Fire-Cryer® Plus voice sounders from Vimpex Fire-Cryer® Plus voice sounders from Vimpex have helped to provide a cost-effective evacuation solution for a problem caused by new building extensions at two large Dutch retail outlets. Two garden centres, Intratuin in IJsselstein and Tuincentrum Wolters near the small town of Overdinkel, had recently extended their premises to provide additional retail space. This provided Vimpex’s local partner Prevent IVG with a challenging design problem due to a major increase in the travel distance to the fire escape doors and thus in the Required Safe Egress Time (RSET). Performance based design calculations showed that the effect of the desired alterations in the layouts gave an undesirable effect on the safety of the occupants in case of fire – the RSET being more than the Available Safe Egress Time (ASET). Both buildings were already equipped with an approved fire alarm system and sounders producing the mandatory slow-whoop evacuation signal. Fire research has shown that the time to start evacuation is dependant upon the type of cue that staff and customers receive. Thus by changing the cue, the RSET could be improved. In both of these cases the actual egress time proved to be approximately 3 minutes too long compared to the required time when based on the application of a conventional warning signal. Only when using clear spoken directions and staff assistance could the required improvement in RSET be realised to the satisfaction of the fire engineers and the fire authorities. This left the fire protection engineers at Prevent IVG with the need to find a voice evacuation solution with a limited budget. The option to renew the existing PA equipment and cabling was undesirable due to increased cost and extended installation time, so Prevent IVG turned to Vimpex for the answer. At each garden centre approximately 30 Fire-Cryer® Plus multi-message voice sounders were installed on existing cabling, replacing conventional sounders. A combination of Standard, Midi and Maxi Fire-Cryer® Plus models were used, depending on the location and environment. The high sound output and rugged design of the Midi and Maxi units are ideal for outdoor areas or large open spaces. This ensured that a fire alarm alert, an evacuation message, an all-clear and a test message could be broadcast with a clarity that ensures everyone evacuates quickly and safely. By using the Fire-Cryer® Plus the required reduction in RSET of some 3 minutes was accomplished with a minimum of cost and to the satisfaction of the building’s owners, fire engineers, installers and authorities.

Vehicles offer both mobile attack and stationary pumping capabilities Vehicles offer both mobile attack and stationary pumping capabilities to battle wildland fires Appleton, Wis. (October 21, 2010)  Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, today announced it has sold 32 Pierce wildland firefighting trucks to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) through its National Fire Equipment Program (NFEP). An initial fleet of 19 pumpers will be delivered this month to BLM units in Idaho, Utah, Oregon, and Nevada. A second, recently placed order of 13 pumpers will be delivered in early 2011. The vehicles will be used for both mobile attack firefighting, as well as structure protection in urban interface situations. "Wildfires are enormously dangerous and destructive, and are one of the biggest challenges facing the fire service today. They can destroy homes, ravage the environment and take lives,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency. "The BLM is a national leader in fighting wildfires, and having the right trucks, tools and equipment is vital to their mission. We are proud Pierce wildland pumpers are playing a role in their efforts.” “These vehicles would typically be used by our initial attack engine crews as Type 4 wildland engines, but, with this latest Pierce delivery, six of the units will feature a new auxiliary pump that is capable of generating 150-gpm at 250-psi.,” said Elden Alexander, National Fire Equipment Program manager for the Bureau of Land Management, whose responsibilities include oversight for all BLM wildland fire equipment design. “This makes them more versatile, Type 3 vehicles – and it represents a great deal of input from state fire program managers, field level equipment users and the fire equipment industry.” The Pierce wildland all-wheel drive pumpers are built to BLM 667 and 667M specifications and are designed as initial attack engines that can reach fires in rough terrain before they threaten homes and lives. Each is built on a durable four-wheel drive chassis with maximum approach and departure angles and underbody clearance. Each features a 750 or 850-gallon water tank and a 20-gallon foam tank. The vehicles offer an auxiliary pump and foam system with true pump-and-roll capability to attack fast moving wildland fires. Alexander added, “The BLM employs an aggressive style of direct attack firefighting, and these units are engineered for both effective mobile firefighting capabilities, as well as pumping multiple lines for structure protection in urban interface situations.” The BLM, a leader in national wildland fire management efforts, undertakes a broad range of activities to protect the public, the natural landscape, wildlife habitat and national recreational areas. The NFEP has comprehensive oversight responsibilities for all BLM wildland fire equipment design, development, contracting/ procurement, distribution, and maintenance. The NFEP is located in the Office of Fire and Aviation Division of Fire Operations at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. The NFEP is responsible for providing short-range and long-range planning, program management and leadership, guidance, coordination, and evaluation for national fire equipment development and procurement in the Bureau. The NFEP represents the Bureau in all aspects of fire equipment activities with interagency and international partners. The BLM firefighting fleet consists of approximately 578 pieces of dedicated wildland fire equipment that protect 245 million acres of BLM lands. The BLM assists seven other Federal land and resource management agencies in fire management. Photo Caption: This Pierce wildland firefighting truck has been delivered to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for service in the western U.S. About Pierce Manufacturing Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] company, is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, minipumpers, elliptical tankers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce frontal airbags and the Side Roll Protection system to fire apparatus. To learn more about Pierce, visit www.piercemfg.com About Oshkosh Corporation Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corporation manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, visit www.oshkoshcorporation.com  

