEO: says his products integrate traditional land mobile radio, with broadband cellular networks and location based services,

Clarity, a subsidiary of ISCO, specializes in the design, development and deployment of software solutions that reduce costs while improving communications and operational efficiency for public safety users.

ISCO’s Clarity Public Safety solution and others are actively being tested by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "The Office for Interoperability and Compatibility's ROW-B project is an important milestone in our efforts to advance interoperability progress," said Dr. David Boyd, Director of S&T's Command, Control and Interoperability Division. "The capacity to communicate among radio and broadband system users will significantly improve emergency response operations by allowing non-radio users to communicate with response units in the field."

By marketing Clarity Public Safety solutions, wireless service providers and reseller partners can offer value-add data services that increase their average revenue per user (ARPU) while offering a service that enhances public safety agency operations, including the deployment of personnel, interoperable communications between various groups and ongoing awareness of the geographic relationship between personnel and events.

MORE INFO? Ed Bergstraesser 845-546-8300 cell

HOUSE PASSES FIRE AND SAFETY LEGISLATION FOR ALL COLLEGE CAMPUSES
Originally Posted: August 1, 2008 10:27 AM
Last Updated: August 1, 2008 10:27 AM

The House, as a part of legislation reauthorizing the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (H.R. 4137), also passed provisions strengthening the campus
crime reporting provisions of the Jeanne Clery Act, establishing fire
safety reporting requirements for student housing on campus, giving the
victims of violent crime the right to know the outcome of student
disciplinary action in their cases, and establishing a grant program to
improve the emergency notification and security capabilities of colleges.

The U.S. Senate may take up the legislation as early as later today and
send it to the President for his signature.

Security On Campus, Inc. (King of Prussia, PA), a non-profit organization advacating for safer college and university campuses applauded passage of legislation by the U.S. House of Representatives to require colleges to
"immediately notify" their students and employees when an emergency, such
as an active shooter situation, happens on campus.

Jonathan Kassa, SOC's Executive Director: "As recent incidents have demonstrated, minutes can mean the difference between life and death. We
are very pleased that immediate warnings during life-threatening emergencies
will be required. This helps ensure that information is communicated,
empowering students and employees so that they can take steps to protect
themselves during a crisis."

Security On Campus, Inc. (SOC) was founded in 1987 by Jeanne Clery's
parents Connie & Howard after she was raped and murdered in her on-campus
residence hall at college by a fellow student whom she didn't know.

SOC worked to secure passage of the Jeanne Clery Act, originally known as the
Campus Security Act, in 1990.

MORE INFO? www.securityoncampus.org

TEN MILES INTO MARATHON, FL FIREMAN CONREY ADMINISTERS CPR THEN FINISHES THE RACE:
Originally Posted: August 1, 2008 10:14 AM
Last Updated: August 1, 2008 10:15 AM

By Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Associatoin
703 850 8552

Dressed in full responder's gear, including helmet, Patrick Conrey, 40, ran the Flying Pig Marathon in 5 hours and 26 minutes. On the way, this Spring Hill, FL fireman in his 45 pounds of gear stopped to help a runner who had collapsed. He and others administered CPR until EMTs arrived. The runner made a full recovery.

Conrey: "When we came upon the runner, he was in cardiac arrest. I kept telling him "Come on, you're a marathoneer. You know how to hang in there." I was never so glad to yell out, "We've got a pulse" I'm sure this will be my most memorable marathon."

God bless you, Conrey. I hope you are around when I run my next marathon!