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Newletters From July, 2009
FIRE SERVICE INSTRUCTORS APPOINT CHIEF HALTON AND CHIEF REEDER TO ISFSI BOARD
Originally Posted: July 27, 2009 9:22 PM
Last Updated: July 27, 2009 9:22 PM
The International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) July 27, 2009 says it is appointing two board members to fill vacant seats on its board.
Chief Robert Halton has been appointed to fill a vacant Director-at-
Large seat. Chief Forest Reeder has been appointed to fill a vacant Eastern Regional Director seat.
Chief Halton is the Editor in Chief of Fire Engineering Magazine and the
Educational Director for the FDIC. He has a long and distinguished record of service and commitment to firefighter education safety.
Chief Reeder currently serves as Battalion Chief/Director of Training for Southwest United Fire Districts in Illinois. Chief Reeder is the drill master for FirefighterCloseCalls.com and FireEngineering.com.
Both will serve out terms through the end of the current term, which ends in April 2010.
Long time ISFSI member Chief Shane Ray has been appointed as ISFSI Director of Government Affairs by the board of directors. Chief Ray has experience in
public policy and will represent the interest of the fire service instructor in Washington,D.C.
Chief Ray will serve as the ISFSI primary representative to the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and work closely with other fire service groups to advance legislation to improve firefighter safety and improve fire service resources.
MORE INFO? 2425 Highway 49 East, Pleasant View, TN 37146
1-800-435-0005 or www.isfsi.org
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HOUSE AND SENATE NEGOTIATIONS FOR NEW NATIONAL HEALTH PLAN APPEAR TO BE ON THE ROCKS UNTIL AUGUST DESPITE CONCESSIONS BY HOSPITALS AND DRUG COMPANIES
Originally Posted: July 24, 2009 6:01 PM
Last Updated: July 24, 2009 6:02 PM
by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
As the Obama Administration's health care program comes to a screeching halt until after the August recess (when legislators will be back home or on holiday) the nation's hospitals have foregone $155 billion in government health care reimbursement and the drug companies have promised $80 billion to keep the cost of the President's plan under one trillion dollars. The Republicans have painted the President's plan as a "tax increase" and as long as that image sticks
the plan will probably sit in committee. On the other hand House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) feels confident that Congress will eventually pass a plan the President will support.
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70-CENT MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE GOES INTO EFFECT FRIDAY JULY 24, 09: WORKERS WILL GET $7.25 VS. $6.55 IN 30 STATES AND $8.25 IN WASHINGTON DC
Originally Posted: July 24, 2009 5:51 PM
Last Updated: July 24, 2009 5:51 PM
The US minimum wage goes up from $6.55 per hour to $7.25 in 30 states. Plus it goes up to $8.25 in the District of Columbia.
The change in the law will affect 4.5 million employees out of a workforce of 129 million.
The National Small Business AssociatION is one of the opponents to the increase. Supporting the increase is Heidi Shierholz an economist at the Economic Policy Institute. Shierholz says the increase is not enough because even with the new minimum wage, workers will get $14,500 which is considerably under the Federal poverty level of $17,346 per year.
Molly Brogan of the National Small Business Assoication says that small businesses have faced employee cuts in the last 12 months.She predicts that the new increase will force some companies to cut more workers from employment.
US Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis said the 70 cent increase in minimum wage will have a "minimal" effect on employers. Her department is sending 250 additional inspectors through the US to help enforce the minimum wage increase.
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LEGISLATION TO REPEAL THE 3% WITHHOLDING LAW
Originally Posted: July 24, 2009 11:58 AM
Last Updated: July 24, 2009 11:58 AM
Bill to Repeal 3% Withholding law
Senate: S. 292 (111th Congress)
111TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. 292
To repeal the imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors
by government entities.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
JANUARY 21, 2009
SEN. SPECTER (for himself, SEN. VITTER, SEN. INHOFE, SEN. ISAKSON, SEN.
VOINOVICH, SEN. ROBERTS, and SEN. CHAMBLISS) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance
A BILL
To repeal the imposition of withholding on certain payments
made to vendors by government entities.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2009’’
SEC. 2. REPEAL OF IMPOSITION OF WITHHOLDING ON CERTAIN PAYMENTS MADE TO VENDORS BY GOVERNMENT ENTITIES
The amendment made by section 511 of the Tax
Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 is repealed and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be applied as if such amendment had never been enacted
House - H.R. 275 (111th Congress)
Senate - S. 2394 (110th Congress)
Senate - S. 777 (110th Congress)
House - H.R. 1023 (110th Congress)
Senate - S. 2821 (109th Congress)
House - H.R. 6242 (109th Congress)
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HOW THE 3% WITHHOLDING LAW IMPACTS EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT DEALERS
Originally Posted: July 24, 2009 11:37 AM
Last Updated: July 24, 2009 11:37 AM
Summary of Section 511 of Public Law 109-222: Requires IRS/Treasury to take 3% from all emergency equipment dealer sales.
It mandates that federal, state, and local governments withhold 3 percent from payments to dealers for equipment, breathing apparatus, turnout gear and services such as repair.
? Requires a “tax” withholding at a rate of 3% on all dealer income for products and services sold to the federal government, state governments, and local governments with total expenditures of $100 million or more.
? Impacts payments under government contracts as well as Medicare payments, Farm payments, and grants to for-profit companies (i.e. Invoice for every $100, government buyer only pays $97).
? The 3% withheld is allocated toward the dealer or individual’s tax liability.
? Applies to all payments starting in 2012 (change made from 2011 to 2012 in P. L. 111-5, the Economic Stimulus bill).
? Imposes significant administrative costs and information reporting requirements on local, state and Federal governments and
all dealers.
? Three primary areas for additional costs:
1) financing costs due to the decreases in dealer cash flow,
2) annual recurring costs for additional local, state and Federal employees needed to administer the Section 511 law, and
3) extensive capital investments by local, state and Federal goverments to modify their financial systems so as to capture, record and forward to the IRS/Treasury each 3% withheld from a dealer.
? Estimated to “increase” Federal revenue by $7 billion from 2011 to 2015, but “raises” $6 billion of that amount in 2011 solely due to accelerated tax receipts and not an actual revenue increase from improved tax compliance.
? Generates $215 million in 2012 and increases slightly in each of the next three years thereafter. Department of Defense estimated costs to comply with the 3% withholding to be $17 Billion over the first 5 years for DoD alone.
This far-reaching new requirement was inserted as a last-minute revenue raiser into the Tax Reconciliation Act of 2005 that was signed by President Bush in May 2006. While supporters argue that imposing withholdings on payments made by Federal, State and local governments will improve taxpayer compliance and reduce the tax gap, this is a withholding on all payments with no
relationship to a dealer’s tax liability and doesn’t take into account the true ramifications of the requirement (see below).
Ramifications:
There will be a large number of harmful consequences if the provision is not repealed. The provision hurts honest taxpaying dealers while it attempts to find tax delinquents by essentially forcing all companies to provide the federal government with an interest-free loan. The 3% withholding significantly affects companies’ cash flows. In many cases, the 3% represents the legitimate profit a dealer may expect -- so the Federal government would be unfairly taking profits. This new requirement is based on revenues from government payments with no relationship to a dealers’ taxable income.
Dealers will lose vital funds needed to operate day-to-day activities and will be forced to pass along the added costs to customers or finance the additional amount.
In addition, the costs to Federal, State, and local governments to administer the program will be substantial and the process complicated to implement. The Congressional Budget Office reported that the withholding provision is an unfunded mandate on state and local governments because it exceeds the allowable $50 million annual threshold.
Legislative Change Needed:
Congress should repeal Section 511 of P.L. 109-222. Further, in the meantime
Congress should not consider the 3% as "income" to offset Federal expenditures. In that the 3% is a temporary withholding and not a permanent tax, using the dealer's money to pay for Federal operations is unjustified.
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HOUSE PASSES BILL THAT MAY RESULT IN 3% OF YOUR SALES ENDING UP PAYING COSTS OF SOME FEDERAL PROGRAM
Originally Posted: July 24, 2009 10:57 AM
Last Updated: July 24, 2009 10:57 AM
by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
PO Box 220
Annandale VA 22003
KentonP1@aol.com
703 850 8552
The US House of Representatives has just passed a statutory PAYGO bill (H.R. 2920) that requires tax cuts and spending increases not to exceed the Federal income.
NEEDA is following this legislation because it affects the campaign to
repeal the 3% withholding on all dealer sales to local, state and Federal buyers.
Earlier this year, the Obama administration recognized the 3% income that would be generated to the IRS/Treasury Department as "income". As long
as the 3% is considered "income" any repeal of the 3% law will require a cut of a few billion dollars in Federal spending.
Cutting spending will be a job neither the Obama Administration nor the Congress will relish. In fact, tying the 3% withholding law to the budget is a severe blow to our campaign to obtain the repeal of the law.
But, is the 3% real Federal income? Only temporarily! Why? Because the 3% is
taken from you the dealer and given to the IRS/Treasury only until one or two
years have passed and you the dealer has paid company taxes. Once
the tax hurdle is over, the funds must be returned to the dealer. So IRS/Treasury will only be handling the money temporarily.
"Temporarily" . . . is this income? Right now, skimming 3% from dealers is
the same as "income" to the US Government! The 3% is already being seen
as a boost to the Obama budget and the Obama Administration is planning to spend as if it were tax income.
The bill, which passed by a vote of 265-166, would require Congress to identify offsetting revenue increases for any new non-emergency tax cut or spending increase for programs like Social Security and Medicare. Both the House and Senate have adopted pay-as-you-go principles (known as PAYGO) as Congressional rules, but the Obama proposal would make the requirement permanent (statutory).
The bill would also require the administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to keep a scorecard tracking the budget impact of any bills passed by Congress. If at the end of each session the scorecard shows a net increase in deficit projections, OMB have to come up with the money to pay for the deficit and obviously having your 3% withholding money on the table they will go for that first.
Similarly, OMB could require IRS/Treasury to keep the dealer's 3% for more than one year so as to continue to offset various Federal expenditures!
House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt (D-SC): “By insisting on offsets and deficit neutrality, PAYGO buffers the bottom line. Its terms are complex, but at its core, it is a common-sense rule that everyone can understand: when you are in a hole, stop digging.”
The bill now goes to the US Senate, where key Democrats such as Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND) have concerns about the exemptions in the bill for middle-class tax cuts, the annual patch for the alternative minimum tax (AMT), the estate tax, and scheduled decreases in Medicare payments to physicians.