YARDLEY, PA – Ziamatic Corp. YARDLEY, PA – Ziamatic Corp. has been awarded SHARP status by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), joining an elite group of only 43 Pennsylvania businesses to hold the honor and standing alone as the first company from Bucks County to do so. The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes small, private sector employers that operate an exemplary safety and health management system. Acceptance into SHARP by OSHA singles out a business amongst its peers as a model of worksite safety and health. As a SHARP certified facility, Ziamatic Corp. will be exempt from programmed OSHA inspections for up to 2 years. “Having a safe work environment creates a better morale among our employees,” said President Michael P. Ziaylek. “They know that we as a company have their safety as one of our top priorities.” “I’ve always felt that, being in the type of industry we’re in, the safety services industry, we would be a bit remiss if one of our goals was not to assure that all employees leave our building everyday in the same good health that they arrived,” said Darren Kelly, Warehouse/Production Manager. To reach the high standards required for SHARP certification and prove its long-term commitment to safety, Ziamatic Corp. spent 1.5 years working closely with inspectors to identify potential hazards, improve workplace conditions, and ultimately reduce injury and illness rates. During this time a safety committee was formed to oversee a newly implemented, formal safety program. Through this program small improvements were made to the way Ziamatic did business. These improvements ranged from clearing walkways, adding lighting, and scheduling regular tool inspections to the creation of personal protective equipment and ladder inspection/safety programs. These small changes produced big results, not only for the company’s bottom line, but for each individual employee. “Our success in the SHARP program is largely due to the hard work of our safety committee, who spent countless hours working on all phases of our mission to make Ziamatic a safer and cleaner place to work,” stated Ziaylek. “But the safety committee is only the beginning. To get results, each employee contributes everyday with actions like spotting a ladder, wearing protective equipment, reporting a “near miss” or suggesting safer ways to do a job. I truly appreciate everyone’s efforts. If other small businesses are considering doing something like what we have done, I would highly recommend it.” “I was pretty proud of all the support I got from everyone in embracing the idea that we could save money, raise morale, and set ourselves apart from other small companies simply by providing a safe atmosphere to work in everyday,” Kelly said. “It certainly gives me a feeling of satisfaction that we could all work as one team, one family, and achieve something as special and prestigious as SHARP status.” Ziamatic Corp. has now gone 2.5 years without incident.  

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Emergency response time reduced by 25% Madrid invests in security The increasing terrorism in the recent years, foremost the horrible bombings in 2004, led the city of Madrid to invest in their security installation and services. A key lesson was that more than one major incident can happen simultaneously, and emergency assets may be needed in more than one place. Different incidents may be related, or have nothing to do with one another—without a clear overall picture, it may be impossible to tell if there is an important pattern emerging. This potential for complexity poses a significant challenge for emergency managers. They not only need to coordinate activity, but also require a thorough understanding of everything happening in the metropolitan area so as to properly allocate limited resources to provide the best response to each incident. In addition, proactive measures such as limiting access to impacted areas, or crowd and traffic control for public events, has to be included in the mix. In order to coordinate the services of the fire department, police department and Samur (service of ambulances and urgencies) more effectivly and to have a quicker intervention time, the city of Madrid decided to built a new control centre. The Spanish control room company Floria Group completed the whole installation of the Centre of Emergencies of Madrid (CISEM), a project of the Community of Madrid in which Firemen, Police and Samur were unified in an unique Control Room, in order to combine all their resources, co-ordinating all the imputs that entered by the emergency European phone 112. ‘Video images coming from the traffic cameras can also be displayed.’ In this project Floria Group undertook all the functional and aesthetic aspects of the Control Room design and the integration of technology and services that were required for this operation. Floria group carried out the project of functional and aesthetic distribution that after an analysis of needs and objectives, culminated in a Control Room where the capacity was increased with a bigger number of users, greater useful surface and the space planning of functional areas, so that an operative isolation was obtained, eliminating thus the acoustic contamination, noise reduction coatings, illumination, compartmentation of areas, and equipment of technical furniture. Floria Group designed and executed all the necessary aspects to obtain an atmosphere of optimal work with a high degree of aesthetic. One of the most relevant areas of this Control Room was the eyevis display system integrated by Floria Group in close collaboration with the manufacturer eyevis. A videowall formed by 44 rear projection cubes, Type eyevis EC-67-XC-DL, in a 11 x 4 configuration, performing the state of the art DLP™ technology. This great screen of approx 15m in length and 4m in height, allows the monitoring of the processes of management and control of the existing material and human resources in all the Municipal Firemen Stations, as well as a just in time listing of the interventions in course.   