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Newletters From May, 2009
RESIDENCE FIRE KILLS BROTHERS AND DOG
Originally Posted: May 30, 2009 2:41 PM
Last Updated: May 30, 2009 2:41 PM
Two brothers, David 4 and Mario 5, were killed and their grandfather was burned rescuing a year-old girl from the flames. The fire was in Rialto, California in the home of the boys' aunt Rosana Delgado May 29, 2009.
The boys died of apparent smoke inhalation. A fund has been created.
Firefighters found the brothers in a bathroom, where they had taken refuge with their pet Chihuahua, according to Rosana Delgado, 20 in the Los Angeles Times (May 30, 2009).
The family dog, which also died, was found in David's arms.
Matt Payne, Rialto Fire Department: Paramedics took the boys to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, CA where they were pronounced dead.
The boys' grandfather, Humberto Delgado, 54, suffered second-degree burns to his arms, neck and head while rescuing a year-old girl from the burning home.
The girl, the daughter of another family that lives at the home, suffered smoke inhalation, and she and Humberto Delgado were taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, the LA times reported.
Joe Garcia, a family spokesman, said five adults and six children lived at the house, but that only the grandparents and the three children were inside at the time of the fire. The grandmother escaped without injury.
Mario was about to start kindergarten next month, and David was going to turn 5 in August, 2009.
A fund to assist family members with funeral costs has been set up in the boys' names through Chase Bank, account No. 4952237018, care of Irma Delgado.
MORE INFO? ruben.vives@latimes.com
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GSA CONTINUES CAMPAIGN TO GET STATE AND LOCAL BUYERS TO USE GSA SUPPLY SCHEDULES RATHER THAN LOCAL EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT DEALERS
Originally Posted: May 30, 2009 1:13 PM
Last Updated: May 30, 2009 1:14 PM
By Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
KentonP1@aol.com
NEEDA recommends Congress repeal GSA's authority to compete with emergency equipment dealers for local and state government fire and
emergency response products and services.
When I stated recently that local fire departments can now buy products through the US governments General Supply Sechedules program, I was asked to provide this "in writing" as the dealer is skeptical that the Federal government can compete with dealers for local fire department business.
NEEDA Newsletter has published several stories about this new threat to dealer business. Use the "Search" application in the upper right corner of your screen to read what NEEDA has been saying about this threat to our industry.
So, to answer the request, here is the most recent statement by the US General Services Administration.
"Cooperative Purchasing (Last Reviewed 4/28/2009)
"Under the Federal "Cooperative Purchasing Program," state and local government entities may purchase a variety of Information Technology (IT) products, software, and services from contracts awarded under GSA Federal Supply Schedule 70, Information Technology, as well as from contracts under the Consolidated (formerly Corporate Contracts) Schedule containing IT special item numbers.
"State and local government entities may also purchase alarm and signal systems, facility management systems, firefighting and rescue equipment, law enforcement and security equipment, marine craft and related equipment, special purpose clothing, and related services from contracts awarded under GSA Federal Supply Schedule 84, Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Facility Management Systems, Fire, Rescue, Special Purpose Clothing, Marine Craft, and Emergency/Disaster Response.
"Schedule contractors participating in the Cooperative Purchasing Program are identified in GSA eLibrary (formerly Schedules e-Library) with the Cooperative Purchasing icon. This icon is also used to identify those products and services available for Cooperative Purchasing on GSA Advantage!®, GSA's online shopping and ordering system.
"The Cooperative Purchasing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) provide information as to the statutory authorities for the program. The FAQs also explain how the Cooperative Purchasing Program actually works and the benefits it provides to Schedule contractors and state and local entities.
"The Center for Acquisition Excellence offers a course on Cooperative Purchasing designed to assist state and local government customers in using GSA Schedule contracts to acquire authorized products and services."
Source: US General Services Administration
MORE INFO? www.gsa.gov/cooperativepurchasing.
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ACCIDENT INFORMATION IS NOW PUBLIC THROUGH THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD
Originally Posted: May 30, 2009 6:37 AM
Last Updated: May 30, 2009 6:37 AM
The National Transportation Safety Board (Washington, DC) will begin to release all accident investigation public dockets to the National Transportation Safety Board public website, beginning June 1, 2009, in accordance with the NTSB Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Improvement Plan.
This change brings the Safety Board into compliance with legislative and executive mandates aimed at (1) improving the U.S. government's use of electronic media and (2) to foster an open and transparent government.
Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker: "I am proud that the NTSB is taking this enormous step forward by making all accident investigation documents contained in our public dockets available to NTSB website visitors."
In order to access the NTSB's public dockets, interested website visitors may visit the Freedom of Information Act Electronic Reading Room on the NTSB website and select the list of dockets that are organized by transportation mode.
MORE INFO? See documents: www.ntsb.gov/Info/foia_fri-dockets.htm 202-314-6100 or Bridget.serchak@ntsb.gov or 202-314-6551 or 1-800-877-6799 or pubinq@ntsb.gov
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DRAEGER SUPPLIES BREATHING APPARATUS TO LONDON FIRE BRIGADES
Originally Posted: May 29, 2009 8:59 PM
Last Updated: May 29, 2009 8:59 PM
The London (UK) Fire Department has ordered Draeger (Pittsburgh PA) breathing apparatus and monitoring systems.
This order encompasses Draeger PSS 7000 Breathing Apparatus sets and FPS 7000 Face Masks, PSS Bodyguard 7000 electronic monitoring systems and innovative PSS Merlin Telemetry boards. The order also includes newly developed 8-liter 300 bar cylinders which provide half an hour working duration at 50-liters/minute breathing rate.
Perry Jones, Sales and Marketing Director at Draeger: "We are obviously very pleased that the London Fire Brigade has recognised the benefits of our modular system approach. Bringing real-time monitoring to the fore, it has also helped to revolutionize communications as well as firefighter safety."
London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson: "I am delighted that we are working in partnership with Draeger to take advantage of technological advances made over the last ten years and further enhance the safety of London's firefighters."
Founded in 1889, in 2008 Draeger generated revenues of around EUR 1.9 billion. The Draeger Group is currently present in 190 countries and has 11,000 employees worldwide.
MORE INFO? www.draeger.com
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SPARTAN MOTORS SEEKS NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AS JIM KNAP RETIRES
Originally Posted: May 29, 2009 8:50 PM
Last Updated: May 29, 2009 8:50 PM
James Knapp, 63 chief financial officer at Spartan Motors (Charlotte, Michigan) is retiring. He also holds the titles of chief compliance officer and treasurer of the company.
Spartan Motors has initiated a search for Knapp's successor led by the board of directors with assistance from a national executive search firm.
John Sztykiel, president and CEO of Spartan Motors: "Jim has been an integral part of our senior management team in what has been the most rapid period of Spartan's growth in our history. We are grateful for his leadership and wisdom, and want to thank him for his lasting contributions as well as for his assistance in making this a smooth transition as we search for his replacement."
Sztykiel: "Jim leaves big shoes to fill, but we are also excited about the opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to Spartan and to continue to build on our long-term track record of sales and earnings growth and healthy financial position."
Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures custom chassis and vehicles for the recreational vehicle, fire truck, ambulance, emergency-rescue and custom vehicle markets. The company's brand names include Spartan(TM), Crimson Fire(TM), Crimson Fire Aerials(TM), and Road Rescue(TM). The company employs 1,200 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and South Dakota.
As reported by NEEDA Newsletter, Spartan reported sales of $844.4 million in 2008.
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CHROME MAY BE REPLACED BY NEW ALLOY ON FIRE TRUCKS
Originally Posted: May 28, 2009 12:24 PM
Last Updated: May 28, 2009 12:24 PM
Christopher Schuh, MIT associate professor of materials science and engineering and his collaborators have developed a new nickel-tungsten alloy that is not only safer than chrome but also more durable.
The new coating, which is now being tested on the bumpers of a truck fleet, could also replace chrome in faucet fixtures and engine parts, among other applications.
Manufacturers have long had a love/hate relationship with chromium plating, which is a $20 billion industry.
Electroplating, the technique used to coat metal objects with chrome, involves running a current through a liquid bath of chromium ions, which deposits a thin layer of chrome on the surface of an object placed in the bath.
The ions, known as hexavalent chromium, are carcinogenic if inhaled, and contact with the liquid can be fatal. Hexavalent chromium can pollute groundwater, and some of the original Superfund cleanup sites involved hexavalent chromium pollution. Schuh: "Chrome is an environmental nightmare."
Chrome's hardness — it is considerably harder than steel — comes from its nanocrystalline structure.
Schuh's team has shown that nickel-tungsten alloys remain stable indefinitely at room temperature and are highly resistant to decomposition when heated.
They can also be made harder and longer-asting than chrome.
In addition, the electroplating process is more efficient than that for chrome, because multiple layers can be applied in one step, which could save money for manufacturers.
The technology could be used to coat other products including shock absorbers and print rolls. Recent tests showed that print rolls coated with the new alloy lasted 10 times longer than their chrome-plated counterparts.
Schuh's collaborators on the new metal coating technology include Andrew Detor, a recent PhD graduate in materials science and engineering, and Alan Lund, a former MIT postdoctoral researcher and the current chief technology officer at Xtalic Corporation of Marlborough, Mass., which has commercialized the nickel-tungsten plating process. Schuh's research is funded at MIT by the U.S. Army Research Office.
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LA'S FIRST WOMAN FIRE CHIEF RETIRES JUNE 27, 2009 AFTER 25 YEARS ON THE FORCE
Originally Posted: May 28, 2009 11:58 AM
Last Updated: May 28, 2009 12:01 PM
San Diego Fire Chief Tracy Jarman announced her retirement May 27, 2009 as Chief and 25 years with the department. She was chief for three years.
She had succeeded Jeff Bowman who unsuccessfully sought additional personnel and equipment from the City Council.
Mayor Jerry Sanders: Jarman "is the consummate professional who has worked extremely hard to improve fire service."
The LA Times' Tony Perry said: "The San Diego department has long had fewer firefighters, fewer stations and less advanced equipment than nearly all other big-city departments. While some improvements were made under Jarman's tenure, the gap between San Diego and other cities remains."
In 2003, when the Cedar wildfire destroyed 306 homes in the city, "after-action" investigations criticized the city's chronic underfunding of the fire department.
In 2006 Jarman told the LA Times she wanted to retire at 50 but couldn't pass up the chance to be chief.
Jarman: "This was not an easy decision. I genuinely love this department and the people I work with."
Mayor Sanders: A national search will be launched to find a successor. Jarman's final day on the job is set for June 27, 2009
Jarman, 53, was the first woman to become San Diego fire chief.
STORY PUBLISHED BY NEEDA NEWSLETTER:
By Mark Sauer and Tony Manolatos
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITERS
COPYRIGHT UNION-TRIBUNE, 2007
December 1, 2007
If this is all we have, we're going to lose homes, Fire Chief Tracy Jarman said.
For San Diego Fire Chief Tracy Jarman, the loud-and-clear message of October's wildfires was simple: The city is on its own.
In her most strident comments since the devastating fires, the city's normally soft-spoken fire chief echoed her predecessor and sounded alarms raised by many others in recent years, including Sen. Dianne Feinstein in a hearing this week.
San Diego is woefully unprepared to deal with wildfires, Jarman said. The latest firestorms demonstrated that in the first 24 to 48 hours, when wildfires do most of their damage, the city can't expect much help from Cal Fire, the state fire agency.
Jarman itemized what is needed to get the city up to national standards, as the last chief, Jeff Bowman, did before he resigned:
At least 20 new fire stations; at least 50 more engines; a second firefighting helicopter; a solid brush-clearance plan; stricter building codes; and a stronger state, county and federal presence in fighting local wildfires.
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SUBMIT EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT DEALER NEWS TO NEEDA!
Originally Posted: May 28, 2009 11:36 AM
Last Updated: May 28, 2009 11:36 AM
Want to submit a news item to NEEDA Newsletter? David Seaman, author of Buzzworthy A $25 Million Press Release, says many press releases display boring headlines (Example: "Our Company Is Going To Attend An Annual Trade Show") and even more lifeless copy in the body of the release. This is the story we try not to use in NEEDA Newsletter!
Seaman: Shorter is Better!!
A press release is not the opportunity to give every conceivable fact about the organization. Instead, treat a press release as a teaser or elevator pitch --something you could comfortably say to someone in about 30 seconds to one minute. If you need to give more information, offer your website which NEEDA lists under "MORE INFO?"
Todd Pree, owner of Mass Media Distribution LLC: "A good press release is between 200 and 400 words. The shorter the better. The idea is to have just enough info to get the reporters excited and ask for an interview."
In the case of long releases about fire manufacturer income and expenses, NEEDA goes through the financial report to pick out the stuff dealers might find interesting.
Manufacturers never publish the number of their dealers or comment on the successes dealers are having in building fire department use of the manufacturer's products. Why not?
To their credit, some manufacturers publish a list of the latest buyers of their products . . . but some of these lists don't mention the name of the dealer that sold the product! Why not give the dealer and dealer salesteam some credit?
NEEDA Newsletter would publish the name of your top dealers, leading sales performers, contributions to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation or to other non-profits.
NEEDA would welcome your view of the marketplace, your predictions, and your ideas on what Washington, your state capital, or other officials should do
about problems facing our industry and our customers.
NEEDA has the privilege of a column in Fire Dealer magazine. So support this magazine and help them in their effort to support and cover the dealer
side of the business. The industry is lucky to have a dealer magazine and we should all do what we can to support the magazine and the national dealer organization: NEEDA.
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PRESIDENT OBAMA AND GEN. JONES STRENGTHEN WHITE HOUSE RESOURCES TO DEAL WITH NATIONAL SECURITY INCLUDING THREATS FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO
Originally Posted: May 28, 2009 11:02 AM
Last Updated: May 28, 2009 11:02 AM
By Kenton Pattie
Before President Obama appointed Gen. James Jones as the head of the White House national security council, he worked for the US Chamber of Commerce. As a member of the US Chamber's Procurement Council, I attended several meetings with him and was impressed by his grasp of issues and contributions to the business community.
For example, he conducted several events on the energy challenges facing the US and afforded me the opportunity to speak up about the importance of ensuring that whatever the crisis we experience there must be fuel and support for fire and other emergency response vehicles.