Unfortunately, the 3% withholding law was passed during the Bush Administration and thus the Obama Administration is benefiting from the expected income which will soar into a billion-dollar bonanza for IRS/Treasury.
Once they start getting this 3% money, it is going to be hard to convince them to give it up.
Right now, every dollar coming into the Federal government goes right out paying for one or more Federal programs. Obviously, the hardest thing
to do these days is to repeal a big income law like the 3% withholding law that skims 3% from gross income earned by all emergency equipment dealers.
But, these facts only make it more imperative than ever to repeal the 3% withholding law. It has not gone into effect yet, so there is still time.
If you have a viewpoint for or against the 3% withholding law, you should
express that viewpoint to Members of Congress. Few Senate and House members know about the law. They may be voting to spend the 3% without knowing that it is not really Federal money but you sales income unfairly confiscated.
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HOW MUCH STAFF TIME AND COST DOES IT TAKE TO ASK FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE?
Originally Posted: July 24, 2009 9:48 AM
Last Updated: July 24, 2009 9:48 AM
The 56 US state governors and tribal leaders submit an average of six disaster requests per year, with each application taking 76 hours before submitting to the Federal government's Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) staff. The six disaster relief appeals sent to Washington consume 456 hours per state government.
If the average hourly wage rate for the state employees who complete the application paperwork is $47 per our total expenditure by all states and tribal governments to prepare all of their requests per year is $1.2 million.
But, the July 23, 2009 Federal Register says it will take the state governors 11,088 hours versus the earlier estimate of 25,536 hours to prepare disaster assistance requests. In the Federal Register, FEMA says "There is no annual reporting or recordkeeping cost associated with this collection."
Still unsure of the true cost of asking for Federal disaster assistance,
FEMA is now asking states to calculate their costs by August 24, 2009. Results of this FEMA survey should be made public in 2010.
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WIDELY USED PINE WOOD PALLETS: NEED TESTING AS POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD
Originally Posted: July 23, 2009 11:31 AM
Last Updated: July 23, 2009 11:31 AM
The fire safety testing exemption given to wood pallets should undergo the same independent fire safety testing applied to pallets of alternative materials.
Today's fire testing exemption for a wood pallet was established 30 years ago when wood pallets were smaller and made of hardwood. Sprinkler configurations were set to control a fire of wood pallets.
However, the typical wood pallet today is larger, heavier, contains more wood and utilizes softwoods, such as resin-rich Southern Yellow Pine, a type of wood that burns very quickly. Despite the current flammability of wood pallets, they are still exempt from testing based on 30 year old assumptions.
The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) defends wood pallets and criticizes the fire safety of plastic pallets. The National Association of Fire Marshals should look into the safety of all pallets.
Most plastic pallets are 30 percent lighter than wood pallets and have embedded RFID tags to enable shippers and receivers to locate and trace shipments.
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SPARTAN SAYS FIRE TRUCK SALES HELPED BY SWITCH TO 2010 US ENGINE EMISSION STANDARDS
Originally Posted: July 23, 2009 8:52 AM
Last Updated: July 24, 2009 9:52 AM
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Charlotte, MI) says their second quarter ended June 30, 2009 had increased sales of emergency rescue products, service, parts and assemblies and improved gross margins vs. the same quarter of 2008.
Sales of fire truck chassis in the current quarter increased 50.7 percent compared to the same period in 2008, and backlog for fire truck chassis as of the close of the quarter was $84.8 million, an 11.7 percent year-over-year increase. Driving the growth were customer purchase decisions ahead of the 2010 engine emission standards change to engines.
Spartan had net sales of $124.3 million, gross margin of 20.3% of sales, return on invested capital of 12.1 and backlog worth $160.7 million.
John Sztykiel, president and CEO of Spartan Motors: ". . . we're pleased with the consistent performance through the first six months of the year. "
Spartan reported second quarter net earnings of $5.4 million on net sales of $124.3 million, compared with net earnings of $10.4 million on net sales of $196.5 million in the same quarter of 2008. The reduction in revenue was due to lower sales to the defense and recreational vehicle industries, partially offset by increased sales of emergency-rescue products and service, parts and assemblies.
This marks the fifth straight quarter of year-over-year improvements in gross margin.
Sztykiel: "Emergency-rescue product sales are strong and the EVTeam was profitable again this quarter, an indication of emergency-rescue and its potential as our largest, most stable market. Likewise, consolidated gross profit as a percentage of sales continues to increase year-over-year, a significant accomplishment in the face of a difficult RV market and decreased orders in the defense market.
Through the first six months of 2009, Spartan reported net sales of $239.8 million compared to net sales of $460.6 million for the first six months of 2008.
Spartan Chassis' sales to the Class A diesel motorhome market declined 92.3 percent year-over-year in the quarter, while backlog for RV chassis decreased 46.2 percent year-over-year to $6.7 million as of June 30, 2009.
Sztykiel: "During the quarter, we completed several smaller defense subcontracts, including work on mine resistant utility vehicles and similar MRAP variants. There remain many opportunities for limited run specialized blast-protected variants, as well as opportunity to upgrade and service the existing vehicles in service. We also continue to be pleased with our SPA business, which increased its sales year-over-year by 109.6 percent in the second quarter."
Spartan's EVTeam operating unit, consisting of its Crimson Fire, Crimson Fire Aerials and Road Rescue subsidiaries, reported operating income of $520 thousand in the 2009 second quarter, compared to an operating loss of $794 thousand in the same quarter of 2008.
Spartan attributed the profitability of the EVTeam as a whole to increased sales of fire trucks and improved operating efficiencies within the subsidiaries. Backlog for the EVTeam was $72.4 million as of June 30, 2009, a 21.0 percent year-over-year increase.
Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures custom chassis and vehicles for the recreational vehicle, fire truck, ambulance, emergency-rescue and specialty vehicle markets. The company's brand names are 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. Spartan reported sales of $844.4 million in 2008.
MORE INFO? www.spartanmotors.com
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MEET PETERSON POWER SYSTEMS!
Originally Posted: July 20, 2009 6:53 PM
Last Updated: July 20, 2009 6:53 PM
Peterson Power Systems Inc., is a Caterpillar Power Systems dealership for northern California, central and southern Oregon, and in 2008 received “Model Shop” status from the California EPA’s Department of Toxic Substances Control as part of the agency’s Pollution Prevention (P2) Model Shop Program.
The P2 Model Shop Program recognizes automotive and equipment repair facilities for excellence in pollution prevention.
Recognition for Peterson Power’s San Leandro service departments follows the dealership’s Winner of the Year award from the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) as part of CIWMB’s Waste Reduction Awards Program for exemplary waste reduction and resource efficiency.
Peterson Power Systems, Inc. is an authorized Caterpillar Power Systems dealer. Headquartered in San Leandro, Peterson Power offers power generation and engine services including sales, rental, parts, and repair. The dealership’s California locations include Benicia, Redding, and Santa Rosa, with an additional location in Springfield, Oregon. Peterson Power’s protection programs feature annual or monthly service options including load bank and meggar testing.
The dealership offers marine and OEM engines, generators, UPS (uninterruptible power supplies), turbines, truck engines, and used equipment as well as a full-service truck shop. Peterson Power Systems has been a family-owned Caterpillar dealership for more than 70 years.
MOER INFO? 510-895-8400 or www.petersonpower.com
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MEET CLAREY'S SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Originally Posted: July 20, 2009 6:43 PM
Last Updated: July 20, 2009 6:43 PM
In the early 1960's Donovan Clarey served as a Volunteer Firemen for the Rochester Rural Fire Department in Minnesota when he decided to sell fire equipment and safety supplies as a part time job out of his garage. Through his hard work and dedication to his customers Donovan and his wife Delma established Clarey's Safety Equipment, Inc. in 1968.
As the founder of Clarey's Safety Equipment, Inc., Donovan and Delma began to grow in their business and their relationships with their customers. In 1973 Donovan and Delma moved from the well-known garage operation into a new facility.
In the late 1980's Clarey's Safety Equipment, Inc. made a large transition by adding first aid and industrial safety equipment on top of the fire equipment and safety supplies. Once again, we were outgrowing the facility; in May of 1998 we made the move to our current location. With over 8400 square feet, we were able to expand out our warehouse and office space. It also allowed us to add internal fire apparatus service bays and high pressure, hydrostatic testing facility.
Throughout the expansion of Donovan and Delma's business, their children became very interested and started getting involved in the operation. Today, Clarey's Safety Equipment, Inc. is still family owned and operated with the same great customer service and quality products.
We continue to grow in our industry. We hire qualified employees to serve our customers all over the continental United States and in some cases Worldwide. Clarey's Safety Equipment, Inc. offers local representatives to serve in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota to ensure a faster response time to our Midwest customers.
We take pride in our company because we strive for excellence in quality products and are committed to our customers. By being honest and ethical we can ensure our customers the best experience and knowledge in the products and service here at Clarey's.
If you are ever in the Rochester, MN area and would like to stop by, please feel free to give us a call or just stop in.
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EXAMPLE OF HOW GSA IS MARKETING FIRE EQUIPMENT IN COMPETITION WITH LOCAL DEALERS
Originally Posted: July 20, 2009 6:34 PM
Last Updated: July 20, 2009 6:34 PM
NEEDA is opposed to a new law which permits
the US General Services (GSA) to go into
business competing with dealers who sell emergency
equipment apparatus and equipment to
local fire departments.
Some dealers have asked for more information.
Here below is a brief section of the GSA marketing
website that is being used today to get local
buyers to trust and deal with the Federal government
as their source rather than local dealers:
FROM GSA WEBSITE:
"Fire Trucks, GSA Schedule 23V
"GSA has contracts covering the entire ange of fire fighting vehicles. Each of the vehicles under contract meets or exceeds the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Safety Standards 1901 or 1906 depending on the agency's needs. Government agencies can place orders directly with vendors. A listing of vendors is available under each special item number.
"Special Item Number 618 01: Fire Fighting Vehicles and Accessories include, but are not limited to: aerial/ladder and/or platform, aircraft rescue and fire fighting, crash trucks, brush/wildlands, command centers, pumpers, tankers and/or pumper/tankers, rescues/hazmats, fire fighting trailers.
"Special Item Number 618 03: Custom Fire Fighting Chassis and Fire Fighting Vehicle Glider Kits.
"Special Item Number 618 04: Wild Land Fire Fighting Vehicle bodies to be mounted on government provided chassis."
