• KIDDE FIRE FIGHTING and the Elizabeth (NJ) Fire Department recently participated in a “Big Flow Demonstration” using a National Foam Neptune Pumping System and Iron Man delivery device. The Neptune Pumping System is a 5,000-gpm pumping system that uses two 2,500-gpm submersible fish pumps, two- to eight-inch intakes with 300 feet of intake hose, and 150 feet of hydraulic power lines. The purpose of the demonstration was to show that using snap fittings instead of screw-on fittings can reduce setup time with the system. “In this environment, [the pump] will affect oil companies’ ability to get back online quicker during a petrochemical fire,” said Hank Shaefer, engineering manager for Kidde Fire Fighting. Larry Petrillo, retired Elizabeth Fire Department member and former New Jersey state fire marshal, adds, “This will cut at least 20 to 30 minutes of setup time, depending on how far the line has to go.” There are at least 20 Neptune units now in operation around the world.
• LFG COMMAND SYSTEMS’ CEO Alex Griffin, a Gwinnett County, Georgia firefighter, won second place in the software design competition at the Random Hacks of Kindness (RHOK) event in June. LFG Command Systems was tasked to pick a problem from the RHOK challenge list or come up with one of its own. The problem it addressed was to create a software system that will send quick text alerts with lifesaving instructions before and during a disaster. It named the application Disaster Alert. The software enables a person living in an area that is not experiencing a disaster (but who has relatives or friends who are) to send an alert to their cell phones. If the receiver of the alert is within the telecom network coverage area, the system will activate his or her phone with an attention-getting notification. When the receiver views it, a map of the disaster location they are in will also be displayed. This information will be reflected on a Web site so that first responders will know the receiver’s last known location if they must conduct a search to find the person.
• PELICAN PRODUCTS, INC. President and CEO Lyndon Faulkner has won the 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award (Greater Los Angeles Region) in the Manufacturing category. The award program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Faulkner was selected as a finalist with 21 other nominees by a panel of independent judges. “I am honored to be recognized with this prestigious award,” says Faulkner. “I am extremely fortunate to be leading such a dynamic company as Pelican. It is a great highlight in my professional career. It is also a real testament to all the amazing employees around the world who are helping drive Pelican’s growth and success.”
• DIXON has acquired NORTHLINE BRAND, a manufacturer of a variety of water movement products serving the municipal fire industry. These products include aluminum threaded fittings and couplings, Storz couplings and adapters, dry fire hydrants, suction hose, and valve hardware. Northline’s business operations will be run as a division of Dixon, including the existing manufacturing facility in Canada. Moreover, Northline’s current staff will continue to participate in business operations. According to Dixon, the acquisition increases the breadth of its line of fire control products, which are sold through fire suppression, fire protection, and industrial distributors.
• INTERNATIONAL FIRE RELIEF MISSION (IFRM) has established a section on its Web site that lists charitable organizations that facilitate firefighting equipment donations within the United States. The referral list currently has two organizations: FreeFireGear.org and S.O.S. Supply. FreeFireGear.org is backed by FirefighterFund.org and is located on the East Coast. S.O.S. Supply is a charitable branch of Consumer Fire Products Inc. and is located on the West Coast. IFRM intends to add more such groups in the future to its referral list. Those interested in being added to the referral list or donating equipment, time, or money to IFRM can do so by contacting Ron Gruening by e-mail at [email protected] or 612-669-8500.
• FIRE DEPARTMENT SAFETY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (FDSOA) 2011 Annual Safety Forum is scheduled for September 18-23 in Orlando, Florida. Speakers include Battalion Chief Gary West, Northwest Fire District, Tucson, AZ; Battalion Chief (Ret.) Mike Gurley, Virginia Beach (VA) Fire Department; Rob Clemens, IAFC Near Miss; and Captain Mike Richardson, St. Matthews (KY) Fire Department. Topics for this year’s event include the Gabby Gifford shooting, command safety simulation, and NFPA 1801: Improving Firefighter Safety with Thermal Imaging. To register, visit www.fdsoa.org.
• UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES (UL) recently announced a listing of suggested minimum criteria Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) should look for when evaluating a potential third-party auditing firm’s abilities in the alarm service provider space. UL’s announcement comes in anticipation of a September 14, 2011, OSHA-imposed deadline, in which OSHA will officially be removing NFPA 72 from its list of OSHA Accreditation standards. The change by OSHA does not affect the force of law with which NFPA 72 has been, and continues to be, adopted by jurisdictions across North America. Alarm monitoring companies, related business, and authorities still need to select a certifier best suited to protect their reputation and their constituents. UL’s suggested minimum criteria for evaluating a potential auditing firm’s capabilities in the alarm service provider space can be found on www.ul.com/alarmsystems.
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