So it doesn't surprise me that he advised President Obama (in an internal White House study) to deal with homeland security and counterterrorism by a “full integration” of the staffs supporting the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council.
Obama, May 26, 2009: “The establishment of the new National Security Staff, under the direction of the National Security Advisor (Gen. Jones), will end the artificial divide between White House staff who have been dealing with national security and homeland security issues.”
By integrating the staffs of the national security and homeland security councils into a single group, General James Jones, as Obama's national security advisor, will have more resources to work with.
Obama: “These decisions reflect the fundamental truth that the challenges of the 21st Century are increasingly unconventional and transnational, and therefore demand a response that effectively integrates all aspects of American power.”
The homeland security council will serve as the principal inter-agency group on security of the homeland, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, natural disasters and pandemic influenza. Thus their work will include wildfires, floods, bomb threats, and terrorism.
Obama and Jones are creating new jobs will be filled to deal with cybersecurity, weapons of mass distruction, terrorism, transborder security, information sharing and resilience.
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FIRECHEM OF INDIA WARNS OF COUNTERFEIT PRODUCT USING SAME NAME AND ID
Originally Posted: May 27, 2009 1:02 PM
Last Updated: May 27, 2009 1:02 PM
FIRECHEM, Fire Safety Device Pvt. Ltd. says a liquid foam concentrate bears a counterfeit UL Mark.
Although this foam concentrate is marked with the word "FireChem" and "UL", it was not manufactured by FIRECHEM, Faridabad, India and has not been evaluated for safety by UL.
Model of Product: Aqueous Film Forming Foam Concentrate AFFF-3%
Units: Unknown
Manufacturer: Unknown
Date of Manufacture: Unknown
Identification: On the product: Counterfeit products are marked "Fire Chem, AFFF-3%, Aqueous Film Forming Foam Concentrate" and bears an unauthorized UL Listing Mark in a circle.
Location: This foam concentrate is known to be sold in Taiwan.
What Should You Do? FIRECHEM, Fire Safety Device Pvt. Ltd. recommends users stop using the affected product immediately and returned to place of purchase.
If the foam liquid concentrate has already been put in service, FIRE CHEM recommends that the foam liquid concentrate be replaced immediately by qualified service personnel and returned to the place of purchase.
MORE INFO?
Mr. Ashish Parekh
Fire Safety Devices Pvt. Ltd.
FireChem Tel: +91-129-2288196/7/8
Fax: +91-129-2288700
Help line Phone 24 Hours: +91-11-32537657
Email: parekh2@vsnl.com
www.fcfsd.com
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NUMBER OF SMALL BUSINESS LOANS DOWN 23.3 %; UNDER $100,000 LOANS THROUGH CREDIT CARDS IS UP 15.7%
Originally Posted: May 26, 2009 11:26 AM
Last Updated: May 26, 2009 11:27 AM
Bank microbusiness loans to small businesses (loans under $100,000), are up by 15.7 percent. This may be an indication that more loans are being made to small businesses through business credit cards. The number of small business mid-sized loans ($100,000 to $1 million) fell by 23.3 percent.
The growth of small and microbusiness lending was slower than in the previous year, according to the latest edition of the Office of Advocacy’s annual study of lending to dealers and other small businesses.
Small Business and Micro Business Lending in the United States for Data Years 2007-2008 gives state-by-state totals and totals for individual lenders.
The study says for the year that ended in June 2008, the total value of small business loans outstanding increased 4 percent and the value of microbusiness loans outstanding increased 6.8 percent. Both rates were down from the previous one-year period.
These rankings show who made the most small and microloans in each of the 50 states and Washington, District of Columbia. Advocacy Economist Victoria Williams, coauthor of the study with Senior Economist Charles Ou: “In the current financial climate, it’s especially critical for small firms to know which banks and financial institutions have been the most likely to make small and microbusiness loans,”
The report uses the most recent Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income (Call Report) data for June 2007 to June 2008 and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) data for 2007 to examine financial institutions’ small and microbusiness lending.
Small business loans are classified as business loans of less than $1 million and microbusiness loans are loans of less than $100,000. The report ranks lenders on their overall small business lending, not lending under SBA programs.
MORE INFO? www.sba.gov/advo/research/lending.html
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MEDICAL FACILITIES HAVE 6,400 FIRES ANNUALLY: $34 MILLION IN PROPERTY LOSS PLUS DEATHS AND INJURIES
Originally Posted: May 25, 2009 12:20 PM
Last Updated: May 25, 2009 12:20 PM
The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says 6,400 fires occur each year in medical facilities. Annually, these fires are also responsible for 5 civilian deaths, 175 civilian injuries, and $34 million in property loss.
The report, Medical Facility Fires, was developed by the National Fire Data Center, part of FEMA's U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). The report is based on 2004 to 2006 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).
The report says 44 percent of medical facility fires occur in 24-hour care nursing homes with an additional 23 percent occurring in hospitals. The daily incidence of medical facility fires peaks during meal preparation times as cooking is the leading cause of medical facility fires. Cooking accounts for 64 percent of fires in medical facilities. Confined cooking fires, those confined to the container, account for 55 percent of all medical facility fires.
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FIRE MARSHALS SAY NO TO TOY-LIKE CIGARETTE LIGHTERS, SUPPORT RESIDENTIAL FIRE SPRINKLERS IN ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY HOMES
Originally Posted: May 25, 2009 12:14 PM
Last Updated: May 25, 2009 12:14 PM
The United States Fire Administration (Emmitsburg, MD) hosted 140 fire prevention professionals for the 5th National PARADE (Prevention Advocacy Resources and Data Exchange) Conference, May 14-16, 2009.
The 2009 PARADE participants passed two resolutions: one in support of banning the sale of novelty toy-like lighters and the second one supporting the IRC for fire sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
Presentations, workshops, and displays addressed a wide range of fire prevention topics including residential sprinklers, global concepts for residential fire safety, marketing strategies, novelty toy-like lighters, and lessons learned.
Glenn A. Gaines, Acting Assistant USFA Fire Administrator, told fire marshals he is "100% committed to mitigation and prevention." Gaines also supports the International Residential Code (IRC) requirement for fire sprinklers and is working to ensure that homes have working smoke alarms with long-life batteries installed.
PARADE was established in 2003 to assist America's state and major metropolitan fire marshals, and other representatives, in implementing effective fire prevention programs, conducting networking activities, and exchanging materials.
MORE INFO? www.usfa.dhs.gov or www.usfa.dhs.gov/parade/
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DATA FIRMS PREDICTED POTENTIAL LOSS FROM SANTA BARBARA WILDFIRES
Originally Posted: May 22, 2009 9:13 PM
Last Updated: May 25, 2009 12:15 PM
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says 8,733 acres burned and 80 homes were destroyed in the hills east of Santa Barbara, CA recently (See previous NEEDA Newsletter story re this major fire).
Given the large geographic exposure, dense population and extent of the fire, the damage could have been much worse since approximately 726 commercial, public and residential properties were located within the combined perimeter of the burn area.
Estimates all of the residential properties in the area were valued at a total of more than $500 million, with the average residence valued at $1.5 million and a median value of $1.2 million.
Howard Botts, vice president and director of database development of First American Spacial said: "Our wildfire hazard models were able to forecast the potential risk for more than 90 percent of the homes that were exposed to this fire. Additionally, using advanced geospatial analytics and our extensive parcel data and valuations from First American CoreLogic, we were able to quickly identify the potential for loss from the fire."
As the Santa Barbara, CA fire was burning and insured losses continued to mount, the company's PxPoint(TM) geocoding technology, and parcel data and valuation information from its sister company First American CoreLogic, estimated residential property loss would be $130 million.
First American Spatial Solutions (Austin, Texas) studied the Santa Barbara, CA., Jesusita wildfire and predicted which properties are likely to be affected by a wildfire across most of the Western U.S.
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GOV. CHARLIE CRIST TO RUN FOR US SENATE SEAT BEING VACATED BY SEN. MEL MARTINEZ: PROMPTLY GETS NATIONAL REPUBLICAN ENDORSEMENT
Originally Posted: May 20, 2009 6:11 PM
Last Updated: May 20, 2009 6:11 PM
Gov. Charlie Crist has decided to run for the US Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL).
Crist kept his announcement low key, issuing only simple release stating
his intention to seek the Senate seat.
Crist: “Here in Florida, we’ve shown that when we put people first and work
together much can be accomplished, and I intend to bring that same approach to Washington.”
Less than 15 minutes later the National Republican Senatorial Committee
endorsed him over the person previously considered to have the best shot at replacing Martinez, former House Speaker Marco Rubio.
NRSC chairman and Texas Sen. John Cornyn: “While I believe Marco
Rubio has a very bright future within the Republican Party, Charlie Crist is the best candidate in 2010 to ensure that we maintain the checks and balances that Floridians deserve in the United States Senate."
Some also see the move as Crist positioning himself for a future presidential
run, perhaps as early as 2012. Susan A. MacManus, a political science professor
at the University of South Florida, said that 2008 GOP presidential candidate John McCain passing him over for a place on the ticket in favor of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin(R) may have prompted Crist to determine that Congress is a
better stepping-off point than a governor’s office.
MacManus: “In the past, people always talked about how the best path
to the presidency is thought to be the governor’s office. But with all
the globalization and international issues, the Obama victory may be the start of a time when the path is more through Congress.”
There is some question, however, whether the GOP’s conservative wing will
support the more moderate Crist, whose support of environmental policies and
President Obama’s federal stimulus package has rankled the party rank-and-file.
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CALIFORNIA FIRST RESPONDERS HANDLED WILDFIRES; BUT THE STATE'S GOVERNMENT IS ABOUT TO FIRE THOUSANDS OF EMPLOYEES, RELEASE PRISONERS AND MAKE OTHER RADICAL REDUCTIONS
Originally Posted: May 20, 2009 5:55 PM
Last Updated: May 20, 2009 5:55 PM
To meet the California constitutional requirement of a balanced budget, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Legislature will be forced to make huge across-the-board cuts that will impact the quality and quantity of education, health care and virtually every other service.
Government workers, in a state that already has an 11.4 percent unemployment rate, will be laid off. The state’s overcrowded prisons may have to release many presumably less dangerous inmates as a cost-cutting measure.
So seen through the lens of state government, the situation in California
looks bleak.
The central coast of California, like others in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Texas is surrounded by forests and brush land and suffers from drought. Early in May, 2009 for the fourth time in two years, the Santa Barbara, CA area was swept by a devastating wildfire, as reported by NEEDA Newsletter.
California has superbly trained firefighters and a sophisticated mutual-aid system in which state and local governments coordinate their response and wage a combined assault against the fires from ground and air.
Firefighters charge into danger; but 13 of them were injured in suppressing this latest blaze, which forced the evacuation of more than 30,000 people and could have resulted in the loss of hundreds of homes.
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THANK YOU: FIRE SERVICE BASED EMS ADVOCATES COALITION TO ALL EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONDERS
Originally Posted: May 20, 2009 4:12 PM
Last Updated: May 20, 2009 4:12 PM
Over the past 35 years, the fire service has been re-tooled to be an ‘all hazards’ responder including the provision of pre-hospital emergency medical care.
Fire service-based EMS providers are located, trained, and equipped to provide virtually every community with timely pre-hospital 9-1-1 emergency
medical response and patient care.
Firefighter/EMTs and paramedics respond quickly, professionally, and compassionately in communities across the United States ...and they do it everyday...24/7.
The Fire Service-Based EMS Advocates coalition recognizes the life-saving contributions and achievements, as well as the dedication and commitment of those who serve in Fire Service- Based EMS systems. National EMS Week is a time to pause and say thank you to the entire EMS Community, including firefighter/EMTs and paramedics ...our nation’s all hazards response professionals.
The Fire Service-Based EMS Advocates coalition, based in Washington, DC, provides Members of Congress and federal agencies with information they need to effectively support Fire Service-Based EMS systems throughout the nation.
MORE INFO? www.fireserviceems.com.
Members:
Congressional Fire Services
Institute
900 Second Street, NE; Suite 303
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 371-1277
www.cfsi.org
International Association of
Fire Chiefs
4025 Fair Ridge Drive
Fairfax VA 22033
(703) 273-0911
www.iafc.org
International Association of
Fire Fighters
1750 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006-5395
(202) 737-8484
www.iaff.org
National Fire Protection
Association
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 984-7340
www.nfpa.org
National Volunteer Fire
Council
7852 Walker Drive; Suite 450
Greenbelt, MD 20770
(202) 887-5700
www.nvfc.org
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INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS LAUNCHES STOP, DROP, CONTROL HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE PROGRAM: WILL HELP CHRONIC CONDITION THROUGH HEALTH SCREENINGS, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH; HEALTH FAIRS IN 20 CITIES
Originally Posted: May 20, 2009 3:33 PM
Last Updated: May 20, 2009 3:33 PM
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is providing its 300,000 professional fire fighters with tools to raise awareness of high blood pressure within their ranks.
These fire fighters--who are responsible for protecting 85 percent of the nation's population--will help fight this chronic condition through health screenings and other educational activities.
Fire fighters, who face extreme physical and psychological stresses in their work protecting their communities, have a high rate of on-duty deaths caused by heart disease (45 percent)--and high blood pressure may be one of the contributing factors.
This first-hand experience makes IAFF and its members pivotal to the campaign and gives them a keen understanding of why raising awareness of high blood pressure is so important.
The campaign, launched as the "Stop, Drop, Control High Blood Pressure Program" around May 17, 2009 World Hypertension Day, is being conducted in collaboration with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
74 million adults in the United States have high blood pressure, but 30 percent are unaware they have the condition. High blood pressure is an asymptomatic, chronic condition that can cause damage to the blood vessels and make the heart work harder.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is associated with a higher risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
Harold Schaitberger, IAFF General President: "Professional fire fighters are among the most trusted and respected leaders of their communities, and know first-hand the dangers of high blood pressure. The IAFF is pleased to be working with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation--a global leader in hypertension research--on an important public health initiative that will arm us with resources--such as a comprehensive toolkit--to raise awareness about the potential dangers of high blood pressure among fire fighters and the general public."
IAFF affiliates and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation will also be participating in community health fairs in 20 cities that will provide the opportunity for fire fighters to speak about the program and other health and safety issues.