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FIREFIGHTER'S 01 HEPATITIS C & HEART CLAIMS GET COURT SUPPORT, BUT NOT BEFORE HE PASSED AWAY FROM HEPATITIS IN 07
Originally Posted: July 18, 2009 6:57 PM
Last Updated: July 18, 2009 6:57 PM
Mark Schlueb,The Orlando Sentinel, Florida
Orlando could be on the hook for as much as $1 million in legal fees after losing an eight-year legal battle that the opposing attorney said could have been settled relatively cheaply without ever going to court.
That's on top of the $159,933 the city has paid an outside law firm to contest the case of retired firefighter Bob Flamily, who in 2001 accused city officials of hiding years of medical results that showed he'd contracted hepatitis. It also doesn't include the medical expenses for a separate heart problem the city will now have to pay his widow.
Flamily died in 2007 -- two weeks before his case went to the Florida Supreme Court. That court sided with Flamily and sent the case back to the appeals court, which on Thursday ruled in part in his favor, effectively ending a lengthy legal battle that gained national attention.
"In 2001, I invited the city to simply pay this guy's claim, to do the right thing and acknowledge responsibility for his hepatitis. There was no litigation at that point and that would have been it," said Geoff Bichler, Flamily's lawyer. "They could have paid Bob Flamily and probably saved $1 million."
Even so, Orlando officials argue that the consequences for the city could have been much more damaging had they not gone to court.
Flamily retired with a heart ailment in 1996 after 23 years with the Fire Department. Under Florida law, heart problems are presumed to be job-related for emergency workers, so Flamily received a worker's compensation settlement of about $100,000 to cover his medical costs. But his heart problem turned out to be more severe than he'd been led to believe.
Later, Flamily discovered he also had hepatitis C -- another condition that's presumed to be job-related, because firefighters are apt to come in contact with patients who have the blood-borne disease. But by then, the disease was in its final, terminal stage.
That's what started the legal battle.
Test results from his annual physicals at the medical clinic for city employees showed elevated liver-enzyme levels, a possible sign of hepatitis, as far back as 1978. But Flamily said city doctors never told him about the results or ordered further tests or treatment.
In addition, the city refused to pay the higher-than-expected medical costs for his heart problem or for the hepatitis, saying he'd waived that right when he received a settlement at retirement.
Other firefighters began checking their own clinic files and making similar allegations -- which the city denied -- that they had not been told they were suffering from a variety of ailments. A class-action suit failed, but the city reached a $600,000 settlement with 28 firefighters in 2004.
But Flamily's lawsuit over both his heart condition and hepatitis dragged on, even after he succumbed to hepatitis-related liver disease.
Thursday's decision found that the city was wrong to deny Flamily further coverage for his heart problem because he'd been misled about its severity before he signed away his right to further claims.
"He would be so happy," his widow, Ramona, said Friday. "It didn't have to go on this long. But he was so bound and determined not to let this happen again."
Still, the ruling was mixed; the city won on the hepatitis claim. City lawyers argued that they shouldn't be liable for Flamily's hepatitis care because they hadn't kept all of his medical records, and the court agreed.
"That was really our big issue, based on the potential economic harm to the city," said City Attorney Mayanne Downs., who said a loss would have allowed other workers to press claims without complete medical records. "The city has always had a great sadness that this battle about the hepatitis issue went on for an extended period of time, so we're really glad to address the primary issue and let the family move on."
The ruling means the city will have to pay the legal fees and costs of Flamily's attorney. That could total $500,000 to $1 million, Bichler said.
"It's certainly true there will be substantial hours and rates claimed," Downs said. "But I'd be shocked if we're talking about those kinds of dollars."
The total will be the decided either through negotiation or by a judge.
Thanks to McClatchy-Tribune News Service for this story
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US REPRESENTATIVE DAVE OBEY VISITS W.W. DARLEY AUGUST 4 FOR WISCONSIN FIRE SERVICE HOME DAY
Originally Posted: July 18, 2009 6:42 AM
Last Updated: July 18, 2009 6:42 AM
W.S. Darley & Co. will host Wisconsin FireService Home Day for Congressman David R. Obey the Darley plant in Chippewa Falls, WI on Tuesday, August 4, 2009.
Congressman Obey is the Chairman of the US House Appropriations Committee. Paul Darley, President: "He is the single most influential congressman in our efforts to support funding for the FIRE ACT Grant and other important programs." Other fire service dignitaries including from the IAFC and IAFF may attend.
There will be a plant tour and display of equipment and trucks.
MORE INFO? Paul C. Darley, 325 Spring Lake Drive
Itasca, IL 60143 or 708.273.6920 or Fax: 708.345.8993 or pauldarley@darley.com
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JULY 9, 2009 FIRE IN YORK, PA MEETS CRITERIA FOR US SMALL BUSINESS HELP
Originally Posted: July 17, 2009 8:35 PM
Last Updated: July 17, 2009 8:48 PM
Governor Edward G. Rendell (Harrisburg, PA) asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to declare the City of York, PA a disaster area after a large fire destroyed 17 row homes on the 700 block of Chestnut Street on July 8. 2009. The fire, which officials believe was set intentionally, affected at least 60 residents; 27 families were displaced.
Rendell: "This fire caused immeasurable heartache and headache for those who lost their homes and belongings, Low-interest loans from the US Small Business Administration would help these victims get back on their feet and move forward with their lives."
The PA letter for SBA help in York was issued July 17, 2009 to Mr. Frank Skaggs, Director, Office of Disaster Assistance, Field Operations Center East
U.S. Small Business Administration, 101 Marietta Street NW - Suite 700 Atlanta, Georgia 30303-2725.
SBA officials, along with local and state officials, conducted a damage assessment in the city. The Governor used the results of this assessment to request assistance from the federal Small Business Administration to make low-interest, long-term loans available to qualifying individuals, homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations that have been impacted by the disaster.
According to Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Robert P. French, the damage in York exceeds SBA criteria of at least 25 homes and/or businesses with uninsured losses of 40 percent or more of their estimated fair market value. Initial damage assessments to the community indicate that most of the victims do not have private insurance coverage on their homes or property.
Rendell: "We're going to do everything we can to get all available assistance to the fire victims as soon as possible. The first responders and local and county officials are to be commended for their quick work on this incident, as well as other citizens who have generously stepped up with donations to help their neighbors during their time of need."
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will not ask FEMA for a Presidential disaster declaration for Individual Assistance for this event. Handling the York case for Gov. Rendell is Russell Kratzer, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, at rukratzer@state.pa.us or 717-651-2160.
MORE INFO? www.governor.state.pa.us or 717 783 1116
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NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION GETS PRAISE FROM BCLC EXEC IN CHARGE OF BUSINESS RESPONSE TO NATIONAL EMERGENCIES
Originally Posted: July 17, 2009 8:25 PM
Last Updated: July 17, 2009 8:25 PM
By Steve Jordan
BCLC, Senior VP, and Executive Director
US Chamber of Commerce
For the past couple of weeks, I have been noticing how it seems like the disaster resilience, sustainable community, and economic competitiveness agendas have been converging. This week, in the latest step in my education about this process, I was in Denver, Colorado at a NOAA conference discussing how the private sector uses their climate products and services, and the question was raised, is NOAA worth $15 to every man, woman, and child in the United States?
Aside from the fact that they are worth much more than their $4 billion annual budget to every farmer, weather forecaster, and logistics manager out there, the truth is that I believe that NOAA's managers, and we as a country, are just realizing the tip of the iceberg of their potential value.
The challenge is breaking down the stovepipes and the silos and language barriers that develop between different specialties. Don't get me wrong, specialization and expertise in a given subject are vital, but context and connections are vital too. I think this is why more and more people are starting to look over the walls of their own specialty and how they fit together better. It also explains why initiatives like the Sustainable Community Initiative that the U.S. Department of Transportation, HUD, and EPA just announced are going to be very important for corporate community leaders to follow as well.
NEEDA's Kenton Pattie participates in BCLC disaster response simulations as the representative of the fire and emergency response industry.
MORE INFO? www.uschamber.com
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CONGRESS CONSIDERS TAX INCREASE ON DEALER INCOME!
Originally Posted: July 16, 2009 5:55 PM
Last Updated: July 16, 2009 5:55 PM
by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
PO Box 220
Annandale VA 22003
KentonP1@aol.com
703 850 8552
The non-partisan Tax Foundation says a proposed Conressoinal tax plan would result in tax rates of over 50% for emegency equipment dealers and other small businesses.
Through this 'surtax,' small business owners will be paying more than half of every incoming dollar to the government.
But this tax hurts more than emergency equipment small business owners, it threatens more than 28% of the private-sector workforce - the 33.5 million workers employed by small businesses.
This proposed tax on small businesses comes at the same time
as the Obama Administration is recommending a 3% withholding from all dealer sales to local, state and Federal buyers of fire and emergency equipment.
Some are saying that these "income" schemes are ways the new Administration has to pay for such ideas as a new health care plan.
But, I recommend that when we communicate with Congress we stick to the two programs that will take money from our businesses: (1) new taxes on small businesses and (2) withholding 3% of all our gross income in sales to fire departments.
The proposed health plan may go down in flames or be changed in some radical
way or may be delayed until next year. But (1) and (2) above are immediate strikes against emergency equipment dealers . . . they both take money away from the dealer's gross income. Whatever Congress does about health or the stimulus or other issues, this is not a time to increase taxes or to take money from dealers.
Most dealers project a drop in orders for the 2010 year. So (1) and (2) above would be coming in on top of a decline in business. Obviously not a time for the Federal government to ask for more of the dealer's money.
I recommend you express your own ideas pro or con to Congress on (1) and (2) and you describe how higher taxes and the 3% take-away from gross income will affect your company.
Send your views to NEEDA
MORE INFO? www.needa.org or 703 850 8552
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MSA TO REVEAL SALES RESULTS JULY 28, 2009
Originally Posted: July 16, 2009 5:32 AM
Last Updated: July 16, 2009 5:32 AM
MSA (Pittsburgh) will broadcast a 45 minute second quarter 2009 earnings call live via the Internet on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 10AM. Eastern.
A replay of the call and a public report will be available on MSA's Web site.
Established in 1914, MSA makes self-contained breathing apparatus, gas masks, gas detection instruments, head protection, ballistic body armor, fall protection devices and thermal imaging cameras. MSA has annual sales of $1 billion and manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America, and 40 international locations.
