Pierce FIRE FOAM

North America’s largest fire event, FDIC International, brings together more than 34,000 fire industry professionals this month (April 8-13) at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. First constructed in 1928, FDIC continues today in its original tradition of providing a forum for networking about the most vexing issues and sharing the most promising solutions to concerns that face the fire service. FDIC provides opportunities to learn new techniques, train alongside world-class leaders, and advance discussions among the most influential firefighters in the industry. FDIC allows practitioners and those who support the industry an opportunity to discuss frankly the latest developments in equipment and support and collaborate on how those new advancements can be best used. 27 Interactive H.O.T Sessions FDIC offers many opportunities for learning and training, starting with its 27 interactive Hands-on Training (H.O.T) sessions“FDIC is steadfastly dedicated to its fundamental principle of providing a non-ideological, non-affiliated and openly inclusive environment for sharing and collaborating among all members interested in the mission of the fire service,” says Chief Bobby Halton, Editorial Director, Clarion Fire Rescue Group, and Educational Director, FDIC International. “Whether their interests lie in operations, medical or fire, in administration, in the production and distribution of equipment, or the advancement of codes and standards, all opinions and worldviews are accepted and debated with the utmost respect and dignity.” FDIC offers many opportunities for learning and training, starting with its 27 interactive Hands-on Training (H.O.T) sessions, 78 pre-conference workshops and more than 200 conference sessions. FDIC’s immersive learning experience extends to the exhibit hall floor and outdoor demonstration area where attendees can see and try the latest products, equipment, services and technology from over 800 exhibiting companies. “FDIC is more important than ever to the fire service industry because it is now and will always be of the firefighters, for the firefighters, and about the firefighters,” says Halton. Events Co-Located With FDIC New this year, iWomen is co-locating their event at FDIC, which includes 14 timely classroom sessions spread over two days, as well as networking events geared at sharing challenges and insights in a supportive environment. Also, the Institution of Fire Engineers United States of America Branch is co-locating their AGM annual meeting and educational update at FDIC. And the National Fire Heritage Center has partnered with FDIC to promote the center, conduct its annual meeting and introduce the annual inductees into the Hall of Legends.  FDIC is more important than ever to the fire service industry because it is now and will always be of the firefighters, for the firefighters, and about the firefighters FDIC’s new MATCH! Program is a customized meeting experience that connects attending decision makers, who have an immediacy to purchase, with exhibitors whose products or services match their sourcing needs and interests. These VIP attendees can make the most efficient use of their time by accessing innovative matchmaking technology and a personal program manager to assist them with meeting scheduling and recommendations. Exhibitors At The Event FDIC’s Mobile App is a visitor’s guide to searching the exhibitor list, navigating the exhibit hall and seeing a full schedule of sessions and events. FDIC’s new parking partner, Gate Ten Events and Parking, allows visitors to reserve their parking space ahead of time. Large exhibitors headlining the Exhibit Hall include Pierce; Rev Fire Group, E-ONE, KME, Ferrara and REV Ambulance; 3M Scott Fire and Safety; and HME Ahrens-Fox. Other large exhibitors include Honeywell First Responder Products, Drager, Globe by MSA, Rosenbauer and Spartan Motors. Here are some of the timely themes covered at this year’s conference: Current updates on the development and implementation of science-based strategy and tactics Information and practices on mental health and wellness Leading advances in firefighting technology and managing an integration of technology into the decision-making process during operations Review of recent sentinel events in the fire service from actual participants Analysis of accident investigation from members of NIOSH and the CDC Updates on current research into toxicity in the environment and equipment Current thoughts on decontamination procedures presented by researchers and practitioners The value of belongingness as a tool for health and wellness, suicide prevention, a detailed examination of the sociotechnical interface and firefighting’s role going forward The complex political and operational dilemmas faced in the wildland urban interface Recruitment and retention for the volunteer fire service Networking Opportunities Abound The event takes over the city, and there are chances to network with peers everywhere they turnAt FDIC, networking starts the moment attendees arrive in town. The event takes over the city, and there are chances to network with peers everywhere they turn. Formal networking events are also organized, including the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Courage and Valor 5K Fun Run, Comedy vs. Cancer, IFD Open House and Pumper Pull, Stop Drop Rock ‘n’ Roll and more.  “We want individuals to walk away feeling inspired by new ideas, tools or techniques they’ve learned in sessions or new products or services they’ve sourced on the show floor that ultimately keep them and their communities safe,” says Halton.