As a follow-on component to the Stop, Drop, Control program, and as part of its commitment to outcomes research, the IAFF and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation will be conducting outcome studies to evaluate the effects of the program on the health of fire fighters. Results of these studies may serve as a tool to help guide hypertension management practices among fire fighters across the country. The first two cities to participate in the studies will be Indianapolis and Phoenix.
Joanne, R. Chang, MD PhD, VP & Head Evidenced Based Medicine, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: "We anticipate that these studies may lead to improved outcomes and enhance firefighters' understanding of how to manage high blood pressure in this unique group of patients, whose welfare is important to everyone. This study reflects our commitment to improving the management of high blood pressure."
The International Association of Fire Fighters, headquartered near Washington, DC, represents 295,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics in the United States and Canada.
Located in East Hanover, New Jersey, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is an affiliate of Novartis AG, which provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is focused on improving the lives of the hundreds of millions of people with diseases and conditions of the cardiovascular system, including hypertension. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation has an extensive clinical research program in hypertension involving more than 100,000 patients.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is dedicated to helping physicians and patients address cardiovascular health through effective medicines and an ongoing commitment to education, support and research.
The IAFF and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation maintain a strong collaborative relationship built upon the collective goal of serving the health and safety needs of fire fighters and the general public.
The primary aim of the Stop, Drop, Control collaboration is to raise awareness of the importance of blood pressure management within these populations. In their roles, the IAFF is making educational materials available to their membership, are hosting blood pressure screening events within their communities, and are participating in community health fairs in an effort to raise awareness of the importance of managing high blood pressure.
In collaboration with the IAFF, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation has produced the educational content for distribution to IAFF members, is financially supporting blood pressure screenings in 20 cities across the country and providing support for public health awareness activities surrounding the program.
MORE INFO? www.stopdropcontrol.com or www.iaff.org
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RICHARD BOWERS JR. IS NEW MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD FIRE CHIEF
Originally Posted: May 20, 2009 2:57 PM
Last Updated: May 20, 2009 2:57 PM
Chief Richard Bowers Jr. has been serving since October, 2008, on an interim basis while the department conducted a national search for a new chief.
Chief Bowers has a 32 year career in the Montgomery county Fire and Rescue Service where he has held every rank and leadership role in the department. Former Chief Thomas Carr retired in October, 2008.
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ON-THE-JOB INJURY: IS A SUBCONTRACTOR EVER SUBJECT TO THE DEALER'S WORKMANS COMP POLICY?
Originally Posted: May 20, 2009 2:51 PM
Last Updated: May 20, 2009 2:51 PM
Subcontractors may appear to be independent but are often "statutory employees" and thus are covered by your dealer's Workmans Comp insurance policy.
Anticipating a claim, do you have a subcontractor agreement that spells out the fact anyone doing work for you is a subcontractor and is thus covered under their own insurance not your Workmans Comp policy?
An independent contractors working for a dealer may nevertheless be treated as your employee by statute (and thus be a "statutory employee") for employment tax purposes. How? To be subject to your Workmans Comp policy, your subcontractor must fall within one of four categories and meet three conditions described under Social Security and Medicare taxes.
For example, a driver who distributes your products; or who picks up and delivers your refurbishment or repair work and is paid on commission? Your Workmans Comp.
Or, a full-time sales agent whose principal business is selling the products or repair services in your company's catalogue or website? Your Workmans Comp.
Or, an individual who works at home doing shop repairs you agree to do for your customers that must be returned to you or to a person you name, if you tell the individual the specs you want for each job? Your Workman's Comp.
Or, a full-time traveling salesperson who works on your behalf and turns in orders to you from fire departments or other similar emergency response establishments? The goods sold must be merchandise for resale to customers or supplies available through the dealer's business operation. The work performed is your salesperson's principal business activity? Your Workman's Comp.
Or, you hire someone to do the same work that your company employees regularly do? Your Workman's Comp.
Or, if the work is being performed deliberately so that a dealer salesperson or
truck driver would not be doing the work? Your Workman's Comp.
To decide if you owe Workmans Comp, how much control do you as dealer have over this individual while they are on the job for you? The more control you have, the more likely, if injured, they can seek coverage under your Workmans Comp policy.
Once an employee receives benefits under your Workmans Comp, they may no longer sue you for relief under other laws.
A "statutory employee," one you cover under your Workman's Comp insurance, is not a subcontractor. Therefore, such an employee can only sue for benefits under the Workers' Compensation Act.
Courts say that if a "subcontractor's" activity is part of the dealers service to the fire industry the subcontractor must meet one of three criteria:
An important part of the dealer's business or trade?
Is a necessary, essential and integral part of the dealer's business?
Is performing work that was previously performed by the dealers's employees?
A "Yes" to one of these three questions puts the individual
under the dealer's Workman's Comp policy in event of an on-the-job injury.
Interpretation of this law varies by state. But, if someone working for you has an on-the-job injury, knowing whose insurance pays the bill -- his or yours --
is important for both of you. A "subcontractor" contract between you and the individual may not shield you from having to provide coverage under your company's Workman's Comp policy.
MORE INFO? www.cutcompcosts.com or J&L Risk Management Consultant
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PRICE-SHULER HOME OXYGEN BILL INTRODUCED IN US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Originally Posted: May 19, 2009 4:56 PM
Last Updated: May 19, 2009 4:56 PM
Representatives Heath Shuler (D-NC) and Tom Price (R-GA) introduced the Home Oxygen Patient Protection (HOPP) Act (HR 621). This legislation would repeal the rental cap payment for oxygen and is being promoted by some home oxygen companies.
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FIRE DEALER MONTHLY SERVES EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT DEALERS
Originally Posted: May 14, 2009 5:07 PM
Last Updated: May 14, 2009 5:07 PM
By Kenton Pattie
Congratulations to Fire Dealer Monthly for Volume 2, Issue 3 March/April 2009
which contains information about and by the National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA). The complete 32 page magazine is available on line.
MORE INFO? Publisher Henry Dinneen Henry@FireDealer.com or 918 494 2708
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HOW TO DESIGN A FIREFIGHTING BOAT?
Originally Posted: May 14, 2009 5:02 PM
Last Updated: May 14, 2009 5:02 PM
The hull forms of fire fighting boats are developed from commercially available hull modeling software packages. ??The Geometry of Ships, by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (Jersey City. NJ), includes the procedures for computing hull geometric, buoyancy and other properties by mathematical methods.
The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) is an internationally recognized nonprofit technical society of individual members serving the maritime industry.?
By John S. Letcher, Jr., author of over 30 publications on computer-aided design and analysis of boats, ships and marine structures, this book covers everything you’d ever want to know about designing a boat including hydrostatic properties and stability.
MORE INFO??The Geometry of Ships www.sname.org/publications_catalog.htm or (800) 798-2188
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FIRE CHIEFS SUPORT PUBLIC SWITCH TO DIGITAL TELEVISION
Originally Posted: May 13, 2009 5:43 AM
Last Updated: May 13, 2009 5:43 AM
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are partnering to create a voluntary program to help the public transition to digital television (DTV), and ultimately aid the expansion of the national public safety communication network.
The IAFC seeks fire and rescue departments interested in participating in this program.
The program links community members who are having technical difficulties installing or using digital television converter boxes with local departments that have volunteered to help residents ensure their technical connections work.
The IAFC will:
Work within the fire and emergency service community to recruit departments willing help install and troubleshoot converter boxes.
Assist with identifying and requesting dispatch of fire-rescue volunteers.
The FCC is establishing call centers that will troubleshoot problems over the phone and request personal assistance from a cadre of national volunteers—including fire and emergency service personnel—if needed.
The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the DTV transition.
Congress set June 12, 2009 as the final date that full-power television stations (stations that use the public airwaves to transmit their programming to viewers through a broadcast antenna) can broadcast analog signals.
As of June 13, 2009, full-power television stations will only broadcast digital, over-the-air signals.
Broadcasters may make the transition before then; some already have.
Analog televisions not connected to cable or satellite services will require a converter box.
Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting to free up frequencies for public safety communications. The availability of additional spectrum is of critical importance to the fire/emergency services.
From a consumer-perspective, digital is a more efficient transmission technology that allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, as well as offer more programming options for consumers.
Switching to all-digital broadcasting will free up parts of the broadcast spectrum for much-needed public safety communication improvements that the response community has been urging for years. In addition, communities rely on their local broadcast networks to ensure that their residents have access to live, real-time information via television in the event of a natural disaster, community emergency, or other health and safety hazard. It is in the interest of fire departments to ensure that their communities have access to this information.
Ensuring its community's access to safety information is critical to enabling a fire department to do its job, especially in these difficult economic times. There are substantial safety advantages to participating in this voluntary program. In addition to ensuring a strong public safety communication network, engaging with the community can also offer opportunities to:
Conduct fire safety education during a home visit.
Perform a fire safety review of the home, including checking for working smoke alarms.
Identify at-risk residents within the community.
Reinforce community goodwill with a proactive approach to ensuring public safety.
DTV@iafc.org or 703-537-4854
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ANADARKO WINS $37 MILLION FIRE SAFETY CONTRACT AT JOHNSON SPACE CENTER
Originally Posted: May 11, 2009 11:50 AM
Last Updated: May 11, 2009 11:52 AM
NASA has selected Anadarko Industries LLC of Houston to provide safety and fire protection system maintenance support for the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The contract value is approximately $37 million.
Anadarko Industries will provide test safety support, fire protection system maintenance, mishap investigation support, safety awareness and motivation, and safety information management. The work will take place at Johnson and in its related facilities at Ellington Field and Sonny Carter Training Facility in Houston. Work also may be done at NASA facilities in El Paso, Tex., and NASA's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico.
Beginning July 1, 2009, the base contract is for three years, with one two-year extension option.
A major subcontractor for this contract is MEI Technologies of Houston.
For more about NASA's Johnson Space Center, visit:
MORE INFO? www.nasa.gov/johnson or www.nasa.gov
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WILDFIRES SEASON: SAFE EVACUATION OF PETS
Originally Posted: May 11, 2009 11:42 AM
Last Updated: May 11, 2009 11:42 AM
By William H. Craig, DVM, chief medical and underwriting director of PurinaCare(R) Pet Health Insurance
Preparing to evacuate family pets during a natural disaster takes planning. In conjunction with California's Wildfire Awareness Week, PurinaCare(R) Pet Health Insurance would like to offer some tips to help prepare your family pets during this stressful time.
Having a Pet Evacuation Kit ready to go will aide you in making quick decisions during an evacuation threat. Below is a suggested checklist of emergency items for your pet:
At least one week's supply of food in a water-tight container
Containers of potable water
Leash for dogs
Harness and leash for cats
Appropriate size pet carrier for both dogs and cats
Make sure vaccinations are up to date (rabies, kennel cough, etc.)
Copies of vaccination certificates (this will be required by shelters)
Any medications (including heartworm prevention)
Litter box and litter for cats
Identify a few evacuation sites and research potential pet accommodations in the area before a fire forces your decision. Make initial calls now to check on the boarding policies of the local kennels or animal shelters and ensure you add any of their requirements to your Pet Evacuation Kit. If your evacuation plan includes a stay at a hotel or motel, determine its pet polices ahead of time.
MORE INFO? www.purinacare.com
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CFSI OPPOSES 3% LAW THAT TAKES GROSS INCOME FROM DEALERS AND GIVES IT TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
Originally Posted: May 11, 2009 11:28 AM
Last Updated: May 11, 2009 11:28 AM
A Resolution Opposing Diverting 3% of All Fire, Emergency Services Purchases to the Internal Revenue Service
Offered by
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association
Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association
Whereas Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 (Public Law No. 109-222) requires that federal, state, and local governments withhold from government contractors 3% of all payments owed for goods and services;
Whereas Congress agreed to delay the imposition of the 3% rule in the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” enacted February 17, 2009;
Whereas the law requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to implement the law despite the negative affect it will have on programs for fire and emergency services, including federal homeland security grant programs;
Whereas, the law impairs the ability of state and local agencies to manage grants and other expenditures and obtain maximum competition from the taxpayer’s dollar;
Whereas procurements of state and local fire and emergencies services are already subject to numerous requirements which are mandated by Federal, state and local law and by regulations;
Whereas the 3% withholding rule introduces new legal and administrative complications and significant costs of compliance for all parties, including state and local emergency services agencies, contract management agencies and government contractors;
Whereas national associations representing state, county, city and other local governments, and the Department of Defense, have voiced their opposition to the imposition of the 3% withholding law and have urged repeal of Section 511: and
Whereas the fire and emergency funds diverted to the Internal Revenue Service will remain with IRS for an indefinite period of at least one tax year with a negative impact accorded to fire or emergency services buyers and sellers as well as a new extensive administrative and financial burden on small businesses, fire and emergency services, and state and local governments;
Therefore, it is resolved that the National Advisory Committee to the Congressional Fire Services Institute request that fire and emergency services be exempt from the 3% withholding law.
April 3, 2009
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OBAMA PROPOSES CUTS TO AFG GRANTS BUT INCREASE IN SAFER GRANTS IN 2010 BUDGET
Originally Posted: May 9, 2009 6:55 PM
Last Updated: May 9, 2009 6:55 PM
On Thursday, May 7th, 2009 the White House released the appendix for the Administration's Fiscal Year 2010 budget proposal, detailing requested funding levels for programs and offices in the federal budget. The Administration initially released a blueprint of the $3.6 trillion budget in February, giving a snapshot of the President's spending plan.
The Administration has proposed funding the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program at double the level it was funded in FY2009, increasing funding to $420 million for this crucial program. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) also receives a modest increase of approximately $600,000. The State Homeland Security Grant Program receives the same level of funding as FY2009 ($950 million) and the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) receives a $50 million increase.
Unfortunately the Administration proposes funding the popular FIRE grant program at only $170 million - a cut of nearly 70% from Fiscal Year 2009. The program, which received $3.2 billion in requests in Fiscal Year 2008, provides funding for critical equipment, training, and apparatus directly to local fire departments. The program also provides grants for fire prevention and safety programs and firefighter health and safety research.
While the Administration's budget proposal is meant to serve as a guideline for federal spending, Congress will ultimately determine funding levels for these programs. The House and Senate Appropriations Committees have begun work on crafting Fiscal Year 2010 spending bills.
NEEDA Newsletter previously reported the President's overall budget goals including fighting wildfires.