MORE INFO? www.msanet.com
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SAN ANTONIO IS SITE OF TRAUMA CONFERENCE AUG 31-SEPT 1, 2009: THEME IS MASS CASUALTY RESPONSE
Originally Posted: July 13, 2009 3:43 PM
Last Updated: July 13, 2009 3:44 PM
National Trauma Institute will hold the 15th Annual Trauma Symposium in San Antonio, August 31-September 1, 2009.
Presentations by U.S. Army Surgeon General and 125 experts, will draw more than 1,000. It will be held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.
The Symposium, which began as a U.S. Army-hosted seminar addressing military trauma, is now a comprehensive annual conference, geared toward all health care personnel.
This year's Symposium, focused on mass casualty response, features a mix of military and civilian topics involving more than 125 presenters. This year's keynote speaker: LTG Eric B. Schoomaker, U.S. Army Surgeon General.
Sharon Smith, executive director for the National Trauma Institute: "The Symposium is crucial to our mission, which includes elevating trauma on the national research agenda, and advancing knowledge of trauma care."
Smith notes that even though trauma is at epidemic levels in the United States, many Americans don't automatically associate trauma's myriad causes -- including car accidents, fires, and violent acts -- as one comprehensive category.
Each year, trauma accounts for 37 million emergency department visits and 2.6 million hospital admissions across the nation. More than 170,000 of these trauma victims die each year, making it the leading cause of death for Americans under age 44 -- not even counting American soldiers overseas.
Symposium presenters:
Dr. Dror Soffer, Director, Yitzhak Rabin Trauma Center, Tel Aviv Medical Center;
Dr. Mauricio Lynn, Director, Trauma Resuscitation Unit, Ryder Trauma Center, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami
Andrew Peitzman, MD, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center;
Dr. Ronald Stewart, MD, FACS, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and NTI Board Chairman
COL Lorne Blackbourne, Commander U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research
MORE INFO? www.NationalTraumaInstitute.org.
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ARIZONA FIRE CHIEFS OFFER ANNUAL CONFERENCE JULY 28-AUG 1, 2009
Originally Posted: July 13, 2009 3:31 PM
Last Updated: July 13, 2009 3:31 PM
The 2009 Fire Service Leadership Conference
by the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association
will be July 28-Aug 1, at the
Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa
9495 W Coyotes Blvd
Glendale, AZ 85305
Charlie Dickinson, formerly US Fire Administration, will be one of the featured speakers.
MORE INFO? www.azchiefs.org
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WILDLAND FIRES IN ALASKA, ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, UTAH AND OREGON
Originally Posted: July 11, 2009 5:59 PM
Last Updated: July 11, 2009 6:00 PM
July 10, 2009 light wildland fire activity was reported throughout the country. Ten new large fires were reported: four in Alaska, one each in Arizona and California, and four in Utah. One large fire was contained in Oregon.
According to the weekly report these states are currently reporting large fires: Alaska (7), Arizona (5), California (4), Oregon (1) Texas (1), Utah (4).
Hot and dry weather conditions will return to Alaska. The western states will be warm and dry through today. Isolated thunderstorms are predicted over the nothwestern states, norhtwest California, northern Idaho, and Montana. Thunderstorms are also expected across the southwestern states, Colorado, and eastern Wyoming. Dry and windy conditions will extend from the Sierras into Colorado and Wyoming.
In the US, 49,620 wildfires have been reported by July 10, 2009, affecting
property and safety in 2,263,792 acres. The biggest recent year was 2006 which by July 10 was reporting 61,418 fires on 4,002,383 acres.
The biggest fire being reported this week: 138,817 acres with zero percent
contained at Minto Flat South (Fairbanks Area, Department of Forestry). The fire is 12 miles northwet of Nenana. Structures remain threatened. Percipitation fell on the fire yesterday. For info, phone 907 832 1836 or visit the incident website.
Meanwhile four fires in California affect 9,753 acres and four fires in Utah affect 818 acres on public land including 100 acres in Zion National Park.
For other NEEDA Newsletter coverage on wildfires use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen. If you have a wildfire story you wish to share with other emergency fire equipment dealers, please write
KentonP1@aol.com . . . Q What did your company have to do, how did you
respond, and what lessons learned for your company or the wildland firefighting service?
MORE INFO? National Fire Information Center
208-387-5050 National Interagency Coordination Center
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SENATE ADDS $10 MILLION TO FIRE ACT GRANT PROGRAM: NEXT STEP IS SENATE-HOUSE CONFERENCE
Originally Posted: July 10, 2009 5:21 PM
Last Updated: July 10, 2009 5:21 PM
This week in the US Congress ended on a good note when the Senate passed an amendment to increase funding for fire equipment from $380 million to $390 million.
The amendment was offered twice by Senator Christopher Dodd (D-Connecticut); after his #1485 amendment was "laid aside" it was passed by voice vote adding $10 million to the funds already OK'd by the Senate Appropriations Committee. The $390 million was then adopted as part of the Senate's version of the Homeland Security Department's appropriations for FY 2010.
Next step is a House-Senate Conference Committee to work out differences in two versions of the same bill HR 2892 which contains $42.9 billion for Homeland Security. The Fire Act Grant program was authorized by Section 33 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974.
Funding for the act have increased year to year until this year when appropriations were cut. Congress is authorized to spend far more on the Fire Act and SAFER programs, but the Obama Administrations low request level for 2010 helped keep both programs from getting the amount they need or the amount they are authorized to get.
Senator Bernie Sanders (Independent, Vermont) tried to restore funding for the SAFER firefighter assistance grants, recruitment, and revention program but his amendment # 1430 was defeated 32-58.
This appropriations bill was passed by the Senate 84-6.
Later this summer, the House-Senate Conference Committee will
convene with the following Senators defending the Senate version of
the bill including the Dodd Amendment:
Senator Robert Byrd (D-West Virginia), Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii),
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland),
Senator Patty Murray (D-Washington), Senator Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana),
Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-New Jersey), Senator Jon Tester (D-Montana),
Senator Arlen Specter (D-Pennsylvania), Senator George Voinovich (R-Ohio),
Senator Thad Cochran (R-Mississippi), Senator Judd Gregg (R-New Hampshire),
Senator Richard Shelby (R-Alabama), Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kansas), and
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Arkansas).
If you are from one of these states you should express your views pro or con re the Fire Act Grant program ($390 million) or the SAFER grant program ($420 million).
For previous NEEDA Newsletter stories about grants to help firefighters, use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.
MORE INFO? Senate Appropriations Committee 202 224 3751
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NEEDA ADVOCATES REPEAL OF THE LAW THAT TAKES 3% OF ALL DEALER SALES
Originally Posted: July 9, 2009 6:07 PM
Last Updated: July 9, 2009 6:07 PM
NEEDA advocates repeal of a sweeping new requirement mandating that federal, state, and local governments withhold 3% from payments they owe to dealers. This unprecedented withholding mandate will affect all local, state and Federal government purchases from dealers as well as Medicare payments, Farm payments, and some 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 by President Bush. Thanks to business opposition, the anti-dealer scheme 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.
Now, as mentioned in an earlier NEEDA Newsletter column by Kenton Pattie, NEEDA Executive Director, the Obama Administration has decided to force
all local and state governments to report to the US Treasury everything they buy from emergency equipment dealers -- thus making it easier to force buyers to pay dealers only 97 percent of what is owed. The three percent will be sent to US Treasury where it will be kept until your next year's taxes are audited by the Internal Revenue Service.
You may be required to petition IRS to return the 3% to you involving more Federal red tape and delay. It could take up to several years for dealers to recover the 3% that has been withheld. More than likely, your 3% will become a credit applicapable to some future annual tax payment, but will not allow a dealer to skip making the routine withholding payments currently required by law.
For other NEEDA Newsletter articles on this subject, use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen to search this dealer website.
MORE INFO? NEEDA at 703 850 8552 or KentonP1@aol.com
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SMALL BUSINESS OFFICE OF ADVOCACY OFFERS CREDIT AND FINANCIAL MARKET INFOMARKET IDEAS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Originally Posted: July 9, 2009 5:48 PM
Last Updated: July 9, 2009 5:48 PM
A new compendium of studies may help small businesses get access to credit.
The studies are sponsored by the US Small Business Office of Advocacy. The structure of small business financial markets has been changing dramatically.
Titled: Small Business in Focus: Finance, the information was released July 9, 2009 at an Advocacy symposium.
Advocacy Senior Economist Dr. Charles Ou: “In this time of financial challenges, it is particularly important to understand small business borrowers and the markets that serve them. We hope that this compendium will be a starting place for ongoing discussions of the small firm financial markets, as well as the datasets available to understand them.”
The studies are based primarily on the 2003 Survey of Small Business Finances (SSBF). The SSBF has been one of the highest quality data sets for analyzing the credit issues faced by small firms. The Federal Reserve Board conducted the SSBF in 1987, 1993, 1997, and 2003 and will rely on the 2010 Survey of Consumer Finances for future data on business-owning households.
A report by Advocacy economists Charles Ou and Victoria Williams provides an overview of small business borrowers, the credit and capital markets that serve them, and small business borrowing patterns.
A paper by George Haynes and James Brown explores in detail small business financing patterns, including the relative importance of banks, thrifts, and finance companies in these markets. The share of small firms using any credit increased from almost 80 percent in 1993 to almost 90 percent in 2003.
A second paper by the same authors looks at the importance of internal funding for small business growth and finds that the relationship between internal funds and employment growth is especially important for very small and women-owned firms.
A study by Rebel Cole looks at the credit markets and identifies four kinds of small businesses: nonborrowers, approved borrowers, discouraged borrowers, and denied borrowers.
The Office of Advocacy, a “small business watchdog” of the federal government, examines small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small business to federal agencies, Congress, and the President.
MORE INFO? www.sba.gov/advo/ or call (202) 205-6533
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SPARTAN MOTORS ANNOUNCES QUARTERLY RESULTS JULY 23, 2009
Originally Posted: July 9, 2009 12:49 PM
Last Updated: July 9, 2009 12:49 PM
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Charlotte, Michigan) will announce its second quarter 2009 results on July 23, 2009. The Company will host a webcast of its conference call at 10 AM (Eastern Time) to discuss its financial results.
MORE INFO? www.spartanmotors.com
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OBAMA ADMINISTRATION IS MOVING AHEAD WITH THE 3% WITHHOLDING RULE WHICH TAKES 3% OF ALL DEALER GROSS INCOME
Originally Posted: July 9, 2009 12:36 PM
Last Updated: July 9, 2009 12:36 PM
By Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
PO Box 220
Annandale, VA 22003
KentonP1@aol.com
703 850 8552
The Obama Administration has decided to enforce a new law
that will result in every dealer sale to a local, state or Federal agency
to have 3% of the sales price withheld, sent to the Treasury Department, and only released back to the dealer if the dealer's next year's tax payments are in order following audit.