Kochek is pleased to confirm that Kochek PVC suction hose in all sizes 2.5″ and larger has been certified NFPA-compliant and is fully approved by Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. for its dealer distribution. Kochek PVC suction hose is specifically designed for the firefighting market and meets the proprietary fire grade specifications. Providing reliable, unassisted operation even in extreme temperatures, Kochek PVC suction hose is sold complete with end couplings. All Kochek PVC suction hoses: Meet requirements of NFPA 1961 Retain quality wall thickness from 3″ to 6″ ID Maintain flexibility from 150° to -40° F Feature smooth bore for unrestricted flow Include UV protection May be ordered in conventional and custom lengths Usually ship within 7 days Design And Quality In Kochek’s ongoing efforts to earn the loyalty of dealers throughout North America, Kochek remain committed to the innovative design and quality manufacturing principles trusted by the fire equipment industry for over three decades. Kochek provide a five-year warranty against manufacturing defects for every product we sell and resolve to demonstrate unparalleled excellence in customer service.

The Pierce aerial platform delivers an industry-leading 110-foot vertical reach and 90-foot horizontal reach Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, received an order for a Pierce Ascendant 110-foot single rear axle quint aerial platform from the Town of Taber Fire Department located in south central Alberta, Canada. Built on a Pierce Enforcer chassis, the aerial platform delivers an industry-leading 110-foot vertical reach and a 90-foot horizontal reach. The vehicle will be delivered next summer. New industry benchmark “The Pierce Ascendant 110-foot single rear axle aerial platform is one of the signature product offerings in our new Ascendant class of aerial apparatus, a group of innovative aerials that set the new industry benchmark for performance,” said Jim Johnson, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “The Ascendant class includes a wide range of ladder and platform configurations, and enables fire departments to achieve a longer reach on a more compact vehicle. That’s why fire departments of all sizes have quickly made the Pierce Ascendant the most popular new aerial apparatus in our company’s history.” Number one choice for fire suppression Steve Munshaw is Fire Chief of the Town of Taber Fire Department. “We have 186 buildings that require an elevated aerial water stream and, based on our search criteria, we knew it was going to be a challenge to find an apparatus that would fit the fire suppression and rescue needs of our community,” Chief Munshaw explained. “We evaluated a number of manufacturers and, while on a visit to Appleton, we were able to run the Ascendant aerial platform through its paces. We absolutely fell in love with it and it became our number one choice.” Product features The Pierce Ascendant 110-foot single rear axle aerial platform for the Town of Taber features a 450 hp engine, a Command Zone advanced electronics system, a four-door cab with seating for six firefighters, and Pierce’s PSV seats for the driver and officer. The vehicle also features a Pierce proprietary PUC 1500 gpm pump, a 500-gallon water tank, and a Husky 3 single agent foam system. “We are excited and honoured to have the opportunity to work with Chief Munshaw, Deputy Chief Cote, and their team through this entire process" The Ascendant aerial device achieves a remarkable 110-foot vertical reach and a 90-foot horizontal reach, and features tip load capacities of 750 lb. (dry) and 500 lb. (wet). The ergonomically designed, three-person basket is rated to carry 100 lbs. of additional equipment. A single monitor located at the fly section can flow up to 1250 gpm. “We have 35 paid-on-call volunteer firefighters and only three full-time members, so one crucial criteria was finding a truck that required a less restrictive commercial driver’s license, yet delivered a long enough reach to support our community’s growing needs,” added Chief Munshaw. “Plus, Pierce’s product quality and dealer support, available through Commercial Emergency Equipment, were other very important factors.” Weight optimised design structure Pierce dealer, Commercial Emergency Equipment, offers a network of full-service locations. It is a division of Commercial Truck Equipment, Corporation, renowned for its professional engineers, designers, and certified heavy-duty mechanics, welders, and fabricators who are expert in a wide range of truck applications and integration solutions. “We are excited and honoured to have the opportunity to work with Chief Munshaw, Deputy Chief Cote, and their team through this entire process,” said Mike Thomson, Customer Service Manager for Commercial Emergency Equipment. The Pierce Ascendant Class of aerials includes a 107-foot single or tandem rear axle aerial ladder, a 107-foot tractor drawn aerial ladder, and a 110-foot single or tandem rear axle aerial platform. All Pierce Ascendant Class aerial apparatus feature a weight optimised design structure that places weight and mass only where required.