MORE INFO? Congressional Fire Services Institute
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THE OBAMA 2010 BUDGET . . . WILDFIRE SUPRESSION UP
Originally Posted: May 9, 2009 7:02 AM
Last Updated: May 9, 2009 7:02 AM
Wildfire Suppression: The President’s budget requests $357 million ($75 million for the US Department of the Interior and $282 million for the US Forest Service) to fund wildfire suppression. This additional funding will be available after the ten-year average for wildfire suppression has been appropriated, the funds have been spent, and the President determines that there is a need for additional funding.
NEEDA Newsletter will publish another article about grants to fire departments.
President Obama’s FY 2010 budget blueprint, “A New Era of Responsibility: Renewing America’s Promise,” is designed to reduce dependence on foreign energy, increase excellence in education, and reform the health care system. It cuts the deficit by more than half by 2012.
President Obama has inherited the worst recession since the Great Depression, housing and financial market crises, and the loss of 2.5 million jobs in the last five months.
War continues Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The national debt increased throughout the last eight years.
The deficit will reach $1.75 trillion in 2009. Some of that deficit will result from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ( the Obama economic recovery package) and the additional funds may be needed to shore up the financial sector. The majority – $1.3 trillion – comes from pre-Obama years.
A debt of $12.7 trillion this year is partly the result of the collapsed economy under the previous administration.
President Obama’s 2010 budget includes some improvements over what Congress received from the Bush administration, according to Congressional budget staffers.
President Obama’s budget includes accounting of the costs for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and more oversight defense.
President Obama calls for cutting the deficit in half from the $1.3 trillion deficit of the Bush administration this year, to $581 billion in 2012.
Soaring health care costs are the biggest source of that debt explosion.
The tax provisions enacted by Congress in 2001 and 2003 expire
at the end of 2010. The budget proposes to make permanent those provisions providing tax relief to the middle class, while limiting or ending provisions that benefit those with high incomes.
The budgetextends three provisions – the 10 percent bracket, marriage penalty relief, and the Child Tax Credit. But other provisions enacted in 2001 that would be extended in the budget include the 25 percent and 28 percent brackets, the adoption tax credit, and the dependent care tax credit.
The new budget reinstates the top two income tax brackets (36 percent and 39.6 percent), limits itemized deductions, and the phase-out of the personal exemption. These provisions would apply to couples with incomes over $250,000 (or $200,000 for individuals) starting in 2011.
The new budget proposes to set the top capital gains and dividends rate at 20 percent for couples with incomes over $250,000 (or $200,000 for
individuals) starting in 2011. At lower income levels, the current treatment of capital gains and dividends would be continued, with a top rate of 15 percent.
The budget extends the estate tax, as it is in effect in 2009 and is indexed to inflation. In 2009, the estate tax exemption is $3.5 million ($7 million for a couple) and the top rate is 45 percent.
The business community has long advocated an end to the estate tax which hits small businesses so hard they often have to fold in order to meet estate tax requirements.
The new budget proposes to make permanent the expansions of the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit enacted as part of the economic recovery package for 2009 and 2010. The budget makes permanent the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which was enacted as part of the economic recovery package for 2009 and 2010.
Obama would mandate automatic enrollment in employer-provided 401(k) plans (thereby requiring employees to opt out of the plan if they did not
want to contribute); and require employers that do not offer 401(k)s to offer automatic enrollment in IRAs, allowing employees to contribute through payroll tax deductions. These proposals would reduce revenues by $55 billion over ten years.
The budget proposes making permanent the R&E credit, which
costs $74 billion over ten years. In addition, the budget proposes to eliminate capital gains taxation on certain small business stock held for more than five years, and to expand the net operating loss carryback.
MORE INFO? Stu Nagurka (202) 224-7436 or Steve Posner (202) 224-7925
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STATES LOOK FOR TAX INCREASES TO RAISE GOVERNMENT REVENUE
Originally Posted: May 6, 2009 3:52 PM
Last Updated: May 6, 2009 3:52 PM
States are attempting to collect more income by raising various taxes.
California recently enacted $12.5 billion in tax increases, including a .25-
percent increase in the personal income tax and a 1-percent hike in the sales tax, to 6 percent. The new levies will remain in effect for two years — and possibly four if voters agree to extend them in a May 19 special election, which appears unlikely at this point.
New York raised its income tax rate on residents earning more than $500,000
from 6.85 percent to 8.97 percent (AB 157). And Connecticut, Delaware,
Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey and
Washington State are all looking at so-called “Millionaire’s taxes” as well.
Sales tax increases are pending in Arizona and Massachusetts, while
Kentucky imposed sales taxes on digital products such as software and cell phone ring tones, and Florida is considering doing away with sales tax exemptions on everything from bottled water to Super Bowl tickets.
Colorado raised its car rental tax $2 a day.
Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, a Republican, has vowed to veto bills until the Legislature raises the gas tax 10 cents to provide more money for roads and bridges. Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon and Texas have also proposed motor fuel tax increases.
“Sin” taxes are proving especially popular. Arkansas, Kentucky and
Rhode Island have already raised their tobacco taxes, and at least 16 other
states are considering doing the same. New York increased its tax on beer and
wine (AB 159). And alcohol tax hikes are pending in California, Hawaii,
Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina
and Oregon.
But fee increases are even more trendy. New or higher fees, on everything
from drivers’ licenses and handgun permits to death certificates and pig and cow
slaughtering, are pending in nearly half the states. Hundreds of fee changes have been pitched by some governors, including New York Gov. David Paterson (D), who wanted, among many other things, to impose an 18 percent “fat tax” on soft drinks and a 4 percent sales tax on downloaded music. But tough budget negotiations and sagging approval ratings forced him to drop both of those proposals.
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OBAMA WANTS CRAIG FUGATE (FLORIDA) TO HEAD FEMA BEFORE 09 HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS
Originally Posted: May 6, 2009 1:28 PM
Last Updated: May 6, 2009 1:28 PM
Federal Emergency Management Agency has no chief because US Sen. David Vitter is holding up President Barack Obama's FEMA nomintion. Reason? Vitter wants Obama's answer to questions he has raised about high-risk flood zones that will affect rebuildingand on rebuilding several community facilities in the small barrier island of Grand Isle, La.
Obama nominated Craig Fugate for the FEMA job two months ago. Fugate, former chief of emergency management in Florida, will eventually get the job, the Associated Press says.
AP: The International Association of Emergency Managers and the American Red Cross are urging quick action.
Louisiana's Sen.Democrat Mary Landrieu, shares Vitter's questions but but supports Fugate's prompt confirmation. Landrieu: "The hurricane season starts next month running to Nov. 30, 2009."
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WILDFIRES IN SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA
Originally Posted: May 6, 2009 1:12 PM
Last Updated: May 6, 2009 1:12 PM
Firefighters made water drops from the air to battle the wildfire in Santa Barbara, CA, that forced the evacuation of 1,000 homes.
Fire officials said no new evacuations were planned Wedneaday and that their goal is containment.
Estimates of the fire's size ran 420 acres to 196 acres, but thick nightime smoke made estimating scope and damage difficult for aerial observers. No structures have been destroyed, the LA Times reported.
Santa Barbara City Fire Chief Andrew DiMizio told the LA Times: "I'm guardedly optimistic. This is the first time in my career I've used those words."
The wildfire was slowed by moisture levels higher than they are during a typical fire season.
Still, officials said the Jesusita blaze was not contained and could not predict when it might be.
Five helicopters and six fixed-wing aircraft will dump water and chemical retardants on the flames Wednesday. Forecasts call for winds to pick up Wednesday afternoon, gusting to 55 mph.
The Jesusita fire started at about 1:50 p.m. Tuesday May 5, 2009 racing through thick chaparral on the slopes above San Roque Canyon. It was burning about a mile west of November's Tea fire (2008), which destroyed 200 homes in Santa Barbara and Montecito.
Authorities said the flames knocked out a transformer, triggering sporadic power outages in the city. School officials canceled today's classes at five schools, according to LA Times writer Steve Chawkins.
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FIRST US RESIDENT SWINE FLU VICTIM
Originally Posted: May 6, 2009 12:58 PM
Last Updated: May 6, 2009 12:58 PM
Judy Trunnell of Texas became the first U.S. resident with swine flu to die. Officials said Trunnell had other heath conditions and stopped short of saying that the flu alone killed her. Judy Trunnell, a 33-year-old schoolteacher had just given birth to a healthy baby girl.
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GSA TAKES TO RADIO TO URGE YOUR CUSTOMERS TO SWITCH TO GSA CONTRACTORS WHILE THE US TREASURY TAKES 3% OF ALL YOUR SALES
Originally Posted: May 6, 2009 12:52 PM
Last Updated: May 6, 2009 12:52 PM
By Kenton Pattie
Executive Director National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
PO Box 220
Annandale VA 22003
703 850 8552
Fax 703 717 5766
KentonP1@aol.com
1. NEEDA supports repeal of a sweeping new requirement mandating that federal, state, and local governments withhold 3% from all payments owed to emergency equipment dealers for vehicles, equipment, apparel and all other goods and services. This unprecedented withholding mandate will affect all government contracts as well as Medicare payments, Farm payments, and grants. The effective date was initially set for January 1, 2011 by Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (P.L. 109-222) that was signed on May 17, 2006. It was delayed one year to January 1, 2012 by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5) that was signed into law on February 17, 2009.
As previously reported in NEEDA Newsletter, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) held a public hearing on this subject in April, 2009. The IRS staff stated there would be only one hearing on the subject and that was the one in April. NEEDA spoke at the hearing in support of repeal of the withholding program. Later this year, IRS will publish the final regulations on the withholding law that will hurt all emergency equipment dealers.
2. Meanwhile, the US General Services Administration, which has multiple contracts with many manufacturers in the fire industry, is now advertising on radio and at trade shows that state and local governments should buy from GSA contractors (rather than from local dealers like you). When your customer buys through GSA they need not seek bids. Also, the entire GSA contract is between the manufacturer and the buyer -- no dealer need be involved in or know about the business opportunity being lost. There will be no bids or public notice about the purchase either before or after it is made.
Finally, GSA will receive a payment from their contractors for every sale made under the GSA Supply Schedule. In fact, GSA pays its government employees with money earned from GSA's direct sales to state and local governments.
It may surprise you to know that almost every product in the fire industry is on a GSA schedule! And anything that is not on the schedule will be under pressure to be added as GSA earns a percent of every purchase a state or local government makes when buying fire equipment and services from a GSA contractor.
GSA argues that its prices are better than dealer prices and that the no bid
environment helps local governments cut down on time, staff and costs.
If you don't like (1.) The 3% withholding law and if you don't like (2.) the law that lets GSA sell to local fire departments, you should belong to the National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA) -- the one fire dealer organization that is fighting the US Treasury Deparment (vs. 3% withholding) and GSA (competing with dealers). The laws that Congress passed to enable both of these programs should be repealed. It is hard to repeal a public law. But, for the sake of NEEDA members, repeal is the only safe way to end this double threat to our industry.
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HELP! ANSWERS TO LAST MINUTE QUESTIONS ASKED BY THOSE APPLYING FOR US ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTER GRANTS . . . DEADLINE IS JUST DAYS AWAY!
Originally Posted: May 6, 2009 12:16 PM
Last Updated: May 6, 2009 12:16 PM
From: Kenton Pattie
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
KentonP1@aol.com
With the deadline comping up quickly for the AFG grant program, here are some answers to frequently asked questions and answers that fire and emergency departments can use during the next two weeks!
» I've forgotten my UserID and/or Password. How do I find these out?
» How do I gain access to my department's previous year's application when I'm going to be the primary contact on the new application and I don't know the username and password from the previous year's application (i.e., lost password, previous contact is no longer available)?
» I haven't received any emails from the program, what should I do?
» I've had problems with my email account, and I think I may have missed some emails from the AFG program.
» How can I change the personal contact information on my grant?
1. I've forgotten my UserID and/or Password. How do I find these out?
If you are the Primary Contact for your department's grant(s), and you have forgotten the UserID and/or Password, you can use the Forgot Password utility available on the login screen (the screen that appears when you click on e-grant application). Click on “FORGOT PASSWORD” and answer the two security questions, then submit your request. The screen should tell you that you successfully submitted your request and that a temporary password is being emailed to your address. Go into your email and retrieve the user ID and temporary password. If the message is not there, look in the junk mail file. If it is not in your junk mail file then your email address is not compatible with the DHS system. You will have to set up a new email account. (You may want to use the free email accounts such as yahoo, hotmail, etc.)
If you are unable to answer the security questions, or your primary contact email address has changed, you will need to follow the procedure outlined in the FAQ, “ How do I gain access to my department's previous year's application when the previous primary contact is no longer available or does not remember the username and password? ”
2. How do I gain access to my department's previous year's application when I'm going to be the primary contact on the new application and I don't know the username and password from the previous year's application (i.e., lost password, previous contact is no longer available)?
Send us a letter explaining why you need this information, and if you also need to change the Primary Contact information. (Please be aware that changing the Primary Contact on one grant will cause the Primary Contact to be changed on all other department grants submitted under the same under the same UserID. The letter must be on fire department letterhead and signed by the Fire Chief of the department. To expedite this change you can fax a copy of the letter to Annette Robinson at 1-866-274-0942.
After faxing the letter to Annette Robinson, please mail the original letter to:
DHS/FEMA/Grant Programs Directorate
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
Annette Robinson - Room 5066D
Tech World Bldg - South Tower 5th Floor
500 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20472
The following information must be included in the letter:
Grant Number
Previous Main Contact Person's Name
Explanation of why access to the grant is needed
New Contact Person's Name
New Contact Person's Mother's Maiden Name
New Contact Person's Date of Birth
New Contact Person's E-mail Address
Two Phone Numbers for the new Contact Person
A mailed letter may take over two weeks to process. However, soon after faxing the letter to Annette Robinson you will receive an email from Pinky Sheets telling you that she has updated the system and placed your name on the grant as the main contact person , and to watch for the automated email with the user ID and temporary password. You will also receive an automated ema il from EOPS@dhs.gov with your user ID and temporary password.
If you do not receive this automated email from EOPS@dhs.gov within two days of faxing your request and receiving the email from Ms. Sheets, you should look in your Junk Mail file. The electronic emails are sometimes filtered and sent directly to junk mail.