Proof that the Obama Administration is imposing this new law on all dealer sales: Obama Administration’s "Green Book," formerly called the "Blue Book."
Every year the Administration releases a list of tax-related provisions that could be used by Congress to increase Federal government income. The Green Book is the first place the Obama Administration has mentioned the 3% withholding provision, so we expect Green Book items to be used this year and will impact all dealers who sell to local, state, or Federal buyers.
While the new law goes into effect 2012, the Obama Administration by the Green Book is requiring all county, village, town, city, state and Federal buyers to report all their purchases to the Treasury Department.
This process of holding back 3% of the amount owed to dealers has already alarmed state and local buyers who have stated that the new reporting process will be expensive and a burden on their government operations. Buyers do not want to withhold payment, send it to Treasury, and maintain the paperwork and documentation involved.
The biggest buyer in the US, the Department of Defense, says the process will cost Defense hundreds of millions of dollars to enforce and thus Defense is against the 3% withholding requirement; other buyers agree but will keep their mouth's shut now that the Obama team wants to impose the 3% take-away on all dealers.
What the Obama Administration is doing in July 2009 is setting the stage for enforcement of the 3% withholding law: the data collection begins now even before the withholding starts!
I have already stated that NEEDA finds the 3% withholding law offensive to dealers who have earned what they are owed and do not deserve to have 3% of their earnings siphoned off to the Treasury for no good reason.
Therefore NEEDA supports repeal of the 3% law. We oppose the Obama Administrtion's attempt at imposing the reporting portion of the law.
So you can read the Obama Administration proposal, here it is below . . . it may look like obscure Federal government detail, but every word is aimed directly at dealers like you who have a right to receive 100% of what you are owed, not 97%.
Obama Administration's Green Book:
REQUIRE INCREASED INFORMATION REPORTING FOR CERTAIN
GOVERNMENT PAYMENTS FOR PROPERTY AND SERVICES
Current Law
Businesses, governments, and other taxpayers are subject to a number of information reporting and withholding requirements. Generally, a taxpayer making payments aggregating to $600 or more for services or determinable gains in the course of a trade or business in a calendar year is
required to send an information return to the IRS (except if the recipient is a corporation) setting forth the amount, as well as the name and address of the recipient of the payment (generally on Form 1099). In addition, any service recipient engaged in a trade or business is required to file an information return if the aggregate of payments for services is $600 or more in a calendar year.
This requirement specifically applies to government agencies, even if the service provider is a corporation. Moreover, Federal agencies must file information returns with respect to contractors, generally on Form 8596 (Information Return for Federal Contracts) and Form 8596A (Quarterly Transmittal of Information Returns for Federal Contracts).
Under recently enacted legislation that will take effect in 2012, Federal, State and local government agencies generally must withhold 3 percent of payments owed to deakers) for goods or services. Exceptions apply to certain payments such as those actually subjected to backup withholding, wages and public assistance.
Reasons for Change
Generally, compliance increases significantly for payments that a third party reports to the IRS.
Some government vendors fail to meet their tax filing and payment obligations.
Proposal
The IRS and Treasury Department would be authorized to promulgate regulations requiring information reporting on all non-wage payments by Federal, State and local governments to procure property or services. It is expected that certain categories of payments would be excluded from the new information reporting requirements, including payments of interest,
payments for real property (real estate), payments to tax-exempt entities or foreign governments, intergovernmental payments, and payments made pursuant to a classified or confidential contract.
The proposal would be effective for payments made after December 31, 2009.
MORE INFO? www.needa.org (use the "Search" application to read other NEEDA Newsletter articles about how the Obama Administration is planning to take away 3% of your sales.
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PIERCE GETS NAVY CONTRACT TO PROVIDE FIRE TRUCKS
Originally Posted: July 8, 2009 7:24 PM
Last Updated: July 8, 2009 7:25 PM
Pierce Manufacturing (Appleton, Wisconsin), an Oshkosh Corporation company, is building for the United States Navy 29 Contender custom pumper fire trucks. This is in addition to a recent separate order for two Pierce® Velocity® HAZMAT vehicles.
The 31 vehicles will be deployed at U.S. Naval bases within the United States and around the globe beginning in early 2010. The total contract amount is $10.3 million.
The vehicles were procured through contracts with the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Requests for proposals were solicited, and Pierce was selected from responding manufacturers.
Wilson Jones, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency: “Pierce continues to expand its sales and service offerings to the U.S. Navy and we are able to provide more sophisticated apparatus like the units represented in these contracts. We’re proud to have our vehicles on duty protecting the lives and property of those who defend America. It’s gratifying to see the Navy continue to select Pierce apparatus.”
Each of the 29 Contender by Pierce custom pumpers is built to deliver quality and value. Each is equipped with a 330-hp engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, LED light package and a 6 kW generator with 110V lighting. The firefighting systems include a powerful 1250 GPM single stage pump, stainless steel plumbing, 750-gal. poly water tank, Husky® 12 foam system with 70 gal. foam cell and a radio remote controlled monitor and nozzle. The units also offer a hydraulic ladder rack, roll-up doors and full height compartments with adjustable shelving for organizing equipment.
The two HAZMAT vehicles are built on Pierce Velocity custom chassis, each with a 21.5-ft body, a command cab with a 20-in. raised roof and a communications area that includes a full-width, L-shaped desk. Other notable features include TAK-4® independent front suspension, four-person seating, 515-hp engine and a 22-in. extended front bumper. Included are a 40 kW three-phase generator, breathing air compressor with a breathing air cascade system and a fill station. Each unit also features a 15-ft. powered light mast, safety vision rear camera system and a vertical mast with surveillance camera.
Pierce will supply two full days of vehicle training through its nationwide dealer network.
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OBAMA NOMINATES DR. ALEXANDER GARZA AS ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Originally Posted: July 8, 2009 7:14 PM
Last Updated: July 8, 2009 7:14 PM
President Obama’s nomination of Dr. Alexander Garza brings extensive government and military public health experience to the job of Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer.
Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano:“Dr. Garza brings many years of experience as both a leader in the public health field and a practicing emergency physician to the Department’s Office of Health Affairs. I look forward to working with him to prepare for and respond to all health threats—from the H1N1 virus to biological weapons—to ensure the safety of our nation.”
As Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer, Garza will lead all DHS medical and health security matters, oversee the health aspects of contingency planning for all chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazards, and lead a coordinated effort to ensure that DHS is prepared to respond to biological and chemical Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).
Garza is currently serving as a staff physician for the Level I trauma center at the Washington Hospital Center.
He previously worked as the Director of Military Programs at the ER One Institute at the Washington Hospital Center, Associate Medical Director of Emergency Medical Services for the State of New Mexico, and Director of Emergency Medical Services for the Kansas City Health Department.
Garza has served in the military as a battalion surgeon, Public Health Team Chief during Operation Flintlock in Dakar, Senegal, Public Health Team Chief during Operation Iraqi Freedom I, and as a special investigator and medical expert for Major General Raymond Odierno. He previously served as a paramedic, a flight paramedic, and an Emergency Medical Technician in Missouri.
All Obama nominations such as the one for Garza must be approved by the US Senate.
MORE INFO? 202-282-8010
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DNA EXPERT COLLINS IS OBAMA'S NEW HEAD OF NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
Originally Posted: July 8, 2009 6:46 PM
Last Updated: July 8, 2009 6:46 PM
President Barack Obama's choice of Dr. Francis Collins to head the National Institutes of Health puts an influential scientist and expert on the human genetic code in the middle of public debates over religion vs. science in stem cell research.
Obama: "Collins is one of the top scientists in the world. His groundbreaking work has changed the very ways we consider our health and examine disease."
NIH is spending $29.5 billion to spur innovative science that leads to better health.
The Associated Press says Collins has the ability to speak about DNA in language the everyday American can understand.
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FEDERAL INSPECTOR GENERAL WARNS POST KATRINA WASTE AND MISTAKES MAY BE REPEATED
Originally Posted: July 8, 2009 12:03 PM
Last Updated: July 8, 2009 12:03 PM
The US Homeland Security Departments's Inspector General says Federal agencies wasted billions of dollars responding to the Hurricane Katrina destruction. But, worse still, the same mistakes will be made again, the IG warns.
The IG warns that if there is another major storm or earthquake to hit US population centers the Federal agencies are not up to handling the response.
In addition to Federal responders, many fire departments from Southern states went directly to the flood and storm devastated areas under a widespread system of agreements to automatically help each other in responding to disasters. On arrival at the scene, many fire departments found poor Federal and state leadership and inadequate support for first responders. Food, water,
and communications were all problems the first to arrive experienced. The Federal government was unable to help these fire departments much less support others responding to the storm damage.
Over four years of discussion has persisted on "lessons learned" and "being prepared". So it is disappointing and very concerning to see the IG's report and the accompanying bad publicity this gives to FEMA. To win Federal appropriations dollars, FEMA needs to have a record of success: a can-do agency that performs miracles in the worst of disasters. Without a strong reputation, FEMA will continue to take shots from the IG, Congress, state and local leaders.
The test before the Obama Administration is to promptly get emergency response right the first time and maintain the right resources and practices that meet the high standards the nation's fire departments strive for every day.
FEMA's costly programs to provide trailers and mobile homes to survivors, and the government's inability to swiftly and cheaply repair damaged housing, especially rental units do not work, the IG says.
IG Richard L. Skinner told the Washington Post: "When housing cannot be restored quickly, authorities must say clearly that there is not enough housing stock for everyone, and that some will need to relocate to other communities."
Fourty-six months after Katrina, 20,000 families still live in temporary mobile homes and apartments while the housing shortage has driven up New Orleans' rents by 50%.
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi) says the government should do more to put people back in permanent housing rather than focusing on temporary housing.
In the Spring of 2009, a federal task force on health, housing, veterans and small businesses began studying disaster housing.
It appears that FEMA, under the leadership of Carig Fugate, is going to advocate
temporary housing as the last resort. But FEMA is still testing temporary quarters that will not have the foprmaldehyde poison gas effluent problem that FEMA trailers experienced following Katrina.
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CALIFORNIA SENATE INSISTS ON WARNINGS TO PARENTS ABOUT FIRE AND INJURY DANGERS THREATENING CHILDREN WHO USE CERTAIN PRODUCTS
Originally Posted: July 8, 2009 11:23 AM
Last Updated: July 8, 2009 11:26 AM
California Assembly's Business and Professions Committee (Sacramento) severely limited and revised a bill, SB 772, that would have impacted fire safety regulations in the state.