If that does not work, go onto the web site at www.firegrantsupport.com and choose e-grant application. You will get an application sign-in screen. Click on “FORGOT PASSWORD” and answer the two security questions and submit your request. The screen should tell you that you successfully submitted your request and that a temporary password is being emailed to your address. Go into your email and retrieve the user ID and temporary password. Again, if the message is not there, look in the junk mail file. If it is not in your junk mail file then your email address is not compatible with the DHS system. You will have to set up a new email account. (You may want to use the free email accounts such as yahoo, hotmail, etc.)
When you click on submit, if you get an error message telling you that you gave incorrect information, you need to call Annette Robinson (202) 786-9626.
Please note: This information can only be changed by authorized personnel.
3. I haven't received any emails from the program, what should I do?
There are many reasons why you may not have received any emails from the AFG system. Some email services such as Hotmail, Yahoo, SBCGlobal or MSN have a tendency to place emails from us (dhs.gov) in the Junk Mail folder of the email program. You can remedy this problem by allowing our email addresses to be accepted by your email provider/program. Different programs have different procedures, so check with your email provider for details on how to allow email addresses. The email address always has a dhs.gov extension. The following email addresses should be allowed:
eops@dhs.gov
afg@dhs.gov
firegrants@dhs.gov
Other email programs that are within a local government or state government, for example, joe.smith@skokie.il.us or pinky@parkland.cc.ca.us, have a tendency to block dhs.gov emails entirely. If your email is a .us account, please speak with your email provider or your systems administrator and request that they allow emails with the dhs.gov extension or tell them to allow emails from the following addresses:
eops@dhs.gov
afg@dhs.gov
firegrants@dhs.gov
4. I've had problems with my email account, and I think I may have missed some emails from the AFG program.
Copies of emails that have been sent to you by the AFG system are stored in your online E-grant Mail Center. You can logon to the online E-grant system, and click on the "Mail Center" link on the status page. There is a link to view "Old Messages" in addition to the ability to view new messages.
Top
5. How can I change the personal contact information on my grant?
For the Primary Contact – There can be only one Primary Contact for your department/agency. Changing the Primary Contact on one grant will cause the Primary Contact to be changed on all other department grants submitted under the same UserID. If you don't wish to do this, consider changing Alternate Contact information for a particular grant instead (see next paragraph). To update personal information such as Primary Contact name, address, phone numbers, e-mail address, or change password, grantees should log into their grant and at the Status screen click on "Edit Profile," which is located at the upper middle part of the screen. The page that comes up will allow you to update any personal information that has changed. Type in the updated personal information and click on Save at the bottom of the page. A note will come up reading, "Your profile has been updated. Thank You." You might think you're done at this point, but you're not! You must log out of your application for the new information to take effect. To do this, click on the "Authorized Applications" link on the upper left-hand side of the "Thank You" page, and then click on "Firefighter's Grants" on the new page so that the new information will be set and updated.
For Alternate Contacts – Alternate Contacts can differ from grant to grant if your department/agency has more than one AFG grant. To change the Alternate Contact name, or update any alternate contact personal information, grantees must log into their grant. From the Status screen, select Manage Grant from the drop-down menu in the Action field. Click on Update Alternate Contacts on the menu bar on the left side of the screen. Type in the updated personal information and click on Save and Continue at the bottom of the page. As this request changes information that is contained within the actual grant application, it is processed as a Revision Request by Grants Management staff and must be entered manually. The updated information may not appear for several weeks.
MORE INFO? www.firegrantsupport.com
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NORTHWEST FIRE AND RESCUE SHOW: May 15-16, 2009 IN PORTLAND, OREGON
Originally Posted: May 6, 2009 12:04 PM
Last Updated: May 6, 2009 12:04 PM
The Northwest Fire and Rescue Show will be held at the Portland Exposition Center, 2060 North Marine Drive, Portland, Oregon Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 opening each day at 9 AM.
The show is sponsored by the Northwest Fire Equipment Dealers Association, Jerry Heater, Show Manager.
The Northwest Fire and Rescue Show will be held at the Portland Exposition Center, 2060 North Marine Drive, Portland, Oregon Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 opening each day at 9 AM.
2009 Exhibitors
A
Advanced First Responder Solutions
3793 River Rd. N, Suite C
Keizer, OR 97303
877-274-2377
Craig Schurter
craigs@advancedfrs.com
www.myFFRS.com
Booth #102
Advanced Traffic Products
909 SE Everett Mally Way, #B280
Everett, WA 98208
425-347-6208
Mike Singson - mikeyatp@verison.net
www.advancedtraffic.com
Booth #19
Air Exchange, Inc.
1185 San Mateo Avenue
San Bruno, CA 94066
650-871-2945
Dick Bertani - dick@airexchange.com
airexchange.com
Booth #92
Air Technology Solutions
337 High Street
Burlington, NJ 08016
800-743-3323
Nicole Simoes
Booth #133
Akron Brass Company
343 Venture Blvd.
Wooster, OH 44691
330-264-5678
Kim Morrow - kmorrow@akronbrass.com
www.akronbrass.com
Booth #7
Arrow Manufacturing
32902 Baxter Rd.
Hermiston, OR 97838
541-571-6960
Jim Stearns - jstearns1401@yahoo.com
Area Q4
B
Benz Air Engineering Co., Inc.
3822 SW Corbett
Portland, OR 97239
503-228-7296
800-775-7296
Kevin Marple - kmarple@benzco.com
www.benzco.com
Booth #
Blue Max Lighting - USA
PMB 1142, 11700 Mukilteo Speedway, Suite 201
Mukilteo, WA 98275
425-231-7953
Vern Anderson
verna@bluemaxusa.com
www.bluemaxusa.com
Booth #118-120
Brattain International Trucks, Inc.
P. O. Box 11287
Portland, OR 97211
503-595-4606
Barney Newman - bnewman@brattain.com
www.brattain.com
Area P-1
Braun Northwest, Inc.
PO Box 1204
Chehalis, WA 98532
360-748-0195
800-245-6303
sales@braunnorthwest.com
www.braunnorthwest.com
Area M
Buckstop Truckware
1125 Industrial Parkway
Newberg, OR 97132
www.buckstop.biz
Booth # 31
Burton's Fire, Inc.
Doug Schindler
doug@burtonsfire.com
www.burtonsfire.com
Booth # 48
C
California Casualty
19215 SE 34th Street
Camas, WA 98607
360-828-1937
1-877-777-1419
Brian Goodman - bgoodman@calcas.com
www.calcas.com/ovfa
Booth # 44
Capture Technologies
11040 SW Barbur Blvd., Ste. 102
Portland, OR 97219
503-245-1604
800-544-5050
Tim Hardin
thardin@capturet.com
www.capturet.com
Booth #61
Cardiac Science Corp
Bothell, WA 98021
425-402-2057
www.cardiacscience.com
Booth # 39
Carroll Signs & Graphics LLC
12655 SE Jansen Ln.
Boring, OR 97009
503-781-8246
carrollsigns@earthlink.net
www.carrollsignsandgraphics.com
Booth #72
Cascade Fire Equipment
PO Box 4248
Medford, OR 97501
541-779-0394
800-654-7049
Craig Cockrell
sales@cascadefire.com
www.cascadefire.com
Area E1
Chemeketa Community College
PO Box 14007
Salem, OR 97309
Larry Feller
503-584-7343
Booth #63
Complete Wireless Solutions
1740 22nd St. SE
Salem, OR 97302
503-362-1388
888-641-2457
mark@cwsoregon.com
www.cwsoregon.com
Booth #20
Crossco Manufacturers
440 Nibus Street
Brea, CA 92821
714-256-4143
Charlie Westlake
cyndyco1@aol.com
www.crosscoinc.com
Booth # 68, 69
Cruise Master Engraving
4790 Drift Creek Rd. SE
Sublimity, OR 97385
888-548-6834
cruiseme@wvi.com
www.cruisemasterengraving.com
Booth # 57,58,85,86
D
Day Wireless Systems
4700 SE International Way
Milwaukie, OR 97222
503-659-1240
1-800-503-3433
sales@daywireless.com
www.daywireless.com
Booth #59
Deep South Fire Trucks
PO Box 293
Seminary, MS 39479
866-272-2333
Dennis Graves
deepsouthfiretrucks@bellsouth.net
www.deepsouthfiretrucks.com
Area A
Deschutes River Mfg
65533 Old Bend-Redmond Hwy
Bend, OR 97701
541-480-5967
877-868-1951
David Johnston - the-rookie@bendbroadband.com
www.the-rookie.com
Booth #100,101
Diamondback Fire & Rescue
P. O. Box 891266
Temecula, CA 92589
951-303-8866
Justin M. Burch
jburch@diamondbackfire.com
Booth #97,98
DPSST
4190 Aumsville Highway SE
Salem, OR 97317
503-378-2332
Eriks Gabliks - eriks.gabliks@state.or.us.com
www.oregon.gov/dpsst
Booth #74
Draeger
14839 SE Topaz Ave.
Milwaukie, OR 97267
503-318-8221
800-922-5518 Ext.515
Kent Kennedy - kent.kennedy@draeger.com
www.draeger.com
Booth #62
E
Elkhart Brass
1302 W. Beardsley Avenue
Elkhart, IN 46514
574-295-8330
574-293-9914
Brian Scott - avance@elkhartbrass.com
www.elkhartbrass.com
Booth #37-38
Emergency Reporting
Bellingham, WA
866-773-7678
Lee J. Kleve - lee@emergencyreporting.com
www.emergencyreporting.com
Booth #91
EMSAR - Washington & Oregon
www.emsar.com
Booth # 18
E-One/Cascade Fire Equipment
123 S. Front St.
Yakima, WA 98901
509-453-6527
800-572-3939
Mark Merritt
sales@cfireinc.com
www.cfireinc.com
Area N
F
First Investors Corporation
9400 SW Beav-Hills Hwy., Suite 250
Beaverton, OR 97005
503-296-7676
800-394-6620
www.firstinvestors.com
Booth #64
Federal Signal Corporation
2645 Federal Signal Drive
University Park, IL 60466
708-534-3400
800-264-3578
Kathy Moore
kmoore@federalsignal.com
www.fedsig.com
Booth #12
Fire Service Bookstore
727 Center St. NE #300
Salem, OR 97301
800-342-2034
Clare Taylor
clare@fireservicebooks.com
www.fireservicebooks.com
Booth # 49-53
Fire Service Repair, LLC
15364 Deception Road
Anacortes, WA 98221
425-760-2934
Steve Towers - srtowers@wavecable.com www.fireservicerepair.com
Booth #
Foam Pro
4114 SE Spring Street
Hillsboro, OR 97123
503-333-9822
dave.roll@hypropumps.com www.foampro.com
Booth #127
Fort Garry Fire Trucks
Dale Hawes
dhawes@fgft.ca
www.fgft.com
Area R2
G
General Fire Apparatus
4004 E. Trent Ave.
Spokane, WA 99202
509-535-4255
800-541-4218
gfabell@generalfire.com
www.generalfire.com
Area K
Gordon Bernard Company, LLC
13017 Narcis Court
Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026
509-981-9456
866-464-0835
J.J. Johnson -
jjohnson@gordonbernard.com
www.gordonbernard.com
Booth #132
H
H&W Emergency Vehicles
3150 SW 234th
Hillsboro, OR 97123
503-848-3276
jbwhw@aol.com
www.hwev.com
Russ Sheldon
Area H
Hale Products
700 Spring Mill Ave.
Conshohocken, PA 19428
610-825-6300
Booth #45,46
HME, Inc.
Jim Morgan
503-472-3621
morgan@hmetruck.com
Area T
Hughes Fire Equipment, Inc.
910 Shelley Street
Springfield, OR 97477
541-747-0072
800-747-6510
hughessales@hughesfire.com
www.hughesfire.com
See territory maps on website for local representative information.
Area I
I
Interspiro
10225 82nd Ave.
Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
262-947-9901
Bob Frintner - bob.frintner@interspiro.com
www.interspirousa.com
Area L1
Interstate Auto Parts
P. O. Box 12096
Salem, OR 97309
503-581-8001
800-452-0318
Jeff McElhinny -
customerservice@iaparts.com nnp@iaparts.com
Booth #154-155
J
K
Kelderman Air Suspension
2686 Highway 92
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
641-673-0468
Carl Harr - carl@kelderman.com
www.keldermanairride.com
Booth #87,88
KME Fire Apparatus
One Industrial Complex
Nesquehoning, PA 18240
570-669-5141
800-235-3928
Brian Cassell - bcassell@kovatch.com
www.kovatch.com
Area Q2
Knox Company
1601 W. Deer Valley Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85027
623-687-2300
866-223-2623
Jeff Moser - jmoser@knoxbox.com
www.knoxbox.com
Booth #66
L
L.N. Curtis & Sons
629 S. Industrial Way
Seattle, WA 98108
206-622-2875
800-426-6633
John Cefalu
jcefalu@LNCURTIS.com
www.LNCURTIS.com
Booth 113-117, 141-145
Life - Assist, Inc.
11277 Sunrise Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
916-635-3822
800-824-6016
Pete Tracy -
support@life-assist.com
www.life-assist.com
Booth #32-33
Life Safety Corp.
503-231-8282
Rex Sparks
Booth # 70, 71
Lundgren Fire Rescue
23113 23rd. Dr. NE
Arlington, WA 98223
206-399-7635
Bill Lundgren
www.hypresequip.com
Booth # 80, 81
M
Mallory Company
1040 Industrial Way/PO Box 2068
Longview, WA 98632
360-636-5750
800-MALLORY
Steve Johnson
steve.johnson@malloryco.com
www.malloryco.com
Area C1
Municipal Emergency Services
3801 Fruit Valley Road, Suite C
Vancouver, WA 98660
360-737-3800
866-288-4936
www.mesfire.com
Area O-2
My-Comm., Inc.
541-686-1873
877-426-2339
sales@my-comm-inc.com
www.my-comm-inc.com
Booth 21
N
National Fire Fighter Wildland Corp.
1574 W. 6th Ave.
Eugene, OR 97402
800-423-8347
info@nationalfirefighter.com
www.nationalfirefighter.com
Booth # 77, 78, 105, 106
National Hose Testing Specialties
1572 SE Howe St.
Dallas, OR 97338
503-623-9422
877-873-6487
John Stein - info@nhts.com
www.nhts.com
Booth 42,43
Northwest Safety Clean
5055 SE Lafayette St.
Portland, OR 97206
503-775-2114
800-984-6972
Booth #9,10
O
Ochoco Manufacturing Corporation
2668 NE Third Street - P.O. Box 66
Prineville, OR 97754
541-447-5502
877-447-5502
omcomfg@omco-mfg.com
www.omco-mfg.com
Area F
Onspot of North America
555 Lordship Blvd.
Stratford, CT 06615
800-766-7768
Ray Paul - RayPaul@onspot.com
www.onspot.com
Booth #90
Oregon Fire Corps.