The committee cut the scope and impact of the legislation. Originally, SB 772 sought to exempt children's products from California's tough fire safety standards: the open-flame test.
However, after weeks of intense opposition from a coalition of youth groups, mothers, business groups, burn doctors and fire professionals, the committee narrowed the exemption to just four products, all of which would now require a label explicitly warning the consumer that they will not pass California's strict fire safety tests because they lack a flame retardant treatment.
Jessica Childress of Citizens for Fire Safety: "While we are disappointed that the bill was passed, we are encouraged by the conscience of its amendment. Legislators now know of the disproportionate danger children face from fire. We should have some momentum as we return to the Senate."
Community activists, lead by members of the Inglewood School Board, Asian Business Association, San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber, and burn physicians, submitted testimony to the committee. In one heartfelt plea to committee members, a 13-year-old from Los Angeles, CA pleaded with the committee to "close their eyes and visualize a child or family member saying goodbye for the last time," because they might be lost in a fire!
The bill will now return to the California State Senate to approve or modify the amendments. California State Senator Mark Leno, the author of the bill, accepted the amendments fearing the bill would not have a majority of votes without the amendments.
Citizens for Fire Safety is a coalition of medical professionals, fire personnel, businesses, and community activists who have joined to ensure that communities across the nation are protected by the highest fire safety standards.
NEEDA Newsletter published a previous story expressing concerns about SB 772. NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie said "All products should provide fire, chemical, and similar warnings to protect children from fire, injury and death. Parents need to know the risks and hazards in the products they bring into the home or play area."
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SECRETARY NAPOLITANO AND PRESIDENT BUSH AGREE ON APPOINTMENT OF KELVIN COCHRAN AS NEW US FIRE ADMINISTRATOR
Originally Posted: July 7, 2009 5:11 PM
Last Updated: July 7, 2009 5:11 PM
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano agrees with President Obama’s intent to nominate Kelvin Cochran as US Fire Administrator: He brings decades of experience in preventing and responding to fires and emergencies.
“Kelvin will play a vital role in strengthening our fire prevention and emergency management capabilities across the country,” said Secretary Napolitano.
“Working closely with our state and local partners, Kelvin will lead our nationwide efforts to prepare for and respond to fire emergencies.”
As U.S. Fire Administrator, Cochran is charged with overseeing, coordinating, and directing national efforts to prevent fires and improve fire response. Cochran will oversee fire prevention and safety education programs and professional development opportunities for emergency responders at all levels of government.
Cochran has twenty-eight years of experience in the fire service including fire fighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, public education, research and development, personnel management, and administration, with a specialization in training and strategic planning.
Most recently, Cochran served as Fire Chief for the City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, where he coordinated homeland security and emergency preparedness initiatives between the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) and oversaw 35 fire stations providing fire, rescue and emergency medical services.
Previously, he served in the Shreveport, LA. fire department as a Firefighter, Assistant Chief Training Officer, and Fire Chief. Cochran also served as President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, the 1st Vice President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and Vice Chairman of Volunteers of America (VOA).
Earlier today, NEEDA ran a NEEDA Newsletter story about this Obama appointment. To read this or any other NEEDA article, use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter page.
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CITIZENS FOR FIRE SAFETY CRITICIZE SB 772 IN CALIFORNIA: WEAKENS FIRE SAFETY INFO NEEDED FOR PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN
Originally Posted: July 7, 2009 8:28 AM
Last Updated: July 8, 2009 11:24 AM
While juvenile products are not the source of fires, according to FEMA, 50% of child fire deaths are children under age 5, bedding and upholstered furniture are where 38% of fire started and African-American children account for 38% of child fire deaths in 2004. These are startling statistics that validate the need for fire protection.
SB 772 in California proposes to remove the tough fire safety standard TB117 from juvenile products sold in California.
The California standard, according to CalFire, has resulted in a reduction of injuries and deaths in California by approximately 60% over the past 10 years.
Citizens for Fire Safety (Los Angeles, CA) say Bill SB 772 would allow unregulated and potentially unsafe baby products into California.
Senator Mark Leno's SB bill 772 allows products made overseas to be marketed with no fire safety protections such as what chemicals or products are used in the manufacturing of these products and precautions parents and children should take.
The issue came to light when documents supporting the bill submitted by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association indicated that the fire safety protections have resulted in "unnecessarily rising costs" and that this standard "forces us to change our business practices."
The largest members of the trade association Fisher Price, Graco and others manufacture many of their products in China or overseas.
While there are protections in place under the Consumer Product Safety Commission, California maintains the strictest and safest fire safety standard for bedding, mattresses and furniture that are part of many children's products. The bill would weaken California fire protection for children, opponents say.
Citizens for Fire Safety opposed to SB 722 is a coalition of fire professionals, educators, community activists, burn centers, doctors, fire departments and industry leaders, united to ensure protection by the highest standards of fire safety.
MORE INFO? www.cffsi.org.
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WHITE HOUSE PICKS CHIEF KELVIN TO HEAD US FIRE ADMINISTRATION
Originally Posted: July 7, 2009 7:19 AM
Last Updated: July 7, 2009 7:19 AM
The White House says President Obama is appointing Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran as the head of the U.S. Fire Adminstration.
White House July 6, 2009 Press Release:
"Kelvin James Cochran, Nominee for U.S. Fire Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA}, Department of Homeland Security.
"Kelvin Cochran has had 28 years of experience from Firefighter to Assistant Chief Training Officer to Fire Chief of Shreveport, Louisiana, to Fire Chief of Atlanta, Georgia with involvement in all phases of the fire service: fire fighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, recruiting, public education, research and development, employee counseling, discipline, performance evaluation, and administration, with specialization in training and strategic planning/facilitating. He has also served as the 1st Vice President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, and Vice Chairman of Volunteers of America (VOA)."
Chief Cochran serves as a editorial board member to Fire Rescue magazine.
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GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR "GREEN JOB" TRAINING UNDER NEW FEDERAL PROGRAM TO SPUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Originally Posted: July 2, 2009 8:21 PM
Last Updated: July 2, 2009 8:21 PM
The US Congress voted $500 million for competitive grants for green jobs training as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act).
Although originating under the same authorizing language, the Department of Labor (DOL) has split this funding into five separate grant competitions for strategic partnerships and other entities to prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.
Pathways Out of Poverty Grants: Applications due 9/29/09
$150 million for grants to national and local nonprofit organizations to provide career pathways for unemployed individuals, high school dropouts, individuals with a criminal record, and disadvantaged individuals living in areas of high poverty.
Training must be targeted towards careers in the seven energy efficiency and renewable energy industries identified under the Green Jobs Act (§171(e) of the Workforce Investment Act), or for green occupations in certain
other industries if applicants can demonstrate that they are emerging industries producing jobs within the community.
Grants may be awarded to national nonprofit entities such as volunteer fire departments that deliver services through local affiliates and who propose projects serving 3-7 communities in at least two states, or to local public or private nonprofit organizations proposing projects that serve a single community. Both national and local applicants must implement projects through strategic partnerships that include nonprofit organizations, the public workforce investment system, education and training providers, public and private employers and industry associations, and labor organizations. Grantees may use no more than five percent of grant funds to provide supportive services.
State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) and Training Grants – Applications due 10/20/09
$190 million for grants to state workforce investment boards, in partnership with state workforce agencies, local workforce boards, and One Stop Career Centers, to provide training and related activities that reflect a comprehensive statewide energy sector strategy. Training must be targeted towards careers in the seven energy efficiency and renewable energy industries identified under the Green Jobs Act (§171(e) of the Workforce Investment Act), including the
energy efficient building, construction and retrofit industries, the biofuels industry, and the energy efficiency assessment industry.
Applicants must form State Energy Sector Partnerships which must include representatives from the state workforce investment board, state workforce agencies, local workforce boards, One Stop Career Centers, state cabinet officials from agencies receiving Recovery Act funding related to energy efficiency and renewable energy resources, representatives of public, private, and nonprofit employers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, and labor organizations—to inform the planning and implementation of the grant.
Grantees may use no more than five percent of grant funds to provide supportive services. Approximately $25 million of the total funds available through this SGA will be reserved for projects in communities impacted by automotive-related restructuring.
Energy Training Partnership Grants – Applications due 9/4/09
$100 million for grants to national labor-management organizations and statewide or local nonprofit partnerships to provide training for target populations, with priority given to projects that serve workers impacted by national energy and environmental policy, individuals in need of updated training related to the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, unemployed workers, and veterans or past and present members of reserve components of the Armed Forces.
Projects may also serve individuals with a criminal record and populations that have not traditionally been employed in construction and skilled-trade occupations, such as women and minorities. Training must be targeted towards careers in the seven energy efficiency and renewable energy industries identified under the Green Jobs Act (§171(e) of the Workforce
Investment Act), or for green occupations in certain other industries if applicants can demonstrate that they are emerging industries producing jobs within the community. Applicants must propose partnerships that include representatives from labor organizations, local workforce investment boards and One Stop Career Centers, and employers and industry organizations.
Grantees may use no more than five percent of grant funds to provide supportive services.
Approximately $25 million of the total funds available through this SGA will be reserved for projects in communities impacted by car companies that folded or were restructured.
Green Capacity Building Grants – Applications due 8/5/09
$5 million for grants to current DOL grantees receiving funding under certain programs, including the National Farmworkers Jobs Program, the Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative, Women in Apprenticeship and Non-Traditional Occupations, YouthBuild, and others.
Grant funds may be used to support capacity building for these organizations to provide training for entry-level positions leading to career pathways in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, with priority given to serving workers impacted by national energy and environmental policy, veterans, unemployed individuals, and other populations. Funds may not be used for supportive services.
State Labor Market Information Improvement Grants – Applications due 8/14/09
$50 million for grants to state workforce agencies, or consortiums of such agencies, to collect, analyze, and disseminate labor market information and to enhance the labor exchange infrastructure for careers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.
Applicants must demonstrate that projects will be implemented through strategic partnerships which must include state labor market information and research entities and state workforce investment boards, and may include additional partners such as employers, labor organizations, colleges and universities, community-based organizations, and others.
MORE INFO? 1701 K Street NW, Ste. 750| Washington, DC 20006
P. 202.223.8991 | F. 202.223.8354 | www.workforcealliance.org
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FIRE CHIEFS PROVIDE TRAINING FOR RESPONDING TO INCIDENTS INVOLVING ETHANOL OR BIODIESEL
Originally Posted: July 2, 2009 12:52 PM
Last Updated: July 2, 2009 12:52 PM
New fuels and fuel combinations being used in cars and other vehicles pose a threat and challenge for first responders. How about ethanol and biodiesel, for example?
The International Association of Fire Chiefs offers two training packages to provide firefighters with info they need.
The first training package, “Ethanol: Response Considerations,” focuses on responding to ethanol incidents. It was created in partnership with the United States Fire Administration and the United States Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The training package has been updated and revised from the original version released 2008. It now also contains a companion training video.
PHMSA Acting Deputy Administrator Cindy Douglass: “The ethanol video trains everyone to the current response standards.”
The second training package, “Biodiesel: Response Considerations,” focuses on general biodiesel information and details about biodiesel commercial manufacturing facilities. This package was created through a partnership between the IAFC, National Biodiesel Board, and the United States Department of Energy.
Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board, praised the leadership and cooperation of the IAFC in developing these materials: “. . . preparing for the worst case scenario is always wise and we applaud the IAFC for being proactive.”
In his testimony on May 14, 2009 on Capitol Hill, the IAFC’s 1st Vice President, Jeff Johnson, chief of Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue: “Due to federal policy, new breakthroughs in technology and the recent high petroleum prices, there has been a new focus on alternative fuels. In the past two years, ethanol production and use has skyrocketed, and fuel-grade ethanol is the number-one freight rail commodity, by volume, in the country."
Chief Johnson noted. Fire departments "must be equipped with the right equipment—including alcohol-resistant foams—and tactics to respond to alternative fuels incidents.”
The IAFC introduced the new training packages at the IAFC Hazmat Committee’s International Hazardous Materials Response Conference, May 27-31, 2009.
The The IAFC represents the leadership of over 1.2 million firefighters and emergency responders. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders. The 2009 Conference and Trade Show will be in Dallas, Texas August 25-29 at the Dallas Convention Center.
MORE INFO? Edie Clark, IAFC Director of Communications
703–896-4827 or 571-221-5268 eclark@iafc.org or www.iafc.orgwww.iafc.org
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FIRE CHIEFS HEAD TO DALLAS FOR 09 TRADE SHOW AND CONVENTION
Originally Posted: July 2, 2009 12:38 PM
Last Updated: July 2, 2009 12:38 PM
August 25-29, 2009, the International Associatoin of Fire Chiefs will hold their annual convention and trade show in Dallas, Texas.
Future dates include:
2010 - Chicago
August 24-28
2011 - Atlanta
August 23-27
2012 - Denver
July 31-August 4
2013 - Chicago
August 13-17
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WASHINGTON FIRE AND EMS DINNER APRIL 28-29, 2010 BY CONGRESSIONAL FIRE SERVICE INSTITUTE (CFSI)
Originally Posted: July 2, 2009 12:17 PM
Last Updated: July 2, 2009 12:17 PM
On April 28-29, 2010, the Congressional Fire Service Institute (CFSI) will host the 22nd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars in Washington, DC.
It is an extraordinary day of opportunities for fire service leaders to engage Congressional leaders and Administration officials in discussions about federal programs and legislation addressing the needs of local first responders.
Throughout the two-day event, CFSI will host a series of seminars addressing issues that directly relate to the safety of first responders. These seminars will be held on Capitol Hill and we will provide shuttle services back and forth to make your visit more productive.
This is the fire services' day in Washington. Prior to your visit, schedule meetings with your members of Congress to exchange information and share ideas on how the federal government can address the challenges of the fire services, both nationally and locally.
The National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner is an annual fundraising event for the Congressional Fire Services Institute.
The Dinner is in its twenty-second successful year and since its creation has expanded to include over 2,000 attendees annually. In past years, keynote speakers have included Vice President Joe Biden, President George W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, President George H.W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Vice President Al Gore, Vice President Dan Quayle, Secretary Tom Ridge, Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert and Senator John McCain.
The CFSI Dinner is the culmination of a two day program featuring an impressive schedule of seminars conducted by leading fire service and administrative officials.
Throughout the day, a shuttle will run between Capitol Hill and the Hilton Washington to allow attendees to visit with their members of Congress and also attend workshops held on Capitol Hill.
The seminars are a great way to learn about the interaction between the fire and emergency services and Congress. CFSI also encourages attendees to schedule meetings with their members of Congress to discuss fire service issues. One-on-one meetings with members can encourage them to get more involved in fire service legislation.
This event is considered a unique opportunity to meet with Congressional leaders about fire service legislation. You also have the opportunity to network with other fire service leaders from around the country. The seminars are great learning tools and provide useful information for ways you can get involved in the legislative process and take advantage of federal grants and programs.
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WILDFIRE CLOSES I-5 IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Originally Posted: July 2, 2009 12:07 PM
Last Updated: July 2, 2009 12:07 PM
A wildfire burned 75 acres in the Angeles National Forest near Castaic, CA. Interstate 5 northwest of Los Angeles was closed. The fire has been fully contained, the Associated Press reported July 2, 2009.
The U.S. Forest Service, says the blaze was surrounded at midnight July 1, 2009.
County fire Capt. Mike Brown: The blaze started in three different locations near the freeway forcing the California Highway Patrol to shut down all lanes of northbound Interstate 5 near Castaic for more than an hour because of smoke from the fire.
Six helicopters and about 200 firefighters responded to the fire.
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FIRE STATION CONSTRUCTION GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE 5 PM JULY 10, 2009
Originally Posted: July 1, 2009 1:53 PM
Last Updated: July 1, 2009 1:53 PM
Submit your 2009 Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants (SCG) application no later than 5 PM Eastern daylight time on Friday, July 10, 2009. The US Fire Administration recommends that you do not wait until the last minute to submit!
The Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants (SCG) will provide financial assistance directly to fire departments on a competitive basis to build new or modify existing fire stations in order for departments to enhance their response capability and protect the community they serve from fire and fire-related hazards. The authority for SCG is derived from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). Congress appropriated a total of $210 million for this Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 program.
SCG staffs a help desk throughout the (FY) 2009 SCG 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. Call the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or send e-mail to firegrants@dhs.gov.
The help desk is open during the application period from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., on Saturday.
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 SCG help desk for information on contacting the nearest regional specialist.
NEEDA Newsletter has run previous articles about this grant opportunity. For previous articles, use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.
MORE INFO? http://firegrantsupport.com/afscg/
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JULY 1, 2009 IS 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIESEL POWERED TRUCK COURT DECISION
Originally Posted: July 1, 2009 1:29 PM
Last Updated: July 1, 2009 1:29 PM
By Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
PO Box 220
Annandale VA 22003
KentonP1@aol.com
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 is the 10th anniversary of the court settlements that led to tighter emission limits for diesel powered fire truck engines manufactured in the US. Happy anniversary!
The Environmental Protection Agency has set the new the emissions standards, with the second big change taking place in 2010 engines.
After three years, engine manufacturers are phasing out of the 2007 engine. The new 2010 engines will require a new process called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) which includes the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) already installed in 2007 engines. The 2010 engine will have a Urea Tank, Decomposition Reactor, and a Selective Catalytic Reduction Catalyst. Altogether the 2010 engine will take up more space.
The EPA then plans to change the diesel engine requirements again in 2015 and 2020. Yet another escalation of the standards is scheduled for 2030.
So, fire trucks purchased in this decade will almost certainly go through three or four Federal emission limit escalations. For example, the Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) reductions required will go from 58 thousand short tons in the 2007 engine to 1,820 in the 2020 truck engine.
The history of this process has taken a major turn in this decade. Back in 1998 the Federal government settled with major diesel engine manufacturers on charges the companies installed illegal computer software that turned off the emission control system during highway driving. Federal penalties at that time were $83.4 million. Among companies involved were Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Mack Trucks, Navistar, and Renault.
2010 truck engines began showing up at trade shows in March, 2009. Retrofit diesel particulate filters (DPF) are also being offered to older vehicles (1996-2002) that need to meet the high California emissions standards. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) wants to reduce particulate matter (PM) in pre-2007 trucks on all trucks exceeding 14,000 lb. gvwr.
A dealer-installed retrofit DPF system is offered, for example, by Huss, Palm Springs, CA and Mack Trucks.
Also at trade shows this year, RFID Cubes were announced that track and control all truck equipment and generate reports. FRID Cube is a wireless, paperless, hands-free battery powered tool that works in -40 degrees centigrade to +70 centegrade with 256K of memory.
Ferrara fire apparatus company recently said: “Engine manufacturers' production for the remainder of this year is quickly filling up. Some have already stopped building engines for over-the-road use. Once the engine manufacturers' production slots are full, they will no longer accept orders for 2007 compliant engines.”
But, many dealers have seen their 2010 orders dwindle as local governments cut back expenditures in response to the economy’s depressed state.
The EPA may be disappointed in 2010 that new engine sales dwindle and thus the EPA’s air pollution goals won’t be obtained. For fire departments this is a critical issue because they wish to comply with the Federal government’s standards but may not have the funds to do so.
On the one hand the EPA brags that its new standards “will lead to dramatic emission reductions in new diesel-powered engines.” On the other hand, the dramatic reductions from “new diesel-powered engines” will initially be limited.
EPA is still holding to its view that the 2007 standards will cut harmful pollutants from new engines by 90 percent, resulting in annual reductions of 2.6 million tons of NOx and 110,000 tons of particulate matter.
Meanwhile, as I have stated before in NEEDA Newsletter, the biggest Federal goal is to require all passenger vehicles to get 35 miles per gallon in the next few years. Solutions like battery powered cars seem unlikely to help the truck business or have much applicability in the emergency response industry.
Your views, suggestions? Contact Kenton Pattie 703 850 8552 or KentonP1@aol.com
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SEAGRAVE CAROLINA: NEW LOCATION IN ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA
Originally Posted: July 1, 2009 10:42 AM
Last Updated: July 1, 2009 10:42 AM
Seagrave Carolina has a new location: 251 N. Wilson Street in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA CHIEF CHARLES WERNER RECEIVES FIRE NEWS OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD FOR 2009
Originally Posted: July 1, 2009 10:35 AM
Last Updated: July 1, 2009 10:35 AM
Firehouse Expo, the fire, rescue, and EMS expo on the East Coast, and Fire News, selected Fire Chief Charles Werner as the 2009 Fire News Outstanding Leadership Award Winner.