Rhonda Grant - Oregon FC Advocate
rhonda.grant@staytonfire.org
www.firecorps.org
Booth # 147
Oregon Fire Service Museum
1284 Court St.
Salem, OR 97301
www.oregonfiremuseum.com
Booth #148
Oregon Volunteer Firefighters' Association
1284 Court St.
Salem, OR 97301
800-FIRELINE
James Oeder
ovfa@ovfa.org
www.ofva.org
Area J2
P
Panasonic
3605 P Loop
Washougal, WA 98671
360-835-3164
201-602-9145
Mike Collins -
mike_collins@us.panasonic.com
www.panasonic.com/toughbook.com
Booth #60
Paratech, Inc.
PO Box 2056
Kingston, WA 98346
206-714-5966
Drake Walters - dwalters@paratech.us
www.paratech.us
Booth #146
Performance Sales & Marketing
2412 NE 147th Ct.
Vancouver, WA 98684
360-904-0615
Steve "Hutch" Hutchinson -
hutch9@comcast.net
Booth #104
Peterson Equipment
151 Front St.
Woodburn, OR 97071
800-981-4032
Booth #99
Physio Control
11811 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052
503-730-2285
Tim Thornburg -
timothy.j.thornburg@medtronic.com
Booth #14
POK-Border To Border
10020 N. 75th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480-948-2566
Richard Tinker - Thinktink.richard@gmail.com
www.pokfire.com
Booth #13
Public Safety Chaplaincy
Joel Peterson
jpeterson@pschaplains.org
www.publicsafetychaplaincy.org
Booth # 160
Public Works Supply
PO Box 702, 10751 Oak St. #2
Donald, OR 97020
503-678-2981
800-754-6551
Jim Casqueiro - jim@publicworkssupply.com
www.publicworkssupply.com
Booth #15
Q
R
R.O.M. Corporation
800-827-3692
sales@romcorp.com
www.romcorp.com
Booth # 122
Rescue Response Gear
723 Curtis Ct. #A
Sisters, OR 97759
541-549-1485
888-600-9116
www.rescueresponsegear.com
Area Q1
Rite in the Rain
2614 Pacific Hwy. E
Tacoma, WA 98424
www.riteintherain.com
Booth # 4
S
Safety Brite, Inc.
6900 Kestrel Dr. #3
Missoula, MT 59808
406-240-0429
John Stanislaw
info@safety-brite.net
www.safety-brite.net
Booth #3
Safeware, Inc.
10945 SW 108th Ave.
Tigard, OR 97223
503-784-2353
Jeff Frisch
jfrisch@safewareinc.com
Booth # 151, 152
Santiam Emergency Equipment
7905 State Street
Salem, OR 97317
503-540-8717
Al Slater
info@santiam.net
www.santiam.net
Area J3
SeaWestern, Inc.
12815 NE 124th, Suite H
Kirkland, WA 98034
425-821-5858
800-327-5312
info@seawestern.com
www.seawestern.com
Area B
SEFAC, Inc.
23 Fontana Lane, Suite 110
Baltimore, MD 21237
909-697-9009
Gary Mason
gary@sefac.com
www.sefac.com
Booth #47
Sirennet
503-670-4700
info@sirennet.com
www.sirennet.com
Area P3
Smart Power Systems
5000 N. US 131
Reed City, MI 49677
231-832-5525
Richard Wambsgans
richw@smartpower.com
www.smartpower.com
Booth # 103
Snap-tite Hose, Inc
217 Titusville Rd.
Union City, PA 16438
814-860-5886
www.snap-tite.com
Booth # 16
Spartan Chassis, Inc.
1000 Reynolds Rd.
Charlotte, MI 48813
517-543-6400
Don Armstrong
info@spartanchassis.com
www.spartanchassis.com
Area C2
Stryker
3800 E. Centre Ave.
Portage, MI 49002
800-787-9537
Brandon Flood
brandon.flood@stryker.com
www.ems.stryker.com
Booth # 34,35
SuperVac Mfg & Command Light
1511 E 11th
Loveland, CO 80537
800-525-5224
Steve Tinberg
info@supervac.com
www.supervac.com
info@commandlight.com
www.commandlight.com
Booth #89
SVI Trucks
1511 E. 11th St.
Loveland, CO 80537
970-667-5146
Stephen Carleton - stephenc@svitrucks.com
www.svitrucks.com
Area D2
T
Talon Industries
Portland, OR
503-645-5497
Jerry Feakes - talonindustries@comcast.net
Area J1
Tanninen Repair Services
21620 NE 173rd Ave.
Battleground, WA 98604
360-687-0300
Mark Tanninen
tanninen@earthlink.net
Booth #109
Task Force Tips, Inc.
2800 Evans Ave.
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-462-6161
800-348-2686
Doug O'Donnell
Ivette.Westerman@tft.com
www.TFT.com
Area S2
Technical Rescue Northwest
1420 Marvin Rd. NE, Suite C-505
Lacey, WA 98516
360-239-0939
Glenn Dreyer - glenn@technicalrescuenw.com
www.technicalrescuenw.com
Booth #96
Tempest Technology
4708 N. Blythe
Fresno, CA 93722
559-269-7773
Curt Johnson - curt@tempest-edge.com
www.tempest-edge.com
Booth #150
Tencate Southern Mills
6501 Mall Blvd.
Union City, GA 30291
404-304-0000
Kirk Owen - k.owen@tencate.com
www.southernmills.com
Booth #94
Thorogood-Weinbrenner Shoe Co.
800-826-0002
Ed & Curt Yaeger
edyaeger@q.com
curtyaeger@q.com
www.weinbrennerusa.com
Booth #17
Triangle Graphics
521 Market St., Suite A
Eugene, OR 97402
541-344-7288
John Henzie
triangle@shirt4brains.com
Booth # 6
Turtle Plastics
7400 Industrial Pkwy
Lorain, OH 44053
800-756-6635
www.turtleplastics.com
Booth # 23-25
Type One Incident Support, Inc.
PO Box 8209
Bend, OR 97708-8209
541-330-4340
Chris Ditmore
support@typeoneproducts.com
www.typeoneproducts.com
Area O3
U
United Fire, Health and Safety
www.unitedfireandsafety.com
Booth # 36
V
W
W.S. Darley & Co. - Odin Foam
PO Box 310
Toledo, OR 97391
541-336-5067
Stephanie Frost - sfrost@odinfoam.com
www.darley.com
Area D1
Ward Diesel Filter Systems
133 Philo Road W.
Elmira, NY 14903
607-796-0149
800-845-4665
scott.beecher@warddiesel.com
www.warddiesel.com
Booth #65
Washington Automated
6600 Merrill Creek Parkway, Suite 204
Everett, WA 98207
425-743-7388 Ext.211
800-422-0380 Ext.211
Chuck Kersten
gary.kelly@washingtonautomated.com
www.washingtonautomated.com
Booth #11
Washington State Fire Mechanics
PO Box 578
East Olympia, WA 98540
360-491-5533
Marc Mueller
Booth #125
Waterous Company
Breckenridge, CO 80424
www.waterousco.com
Area L2
Weidner Fire/Magnegrip
135 W. 7065 S.
Midvale, UT 84047
801-565-9595
Mike Thomas
mike@weidnerfire.com
www.weidnerfire.com
Booth # 8
West Coast Fire & Rescue
18322 9th St. E
Lake Tapps, WA 98391
253-826-9852
888-826-8665
info@westcoastfirerescue.com
www.westcoastfirerescue.com
Area O1
Western State Design
2950 NW 29th Ave.
Portland, OR 97210
503-222-4288
800-633-7153
www.westernstatedesign.com
Booth 5
Whelen Engineering
Chester, CT
800-526-9504
whelen@whelen.com
www.whelen.com
WHP Training Towers
800-351-2525
David Dyer
info@trainingtowers.com
www.trainingtowers.com
Booth # 93
Wildfire
16311 NE Cameron Blvd.
Portland, OR 97230
503-257-7900
800-426-5207
Dick Yandell - dyandell@tycoint.com
Chris Makey
www.wildfire-equipment.com
Booth # 1,2,29,30
MORE INFO? 888-548-6834 or Fax 503-769-4072
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37th ANNUAL FIRE APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT, TRAINING AND SUPPORT SHOW MAY 15-17, 2009 IN HARRISBURG, PA
Originally Posted: May 6, 2009 10:03 AM
Last Updated: May 6, 2009 10:19 AM
Lancaster (PA) County Firemen's Association will be host to 418 exhibitors and 20,000 attendees at April, 2009 fire show in Harrisburg, PA. This annual show will be held at the Farm Show Complex, 2301 N. Cameron St. off I-81
Harrisburg, PA 17110. Adult $7.00, children 9 and under free.
Show days and hours are:
FRI., MAY 15, 2009 - 10 AM - 5 PM
SAT., MAY 16, 2009 - 10 AM - 5 PM
SUN., MAY 17, 2009- 10 AM - 4 PM
MORE INFO? FIRE EXPO - 717-464-3291 or expo@lcfa.com
Exhibitor List (with booth number)
10-75 Emergency Lighting M 1075
1st Responder News E 481-482
4 Guys Stainless Tank&Eqpt, Inc. E 214-218
911 Safety Equipment, LLC N 789-791
911 Seats, Inc. E 129
Adams Fire Protection E 468-470
Adirondack Fire Equip. M 937
Advanced Print & Video N 739
Advantage Sport & Fitness E 119
Air Boss Fire Boots E 203
Air Cleaning Systems, Inc. E 486-488
Air Technology Solutions, Inc. N 783
Aire-Deb Corporation M 1076
Airpower International, Inc. E 448-451
Akron Brass Company E 139-141
Alert Lighting NE 632
Alert-All Corporation E 425
Alexis Fire Equip. Co. M 1048-1048A
Alpine Software Corporation E 187- 188
Alternative Support App./Campbell Supply M 1052
Amdor, Inc. E 258
American Emergency Vehicles E 236-238
American Military University M 1150
American Signal Corp. M 1009
American Traditions Basket Co. M 989
America’s 9/11 Foundation Inc. NE 627-629
Armored Textiles Fire Hose E 202
ASI Fire/Rescue Apparel M 1012-1013
Atlantic Tactical E 123-126
Atlas Flasher & Supply Co., Inc. M 964-965
Automated Protection Systems, Inc. M 994
Awards Express M 1003
AWG Fittings, LLC E 452
Basala Ent. Fire-Rescue, Inc. M 974-980
Battery Tech Central E 183
Battery Zone, Inc. N 804
Bergmann Associates M 968
Berks Emergency Equipment M 985-987
Bostrom, H.O. Co. E 499-500
Braun Industries, Inc. E 402-407
Breathe Safe Fire and Safety E 341-343
Bright Star Lighting Products E 204
Brilex Solutions/Metal Polish E 127
Bristol Fire Apparel, Inc. E 339
Brotherhood Instructors, LLC M 1132
Bucks County Community College E 122
BullEx Digital Safety N 770
C & F EMS and Fire Supply,LLC M 1194
Campbell Supply Co. of PA,LLC NE 639-639A
Card Date Systems E 247
Cardiac Science Corporation E 173
CAS E 462-463
Cast Products, Inc. E 128
Center for Domestic Preparedness S 14
CET Fire Pumps E 259-261
Choice Marketing E 278-281
Cieplak’s Fire & Safety E 201-203
Clark, David Company, Inc. E 511
Class 1 N 773-777
Code 3, Inc. N 778
Columbia Southern University N 806
Compleat Restorations N 725
Compressed Air Systems, Inc. E 464-467
ComPros, Inc. E 426
Continental Fire & Safety, Inc. M 923-928
Cool Draft Scientific, LLC M 990
Cornerstone Adminisystems, Inc. E 344
Cottrell Associates E 272-276
CounterAct Corrosion Protection M 1158
Coupe Communications, Inc. M 1010
Crash Rescue Equip. Serv., Inc. M 938
Crestar Firefighting Eqp. LLC M 969
Crimson Fire E 211-213
Criterion Flooring Systems E 142
Cumberland Good Will Fire Rescue EMS N 701
Cumberland Valley Vol. Firemen’s Assn. S 10
Cummins Power Systems, LLC E 516-517
Curran Financial Group, Inc, M 1008
Custom Advertising E 298-301
Custom Emergency Vehicles,Inc. M 1038
Custom Sales & Service M 1193
Cygnus - Firehouse Magazine E 308
D & S Custom Covers E 256
Darley, W.S. & Company E 397-398
Dept.of Auditor General-Fire Relief Audits S 6
DMC Books E 134
DMMS E 138
Dove Designs M 981-984
Dover International Speedway S 21-25
DR&W Enterprises, LLC M 1004
DynaTech Power M 941-942
E.C.O., Inc. N 811-812
Eagle Emblems & Graphics N 713-716
Eastern Regional Waterwat, LLC M 999
EF Recovery. N 784-785
Electronic Measurement Labs,Inc. E 520
Elkhart Brass E 322-323
E 143-144
Emergency Vehicle Sales M 1072-1073
Emergency Vehicles, Inc. E 395- 396
Empire Welding&Fabricating Co.,Inc. M 1059
EMSAR E 189
Engine Bay Floors M 995
E-One NE 614-620,622-626
Equipment Marketers E 137
ESI Equipment, Inc. N 741-743
E.V.S., Ltd. E 277
Extreme Sportswear E 289-291
F.A.S.T. of the Allegheny Mts.,LLC M 1087
FDFriendly.com M 1149
Federal Public Safety M 1159
Federal Signal Corporation E 239
Ferno Washington, Inc. E 460-461
Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc. N 752-758
FESCO Emergency Sales E 228-229
Finger Lakes Communication Co.,Inc. M 970-971
Fire & Rescue Products E 436-444
Fire Chief Magazine E 503
Fire Engine Collectibles E 153-154
Fire Engineering E 107
Fire Facilities, Inc. E 162
Fire Ground Technologies NE 637
Fire Line Video Productions N 795
Fire News N 704-705
Fire One E 169
Fire Rescue Magazine E 178
Fire Research Corporation E 325-328
Fire Trader NE 630
Fire Trader Shields NE 633
Firecom E 340
FireCompanies.com E 508
Fire-Dex, LLC M 1152-1153
Fire-End & Croker Corp. M 991-992
Firefighter One LLC M 997-998
Firehouse Software E 165-166
Firehouse Specialty Shop E 521-523
FirehouseDecalsAndMore.Com E 494-495
Firemans Chore Inc. E 512
Firemark Tool Co./The Maryland Fire Dispatch E 163-164
Firematic Mfg., Inc. E 392
Firemen’s Assoc. State of PA E 483
FirePrints.com N 703
FirePrograms Software N 787-788
Firequip, Inc. E 408
Firetec Apparatus Brokers E 491
Firovac - Reberland M 1051
First Fire & Safety M 1141-1143
First Out Rescue Equipment M 920-922
Fisher Sportswear E 265- 270
FlameFighter Corp. M 932-933
Floor Coatings Etc. N 814
Foam Pro N 769
Fox International Ltd Inc. M 1128-1130
FSI North America E 201
Garrison Fire & Rescue Corp. M 1011
Gear Grid, Corporation E 345-346
General Insurance Agency, Inc. E 490
Glick Fire Eqp Co.,Inc. E 351-357;385-391
Globe Manufacturing E 347-349
Grace Industries, Inc. E 434-435
Graves Uniforms E 112-114
Greater Philadelphia Search&Rescue S 20
Grey Goose Graphics LLC M 1140
Griffith Pottery House, Inc. E 185-186
Groves Incorporated E 147-149
Guardian Fire Equipment LLC N 706-710
H2M M 1002
Haix North America M 930-931
Hale Products/Class 1 N 773-777
Harrington, Inc. E 176-177
Harrison Hydra-Gen N 749
Haverstick Brothers,Inc. N 805
Havis-Shields E 190-192
Hawill’s Ltd. M 1202-1203
Hazguide Software Solutions LLC E 145
Henley Board, Inc. E 294-296
Henry Schein Matrx Medical N 702
High Angle Associates E 205-209
HJR Eqipment M 1144
HME Incorporated E 399-401
Holmatro, Inc. N 740
Holt & McArdle Associates, Inc. M 1155
Honeywell First Responder Products E 160-161
Horton Emergency Vehicles E 230-232
Howell Rescue Systems, Inc. M 1093-1095
IAFF (VCOS) E 136
IamResponding.com N 779-780
IFSTA Manuals - LCFA E 110-111
IMSupplies M 996
In The Line of Duty M 917- 918
Insta-Chain, Inc. E 168
Integra Tank NE 631
IInternational American, Inc. E 175
INVO Technologies M 973
Iron Compass Map Company E 262
KEY
Spine S 1- 26
New Expo Hall E 100-599
North East Hall NE 600-699
North Hall N 700-899
ITI Trailers and Truck Bodies, Inc. M 1089-1090
J & J Emergency Vehicle Sales E 219-222
J & S Sales/Hideout Leathers E 155-157
Jerome Fire Equipment Co., Inc. M 1133-1135
JLN Associates, LLC M 919
JP Fire & Safety E 314
J-Tech Emergency Lighting E 519
Kaza Fire Equipment N 762-765
Ketterer’s Rescue Products E 427
Keystone Communications N 807-808
Keystone Fire Apparatus, Inc. N 767-768
Keystone Polished Concrete M 993
Kim Enterprises N 801- 803
KME Fire Apparatus E 375-384;409-418
Knox Company E 170
Kochek Company, Inc. E 282
Kolaja Fire Equipment Sales E 240
Kuhn’s Radio Communications,Inc E 305
Kussmaul Electronics Co., Inc. E 428
LaFrance Equipment Corporation E 179-182
Lancier Hydraulik USA, Inc. M 1074
LarryFox.com N 798-799
Laurel Mountain Leasing/Fin. Serv. E 283-284
Lehigh Valley Hospital-MedEvac E 309-310
Life Force Rescue Systems M 1049
Life Lion - Penn State Hershey E 505-506
Life Lion Helicopter/Hershey Med. Ctr. NE 600-604
Lighting X Products M 1145-1148
Lion Total Care, Inc. E 513
Longley Insurance Agency, Inc. E 307
M & W Fire Apparatus, Inc. M 1082-1086
M.C.H. Equipment, Inc. E 152
M.E.S. - Municipal Emerg. Serv. E 102-104
Maintenance Unlimited N 782
Marilyn & Gil’s Fire Station N 721-722
Marion Body Works, Inc. M 1077-1081
Mark Enterprises, Inc. N 726-729
Massaging Insoles by Healthy Feet M 929
McCoy Miller E 219-222
MDI Traffic Control Products E 130
Meadow Creek BBQ Supply M 1058
Med Ex Billing, Inc. M 1000
Med-Media, Inc. E 248
MedTec Ambulance E 351-357,385-391
Mercedes Textiles Limited N 723-724
Metro Public Adjustment, Inc. M 988
Micro Fire Apparatus E 240
Mid Atlantic Fire and Air E 472-475
Mid-Atlantic Rescue Systems, Inc. M 1054-1057
Midwest Fire M 1050
Mitchell Associates Architects E 167
Mobile Concepts by Scotty M 1096
Mobile Fleet M 1005
Monster Medic M 1137-1139
Moore Medical M 1157
MSA E 335-337
Municipal Marketing Services E 253-255
N.I.C.E., Inc. E 489
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation S 26
National Firefighter Near Miss Reporting S 17
National Volunteer Fire Council S 16
Nederman Exhaust N 811-812
Newburgh Rescue Supply E 497
Newtons Fire Safety E 131-133
Niedner E 100
Nightingale Health & Wellness Serv. N 800
OceansideTees.com LLC E 115-118
OCS, Inc. E 120-121
Office of the State Fire Commissioner S 1-2
Oakie Roller M 1001
Onspot of North America, Inc. E 433
PA Fire&Emergency Services Institute S 4-5
PA National Fire Museum N 712
PA State Treasury S 7
PAC Industries, Inc. M 1154
Pacheco Ross Architects, P.C. E 257
Page Creations N 786
Paradise Environmental Group E 509-510
Penn Detroit Diesel Allison, LLC E 446-447
Penn State PAgricultural Rescue - S 18-19
Pennsylvania DCNR S 9
Performance Advantage Co. N 744
Personal Protection Eqp Specialists E 501-502
Pfund Superior Sales Co., Inc. E 241-244
Phila. Insurance Companies M 915
Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. E 351-357; 385-391
PL Custom E 368-374
Plastisol Composites, LLC M 1045-1047
Plymovent/Zimek/Air Clean Sys. E 486-488
POK of North America M 1091
Power Hawk Technologies, Inc. E 105-106
PowerArc, Inc. N 815-816
Powercall Sirens N 730-736
Precision Fire Apparatus, Inc. M 1088
Premier Safety & Service, Inc. E 484-485
Professional Associates/Medrium E 480
Professional Design & Construction Inc. E 458-459
ProSkipper Marine, LLC M 1033B
Provident Agency, Inc. E 245- 246
Quaker Safety Products Corp. E 338
R Heroes, Inc. N 781
R.O.M. Corporation E 316
Radio Tech N 794
Ralph, V.E. & Son, Inc. E 199-200
Raven Technology M 1053
Reading Fire Equipment, Inc. E 193-196
Reding Equipment&Distribution M 1039
Red Knights Intl. FF Motorcycle Club/PA S 15
Rescue 1 E 368-374
Rescue 42, Inc. M 967
Rescue Tape/K,A.Kamper Ent. M 914
Respondersafety.Com S 10
ResQTec N 809-810
Road Rescue E 219-222
Roberts Company, Inc. E 158-160
Robotronics, Inc. E 292-293
Rock-N-Rescue E 249-252
Rogers Uniforms E 285-288
RollNRack,LLC E 150-151
Rosenbauer America,LLC NE 605-612
Rud Chain, Inc. E 302
Rummel Plaques E 135
Ryder Graphics E 311- 313
Safe-T/Skylands Area Fire Eqp. & Tr. M 1007
Safety 1st Products, Inc. E 453-457
Safety Effects, LLC NE 640-641
Scott Health & Safety E 263-264
Seagrave Fire Apparatus, LLC E 359-360;393-394
Selective Insurance Company E 174
Semo Tank N 766
Service1st Restoration&Remodeling,LLC M 939
Slick Top Solutions, LLC M 1156
Smart Power Systems E 146
Smeal Fire Apparatus Co. M 1040-1044;1040A&B
Snap-Tite Hose E 479
Southeastern Emergency Eqp E 514-515
Spartan Chassis, Inc. E 211-213,223-227
Specialized Fire Equip./Fire Hooks Unlimited E 320-321
Specialty Rescue, Inc. N 750-751
Spitler, Inc. E 368-374
SSD Technology Partners M 966
Stadco Products E 492-493
STAT MedEvac N 700
Staub’s Welding N 813
Structural Composites Industries M 972
Stryker EMS N 796-797
Summit Fire Apparatus E 366-367
Super Laundry Equipment E 518
Superior Signal Co. LLC M 1151
Super-Vac N 746-748
Surefire M 935
Surrey Fire Safety House div.Walters Group M 1033A
Susquehanna Fire Equipment Co. E 330-334
Sutphen Corporation N 759-761
Swab Wagon Company, Inc. E 363-365
Swiss Watch Co. USA E 315
Swissphone M 1131
Tanner Furniture N 717
Task Force Tips, Inc. N 745
Tek-Lite/LED Lights M 916
Tele-Lite, Inc. N 718-719
Tempest Technology E 318-319
The Eastmere Fireman N 711
The Fire House N 792-793
The Maryland Fire Dispatch E 163-164
The Pennsylvania Fireman E 108-109
The Will-Burt Company M 1092
TMS Medical Technologies N 827
Total Fire Equipment Sales M 940
Totally Unique Enterprises N 720
Toyne, Inc. E 361-362
Turbo Draft by Schutte & Koerting E 101
Tyler Fire Equipment, LLC E 429-432
Uncommon USA, Inc. E 496
United Plastic Fabricating, Inc. E 507
US Dept. of Energy TEPP S 13
USA Services NE 613-621
Utica Mutual Insurance Co. M 1006
VCI E 233-234
VFIS E 303-304
Volunteer’s Financial Services E 306
VT SVC - Hackney M 1070A-B
Ward Diesel Filter Systems E 171-172
Waterous Company E 358
Weddle Tool Co. Inc. M 1136
Westchester Diecast E 197-198
Western PA Firemen’s Assoc. N 737-738
Whelen Engineering Co., Inc. E 476-478
Whelen M 993
Wildland Warehouse N 771-772
Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc. N 817-826
XRT Power System E 504
Yurick’s,J.Emerg Equip.&Ambulance Sales M 1033-1037
Ziamatic Corporation E 419-424
Zimtek M 486-488
Zmag Rescue M 936
MORE INFO? FIRE EXPO - 717-464-3291 or expo@lcfa.com
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FERRARA INTRODUCES "THE EMBER" AT FDIC; HAS HALE PTO PUMP
Originally Posted: May 6, 2009 9:39 AM
Last Updated: May 6, 2009 9:39 AM
Ferrara Fire Apparatus (Holden, Louisiana), custom fire apparatus manufacturer.
has introduced The Ember, a mid price range custom chassis, with the styling of the Inferno and Igniter, but priced like the Intruder 2.
Ferrara : "We achieved a 2250 GPM flow with the MVP." Additionally, pump and roll is achieved with a Hale PTO pump, which will flow 200 GPM at 150 PSI at zero miles per hour or 80-90 GPM at 150 PSI at 2.5 miles per hour. The MVP has huge compartments, over 420 cubic feet of storage with only a 183" wheelbase. The hose bed is generously sized and carries 1000' of 5" LDH and 400' of 3" double jacket, with room to spare.
Ferrara: In addition to the Ember and MVP, Ferrara Fire Apparatus manufactures a other fire and emergency vehicles. These include the Inferno XD and Igniter XD custom chassis, the Intruder 2 custom chassis, pumpers and tankers, rear and mid-mount aerial ladders and platforms, rescue and incident command vehicles, Inundator foam pumpers, airport vehicles and the Strong Arm fire rescue vehicle. Ferrara offers firefighter safety items such as On-Site Tilt Table Testing, Crash Tested Cabs and Bodies, Electronic Stability Control, Complete Airbag Protection, and SmartWheel steering systems.
Ferrara also builds law enforcement vehicles including bomb squads, mobile crime scene labs, SWAT trucks, mobile drug interdiction labs and command vehicles.
MORE INFO? 800.443.9006 or Paul.christiansen@ferrarafire.com or Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc., PO Box 249, Holden, LA 70744
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FLORIDA AIR AMBULANCE GROUNDED FOR YEAR AS FEDERAL AGENCIES DEBATE COMPANY'S SAFETY PRACTICES
Originally Posted: May 6, 2009 7:46 AM
Last Updated: May 6, 2009 7:46 AM
April 22, 2009, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) denied an appeal by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to revoke an air carrier certificate held by Air Trek, Inc., (air ambulance operator based in Punta Gorda, Florida).
Air Trek has been grounded since May 24, 2008, when the FAA first issued an emergency order indefinitely suspending its certificate, pending compliance with the federal aviation regulations. On June 10, 2008, the FAA withdrew its suspension order and issued an order of revocation instead. Prior to the revocation, Air Trek had been in operation for thirty years with no history of violation.
According to the NTSB, the FAA's attorney "almost immediately began experiencing difficulties in presenting his case." NTSB affirmed the law judge's decision modifying the revocation order to an indefinite suspension, until such time that Air Trek can satisfy the FAA that it can safely fulfill all responsibilities of its air carrier certificate.
As of April 30, 2009, the FAA has not established a schedule for Air Trek to demonstrate compliance.
Advocating for Air Trek, Gregory S. Winton, Esq. of Aviation Law Experts: "Air Trek has been grounded for almost one year and has lost millions of dollars in revenue."