Werner is a 35-year veteran of the volunteer and career fire service industry. He celebrated his 30th year with the Charlottesville, VA Fire Department where he serves as its Fire Chief.
Chief Werner communicates effectively, cultivates trust, pride and commitment, and enhances the image and reputation of his department. He is also a strong advocate for firefighter safety and embraces and implements life safety initiatives to ensure everyone goes home after every shift.
Werner was selected from a pool of qualified nominees.
Chief Werner serves on the Virginia Interoperability Executive Committee, the Virginia Secure Commonwealth Panel, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs Communications Committee and the IAFC Technology Council Chair.
Werner is also a published author of 70 articles. Werner serves on the editorial advisory boards for Firehouse Magazine, Firehouse.com and Urgent Communications.
Fire Marshal William R. Purcell, who nominated Fire Chief Werner: “Charles is the epitome of selfless service and his passion and diligent commitment to improving fire service communications and technology will continue to save many lives and make a lasting contribution.”
Firehouse Expo brings together over 16,000 fire, rescue and EMS professionals from across the country to train and educate firefighters and emergency service responders, preparing them for the realities they face in the fire, rescue, and emergency service community.
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NOWICKI IS NEW FINANCIAL CHIEF AT SPARTAN MOTORS: FORMER FURNITURE MANUFACTURER TREASURER
Originally Posted: July 1, 2009 10:15 AM
Last Updated: July 1, 2009 10:15 AM
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Charlotte, MI) has named former Herman Miller finance executive Joseph M. Nowicki, C.P.A., as chief financial officer. Nowicki succeeds James Knapp.
Spartan Motors, manufacturer of custom chassis and emergency-rescue vehicles, said Nowicki brings two decades of financial management and operations experience to the position, including manufacturing and international sales. Nowicki spent 17 years with Zeeland, MI-based Herman Miller, Inc., most recently as Treasurer.
John Sztykiel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spartan: "We are pleased to attract someone of this caliber to our senior management team. Joe is an accomplished finance executive who also brings strategic and operational experience, a background in global operations, and a track record with the investment community that make him an ideal candidate for this role. As Spartan looks to expand our product offerings into new market niches, both here and abroad, we expect Joe to bring a relevant and fresh perspective to managing our business that will benefit all our stakeholders."
At Herman Miller, Nowicki was responsible for all treasury activities, including establishing the company's overall capital and debt structure, overseeing the company's pension and investment strategy and leading investor relations activities for the $1.6 billion furniture manufacturer.
During his career at Herman Miller, Nowicki also served as vice president of international finance and vice president within North American finance, and was involved in multiple acquisitions.
Before joining Herman Miller, he held several operations and finance positions, including working for IBM and General Motors, and spent several years in public accounting.
Nowicki: "Their emphasis on Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) aligns with my background with economic value-added financial management, and their long-term strategic plan focused on organic growth, new market entries and establishing a global footprint are ideally suited for my experience."
Nowicki holds a master of business administration degree in finance from the University of Michigan and a bachelor's degree in accounting from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.
For other NEEDA Newsletter stories about Spartan Motors, use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.
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POMONA, CA AVERTS CUTS IN FIRESERVICE, REJECTS PLAN TO TAKE FIRE TRUCK OUT OF SERVICE FOR NINE MONTHS
Originally Posted: July 1, 2009 10:01 AM
Last Updated: July 1, 2009 10:02 AM
The Pomona City Council (California) at the end of June 2009 adopted a $176.7 million operating budget.
Pomona, like other cities, is now facing an uncertain financial future linked to the state and its budget. State legislators could adopt a budget that involves taking or borrowing gas tax dollars, property taxes or redevelopment money meant for the use of cities.
Council members were able to clear a budgetary hurdle with the help of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. City staff had proposed taking a fire engine at the city's downtown fire station out of service for nine months to save the city $1.4 million. However, fire service cuts won't be necessary due to a change in the payment schedule for the proposed sale of a city fire training center located on the grounds of Fire Station 187 on Temple Avenue - to Los Angeles County.
The county had agreed to purchase the facility for $4.7 million and pay it off over a five-year period. Now the county agreed to pay the city for the facility within a two-year period. Under that payment schedule, the city will receive enough money to avert fire service reductions, plus the $950,000 that it was expecting this year for the sale and $359,000 that will be used to make budget adjustments during the year or to reverse some cuts.
As part of budget discussions, Councilwoman Paula Lantz pressed to have two community service officer positions in the Police Department's crime prevention unit reinstated. Councilwoman Cristina Carrizosa proposed using money from the Police Department's overtime budget to cover the more than $111,400 it would cost to fund the two community services officers. Carrizosa went on to say the police overtime budget could be reduced by more than $800,000, saying a large part of the city's funds go to public safety.
Lantz said she couldn't support additional cuts to the department's overtime budget. The Police Department reduced overtime costs to $2.9 million during the current fiscal year, which is about $1 million less than was spent in the 2007-08 fiscal year. The council agreed to tap the overtime fund for $111,000 to fund the two community service officers for crime prevention, plus another $389,000 to be set aside in a contingency fund in case the Police Department needs it later and the city manager approves.
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LA HAS SUCCESS WITH HEAVY RESCUE APPARATUS
Originally Posted: July 1, 2009 5:41 AM
Last Updated: July 1, 2009 5:41 AM
by Larry Collins
PBI Performance Products, Inc. e-Newsletter
The Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department (LACoFD) expanded the technical rescue capability of its Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)/rescue companies with the addition of Heavy Rescue 103 (HR 103), a rotator boom apparatus. HR103 was first staffed in February 2008.
HR103 typically responds to the same categories of emergencies that require a USAR/rescue company response, but also generally necessitates a full range of heavy-lift operations. The new Century Class, three-stage apparatus has a 360° rotating and telescoping boom rated at 60 tons, dual cables, a capstan system, and other features to assist in moving and lifting heavy loads and performing heavy extrication operations.
In Los Angeles County, HR103 is available for response to emergencies that involve heavy lifting and to assist other fire departments through mutual-aid arrangements.
During its first week in operation, HR103 was special-called to assist USAR Task Force 103 (TF 103) in freeing a horse that was reported to be trapped 200 feet over the side in a canyon in the city of San Dimas. The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control's "Department Animal Rescue Team" (DART) and a volunteer veterinarian also responded, in accordance with established collaborative protocols for large animal rescues.
First-due LACoFD Engine 141's crew found a horse that had tumbled into a creek bed and appeared to be in unstable condition from lying in cold water for an extended period. The horse was unable to get up, even with assistance. Battalion 2 (David Gehr) assumed the role of incident commander on his arrival. Engine 141, Quint 153, Superintendent 19, and Camp Crew 2-2 began clearing debris and vegetation out of the way with hand tools and chain saws.
A thick tree canopy and power lines overhead prevented the use of a helicopter for lifting. HR103 was put to the test. Because the overhead power lines would also prevent HR103's boom from extending directly over the horse for a straight lift, the plan was to use a combination of USAR-103's UC Davis Large Animal Lift Harness and the Rescue Glide device (designed for dragging recumbent horses and other large animals).
HR103's engineer extended the boom beneath the power lines toward the ravine while HR 103's rigger for that day's operations coordinated the rigging operations. Other TF103 personnel installed a specialized horse rescue harness and used a "Glide" to negotiate the horse up the steep slope. The engineer operated HR103's dual winch cable controls to alternately lift and pull the horse out of the creek bed and up the slope to a flat area by the stables.
HR 103 was dispatched to nearly two dozen emergencies during its first month in operation. These incidents included a structure collapse and several "traffic collision/major" incidents: a search and rescue operation involving an occupied vehicle that drove into a lake; several vehicle-over-the side rescues in the high mountains around Los Angeles; and a person trapped beneath a vehicle, resulting in a traffic collision.
Since that time, there has been a steady drumbeat of unusual responses, including incidents involving lifting passenger vehicles and big rigs off victims on the street and in deep canyons. Recently this unit played an essential role in searching a building that was struck by a runaway semi-truck that lost its brakes on a steep downgrade, killed two motorists as it plowed through a busy intersection and blasted into occupied businesses nearly crushing other victims.
Only a few fire departments in the nation have units of HR 103's design and capability. They include the Los Angeles Fire Department (which originated and perfected its use over many years) and the Washington, D.C., Fire Department.
Heavy Rescue 103 (HR 103) is a 60-ton, Century Class, three-stage 360° rotating boom apparatus that may be used for various major types of incidents including the following:
Traffic collision-major extrication (semitruck and other large vehicles on passenger vehicles)
Train-vs.-auto rescues
Vehicle "over the side" incidents that require stabilization or lifting vehicles off victims or an extended and adjustable high point for rope or cable/winch rescue systems.
Structure collapse operations
Rapid intervention operations (e.g., personnel pinned beneath debris)
Lifting/moving submerged vehicles to facilitate a comprehensive search for victims below and inside the vehicle
Removal of a parapet and other hazards during structure fires
Trench rescues (high point for vertical extrication)
Swift water incidents (e.g., extendable and adjustable high point for high lines, stabilization of vehicles in the water)
Large animal rescues (lifting)
Boom-mounted lighting system
Confined-space extrications (e.g., including vertical extraction, high point)
Lifting and moving of heavy equipment over debris or other obstacles at fires and rescues
Special extrication emergencies
High point for rope systems in vertical entry operations (like confined spaces)
Lifting and lowering equipment in below-grade and above-grade rescues and fires
Train collisions
Aircraft crashes
Marine disasters (retrieving heavy debris towed to docks by rescue watercraft)
The onboard Amkus™ extrication system is easily accessible. Hose reels are mounted on the right and left sides with a permanently mounted high-capacity hydraulic power unit. As the vehicle arrives on-scene, the extrication system is made operational using controls inside the cab.
The firefighter can exit the vehicle, open the door of the first cabinet, connect the hose, and remove the cutting tools/jaws. The tool is in hand and ready to work in less than 20 seconds to a range of 66 feet. The engineer/operator, with a controller in hand, can be adjacent to the cutting tool; ready to shut the system down as needed.
The capstan unit, boom, cables, and lighting system are designed for heavy lifting/stabilization/moving operations during rescue, search, and other emergency operations.
HR103 carries many other tools, including a smaller portable Amkus™.
Larry Collins is a 29-year member of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD); a rescue captain for 18 years, currently assigned to USAR Task Force 103, which responds to technical rescues and multialarm fires across Los Angeles County. He is a search team manager for the LACoFD's FEMA/OFDA US&R Task Force for domestic and international response, and he serves on the FEMA US&R Incident Support Teams.
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