MORE INFO? www.XpressPress.com
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FEDERAL SIGNAL REPORTS FINANCIAL POSITION AFTER SELLING "UNPROFITABLE" E-ONE BUSINESS
Originally Posted: May 6, 2009 7:31 AM
Last Updated: May 6, 2009 7:31 AM
Federal Signal (Oak Brook, IL) had a net loss in 2008 associated with "the discontinuations of the unprofitable E-ONE business and the non-strategic and cyclical Tool Group business, both of which were sold in 2008."
In 2009, the company reduced overhead costs by 4 million compared to the first quarter of 2008. Federal Signal says it now has an order backlog of $273 million.
Federal Signal reported income from continuing operations of $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2009 on revenue of $204 million. For the same period of 2008, the Company earned $4.1 million from continuing operations on revenue of $226 million. The year-over-year first quarter income reduction is primarily the result of volume reductions at the Environmental Solutions Group and the Safety and Security Systems Group, offset by the Fire Rescue Segment. First quarter revenue declined 10% versus last year.
The Company recorded net income including discontinued operations of $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2009 compared to a net loss of $84.9 million in the prior year period.
MORE INFO? www.federalsignal.com
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RECENT CHANGES IN THE US SENATE AND US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Originally Posted: May 6, 2009 7:10 AM
Last Updated: May 6, 2009 7:12 AM
Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter's move to the Democratic Party moved Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama.) into new ranking member of the US Senate Judiciary Committee. Specter held this position when he was a Republican.
Other ranking member roles that would need to be filled due to Specter's switch are the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies subcommittee in the Appropriations Committee, the Superfund, Toxics and Environmental Health Subcommittee in the Environment and Public Works Committee.
Rep. Scott Murphy (D-N.Y.) was sworn into the House on April 29. Murphy replaces Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, who was appointed by New York Gov. David Paterson to the Senate after Hillary Clinton became Secretary of State.
Murphy will be serving on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Armed Services.
Murphy can be reached: Room 120, Cannon House Office Building. His office can be reached at 202-225-5614. Faxes can be sent to 202-225-1168 or http://scottmurphy.house.gov/.
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius was confirmed April 28, 2009 in the US Senate to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on a 65-31 vote. She was sworn into office after the confirmation vote.
The former Kansas Democratic governor's confirmation filled the last vacancy that remained in President Barack Obama's Cabinet.
In Kansas, Mark Parkinson (D) was sworn in as Governor shortly after Sebelius resigned from office. Parkinson is expected to name a lieutenant governor sometime this month.
UA Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) has moved into a permanent office in Room 521 in the Dirksen Senate office Building.
Other office moves: Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) from Hart 825C to Russell 144
Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) from Russell Courtyard 1 to Russell 404
Sen. Ted Kaufmann (D-Del.) from Dirksen G11 to Russell 383
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) from Dirksen B40-B to Russell 107
Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho) from Russell Courtyard 2 to Russell 483
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) from Dirksen G55 to Hart 520 (alpha p. 36, state p. 72)
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) from Dirksen B-40C to Russell 459A (alpha p. 38, state p. 104)
Sen. Sherrod Brown's (D-Ohio) is now located at Room 713 of the Hart Senate Office Building.
The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct has hired a new staff director, R. Blake Chisam. During the last session of Congress, Chisam served as senior counsel to the House Judiciary Committee.
Despite the likelihood that he will not be seated in the Senate until June, 2009, Democrat Al Franken of Minnesota has hired Drew Littman to serve as his chief of staff. Franken was deemed by a panel of judges the winner of the Senate race against Republican incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman, but is waiting to be seated pending the appeal of the decision by Coleman.
California's 44th District will hold a re-match between Republican Rep. Ken Calvert and Democrat Bill Hedrick. Calvert narrowly beat Hedrick last year. Hedrick is declaring his candidacy now to get a head start on fundraising.
Rep. Nathan Deal (R-Ga.) announced that he would be running for governor of Georgia in 2010.
Kentucky Republican Secretary of State Terry Grayson has formed an exploratory committee in the race for Sen. Jim Bunning's (R-Ky.) seat. Grayson stated that he would not run against Bunning in the primary if Bunning remains in the race, but is preparing in case Bunning announces his retirement.
DIRECTORY OF THE NEW CONGRESS? www.uscongresshandbook.com or call 1-877-437-USCH
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DEADLINE FOR ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTER GRANTS IS MAY 20, 2009; GAINES URGES FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES TO APPLY
Originally Posted: May 6, 2009 6:47 AM
Last Updated: May 6, 2009 6:47 AM
Completed 2009 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM., Eastern, Wednesday, May 20, 2009.
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 AFG remains largely unchanged from previous years and is once again based upon input from members of America’s fire services and other stakeholders. However, in FY 2009 the Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) are for level of response provided in emergency medical services (EMS) from basic life support (BLS) to advanced life support (ALS). The FY 2009 also has “candidate physical agility assessments” added as a high priority under the Wellness and Fitness Activities.
Acting Assistant Administrator Glenn A. Gaines: “With electronic online filing and a help desk standing by to assist all fire departments with their applications, there should be no hindrance to any department seeking these valuable funds."
Gaines: “Having been involved in the AFG Program since the U.S. Congress created this funding opportunity, I know first hand the complications which might arise when departments wait until the last moment to file their applications. The AFG has provided a significant enhancement to fire and EMS service delivery since 2001. Every fire department in this nation should consider competing for these funds.”
The AFG office staffs a help desk throughout the FY 2009 AFG application period. The help desk staff is standing by to provide assistance with navigation through the automated application process as well as provide programmatic assistance with respect to questions of eligibility.
The help desk hours of operation during the application period are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. FEMA also provides an online tutorial to help applicants prepare a competitive application and has other helpful information at the AFG Web site: www.firegrantsupport.com. In addition, FEMA Regional Fire Program Specialists located in each of the FEMA Regions can assist fire service applicants with the application process. Interested parties may contact the AFG help desk for information on contacting the nearest regional specialist.
For other NEEDA Newsletter reports about grants for fire departments, use the "Search" application in the upper right hand corner of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.
MORE INFO? 1-866-274-0960 or firegrants@dhs.gov
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DEADLINE FOR DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE GRANTS: MAY 19, 2009 . . . $424.8 MILLION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY
Originally Posted: May 4, 2009 4:06 PM
Last Updated: May 4, 2009 4:07 PM
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is sending $424 million in new Recovery Act funds to 20 states, territories and the District of Columbia.
Purpose of the grants? Maintain or increase public safety, while creating or retaining jobs in the law enforcement community.
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds are part of $4 billion in Justice Department Recovery Act funds available to assist state, local and tribal law enforcement.
The procedure for allocating JAG grants is based on a formula of population and violent crime statistics, in combination with a minimum allocation to ensure that each state and territory receives an appropriate share of funding. Sixty percent of the allocation is awarded directly to a state and 40 percent is set aside for units of local government.
States are required to sub-grant a portion of the funds to local units of government, such as a city, county, township or town. Faith-based and other community organizations are also eligible to receive pass-through funding from the state, as are tribal governments, according to a DoJ statement.
The deadline for local units of government to submit their Recovery Act applications to the Department of Justice is May 18, 2009.
State JAG plan summaries:
Alabama, $18.7 million: The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Law Enforcement and Traffic Safety division, plans to support testing capabilities to detect use of illegal drugs, identify drug abusers, and provide a treatment system; provide systems for intelligence-gathering, data collection and analysis to assist in coordinating enforcement efforts; and support state projects to stabilize the government budgets to minimize and avoid reductions in essential services and counter-productive state and local tax increases.
Arizona, $25 million: The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission plans to support the statewide effort to fight drug trafficking and violent crime. Priority will be given to job creation and retention, particularly jobs key to multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional drug, gang, and violent crime task forces; the associated prosecution projects and statewide civil forfeiture efforts; criminal justice information sharing projects; adjudication, forensic analysis, detention, and criminal justice system support services; and proven substance abuse prevention and education programs.
Connecticut, $12 million: The Connecticut Office of Policy and Management plans to expand the Department of Corrections case management system; upgrade automated fingerprinting systems; support drug task force activities; increase the number of DNA samples obtained from inmates and expedite sample processing; increase the visibility of state police vehicles to reduce collisions; expand domestic violence shelter staffs; establish a sexual assault forensic examiner program; provide more effective facility and community based corrections programs; and translate community outreach, education and media materials.
Colorado, $18 million: The Colorado Division of Criminal Justice Services plans to support efforts to prevent and control crime; improve the criminal and juvenile justice systems; improve law enforcement’s operational effectiveness; improve the corrections system, including treatment in prisons and jails; improve the operational effectiveness of the court process; address the treatment needs of adult and juvenile substance abuse and mentally ill offenders; and respond to the needs of crime victims.
Delaware, $6 million: The Delaware Criminal Justice Council plans to support efforts to prevent and control crime by enhancing gang and gun trafficking initiatives; police/parole and probation partnerships; witness protection and multi-agency initiatives to incarcerate fugitives; sex offender monitoring; drug/mental health courts; targeting violent adult and juvenile offenders; upgrading officer safety equipment; retaining correctional officers; and expanding the successful Operation Safe Streets initiative.
District of Columbia, $11.7 million: The District Of Columbia Justice Grants Administration plans to support efforts to prevent and control crime; improve technology for core operations; law enforcement initiatives; prevention and education efforts; technology and research; and corrections and community corrections with special emphasis on at-risk youth/status offender diversion initiatives and prisoner re-entry.
Florida, $81 million: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement plans to support law enforcement efforts such as eradicating marijuana, dismantling clandestine laboratories; disrupting illicit commerce; targeting white collar, computer, and organized crimes; along with prevention initiatives such as anti drug and gang education programs; school resource officers; community crime prevention, policing, and corrections programs.
Kansas, $12 million: The Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council plans to preserve or create criminal justice-related jobs for parole officers, community corrections officers, juvenile correctional officers, special criminal investigations agents, criminal prosecutor, and technical specialists; while also supporting initiatives in community corrections, juvenile supervision and case management; internet safety; criminal investigations and prosecutions; forensic evidence analysis; training and prevention efforts; and equipment upgrades.
Louisiana, $21 million: The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice plans to establish or continue programs to impact drug and violent crime problems across the state; address recidivism by strengthening prevention of crime and drug abuse intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation; provide specialized law enforcement training; and enhance forensics laboratories.
Maryland, $26.5 million: The Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention plans to support the creation and retention of public safety-related jobs while also removing warranted fugitives from the streets; upgrading communications and forensic equipment; purchasing computer and software technology; improving prison and jail security; investing in data-driven policing strategies to include intelligence-based parole and probation supervision and partnerships, cross-border collaborations with neighboring States, and gang enforcement and gun trafficking initiatives.
Massachusetts, $25 million: The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPS) will use the funding to maintain or increase public safety in the Commonwealth, while creating or retaining jobs. EOPS plans to support summer youth employment programming, community-based prevention programs, district attorneys’ prosecution, victim witness advocacy, community programs, sheriffs’ department re-entry programs, local law enforcement policing and programs, and state public safety agencies’ core services.
Michigan, $41 million: The Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy will use the funding to maintain or increase public safety in the state, while creating or retaining jobs within the law enforcement community. The Office of Drug Control Policy estimates that the jobs created or saved will be for case managers, court liaisons, and peer support advocates in mental health courts as well as continued employment of State Appellate Defender Office staff who provide state-funded appellate services for felony convictions for indigent clients. The state also plans to support strategies for multi-jurisdictional task forces, prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse community awareness programs; community policing and community prosecution strategies; technology enhancement projects; local correctional resources and problem solving courts including drug treatment, domestic violence, family dependency, and mental health.
Mississippi, $11 million: The Mississippi Division of Public Safety Planning will use the funding to maintain or increase public safety in the state, while creating or retaining jobs within the law enforcement community. The state also plans to use the funds to support multi-jurisdictional drug task force programs and initiatives, community crime prevention and treatment programs; drug court operations; juvenile justice programs; cold case initiatives; law enforcement training programs; crime labs; and victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
Nevada, $13.8 million: The Nevada Department of Public Safety anticipates the retention and hiring of gang and task force personnel; and plans to support anti drug and violent crime initiatives to include anti drug and gang prevention, education, and treatment programs; information sharing and coordination; alternative sentencing programs; multifaceted community response programs; rural K-9 program; law enforcement training; and a statewide records management system.
New Hampshire, $6 million: The New Hampshire Department of Justice plans to support cold case and narcotics investigative resources; enhancements of prosecution resources for consumer protection, county and local district court; victim witness advocates and child advocacy centers; recidivism reduction and specialty court programs; and initiatives to increase the efficiency, and reduction of crime and victimization.
New Jersey, $29.7 million: The New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety plans to support the state's Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Program focusing on law enforcement, prevention, and reentry; including multilevel task forces targeting violent gangs, guns, and narcotics; workforce readiness skills programs; job placement; education and youth development; expanding intervention and prevention programs; reducing recidivism; enhancing discharge planning for juvenile and offenders with mental health needs; and establishing a pilot program for intervention counselors to address technical parole violators.
New Mexico, $11 million: The New Mexico Department of Public Safety plans to focus on preserving and creating jobs and promoting economic recovery while supporting improvements to the state's criminal justice system to reduce violent crime and the sale of illicit drugs; identifying and reporting drug and gang trends; updating the state's Drug and Gang Policy; and promoting strategies to identify, prevent, and respond to terrorism networks.
Northern Mariana Islands, $1.6 million: The Northern Mariana Islands’ Criminal Justice Planning Agency plans to create new full-time positions that will support or directly impact efforts to stabilize local budgets to avoid a decline in essential services or an increase in local taxes; multi-jurisdictional drug and gang task forces; crime prevention programs; law enforcement programs; domestic violence programs; courts; corrections; treatment; and justice information sharing initiatives.
South Carolina, $23 million: The South Carolina Department of Public Safety plans to support efforts to hire personnel; purchase equipment; conduct training and technical assistance; projects to control crime and drugs; and enhancements to the criminal justice information systems to increase the apprehension, prosecution, adjudication, detention, and rehabilitation of persons who violate laws.
Tennessee, $30.8 million: The Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Criminal Justice program, plans to require grant recipient agencies to use the Recovery Act JAG funds for the retention and creation of jobs supporting the criminal justice system in areas such as drug courts; correctional programming; crime victim and witness programs; multi-jurisdictional drug and violent crime task forces; criminal justice professional enhancement training; pretrial service delivery; technology improvement; and community crime prevention.
MORE INFO? www.ojp.usdoj.gov/saa/index.htm
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