Another area of the Eyevis videowall displays the situation of the events and also the real situation of the vehicles that are taking part on it, by means of GPS technology. This representation is made over a digital picture of the Municipality of Madrid or over a layer of street guide, including additional information on a digital photography of the Municipality of Madrid or on a layer of street guide in which it has additional information on the constructions and avenues. Video images coming from the traffic cameras can also be displayed. The management of the whole system is made from a computer that incorporates the most modern processors, and in case of a failure in any of the components, the system is able to detect it and to pass the control to another system that is in operation. The redundancy of the system is not only for the equipment; it has a true replica of the Eyevis videowall that is working on another physical backup videowall. IBM Business Partner Indra, a leading regional systems integrator specialising in the public sector, teamed with IBM to provide the integrated, service-oriented IT infrastructure that would make CISEM a reality, along with needed business process transformation to enable coordination among all of the stakeholders. Because each of the first responder agencies had its own communication technology, a common mobile infrastructure had to be deployed. Most vehicles, from police cars to ambulances to fire engines, are equipped with mobile wireless computers or PDAs that are connected to CISEM. The mobile infrastructure is critical; it provides true interoperability among the various agencies and also enables a two-way interchange of information—which gives managers vital, on-the-scene input that helps them develop a better understanding of what is happening in the field. The effective coordination of responders depends on reliable communications, so close attention was paid to creating a reliable way to keep all agencies in touch. A multilayered, redundant communications infrastructure links to existing telephony systems, VoIP, satellite communications, a private radio network and 3G wireless networks to ensure continuous communication. IBM WebSphere Everyplace Connection Manager provides seamless, reliable, secure access to CISEM resources by automatically selecting the best available network and encrypting all communications. IBM Tivoli Directory Integrator adds an additional layer of access security. CISEM’s need to maintain consistency across all emergency resources makes the rapid development, integration and uniform rollout of information and applications essential, so IBM helped build a flexible, powerful SOA platform to enable it. New information flows and business processes are built and managed using IBM WebSphere Integration Developer and IBM WebSphere Process Server. Dissemination to field units takes place quickly and easily, thanks to IBM DB2 Everyplace and IBM WebSphere Everyplace Deployment, with an underlying support layer that includes IBM WebSphere MQ and IBM WebSphere Transformation Extender for system messaging and data formatting. This robust software platform helps CISEM managers adapt to fast-changing needs without disruption to vital services—a key capability in fulfilling their core mission of protecting the public. The combination of forward-looking system design and endto-

`Dedicated to providing fire protection solutions Janus Fire Systems® is a full-service fire protection manufacturer and designer dedicated to providing unsurpassed fire protection solutions for any hazard type by integrating proven fire protection technology. Janus Fire Systems® combines experience and innovation with high quality manufacturing and dedicated customer service. Formed by four fire protection professionals with over 120 years of collective industry experience, Janus Fire Systems® designs and tests all of its products and systems at the Janus Fire Systems® Corporate Headquarters and Research Facility in Crown Point, Indiana, USA. The primary production facility is located just outside of Birmingham, Alabama, USA. All manufacturing processes are supervised by internal Quality Control programs in compliance with ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004 as certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV). Janus Fire Systems® products claim the benefit of 38 years of manufacturing expertise and the backing of parent company Amerex Corporation (an affiliate of McWane, Inc.) Product Lines Janus Fire Systems® products and services are marketed in their respective territories by a select team of Fire Protection Integrators capable of serving the needs of the most demanding clients.  Janus Fire Systems’ team of professionals partners with authorised integrators to bring quality Janus Fire Systems® products to the global marketplace. Clean Agent Janus Fires Systems® Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems utilising 3M® Novec® 1230 Fire Protection Fluid offer a long-term, sustainable clean agent fire protection technology. ‘janus fire systems clean agent systems utilising novec 1230 fluid allow for more efficient use of space compared to inert gas systems.’ Novec 1230 fluid has the greatest margin of safety, the lowest GWP for chemical clean agent alternatives, and zero ozone depletion potential. Novec 1230 fluid is a fluoroketone. Extinguishing via its cooling effect, Novec 1230 fluid works as a gas, yet it is a liquid at room temperature. Because it is not stored under pressure, Novec 1230 fluid has unique shipping and handling advantages over high pressure alternatives. Janus Fires Systems® Clean Agent Systems utilising Novec 1230 fluid allow for more efficient use of space compared to inert gas systems. Janus Fires Systems® Clean Agent Systems are engineered fire extinguishing systems designed for total flooding applications. Utilising Novec 1230 fluid, they are ideal for special hazards: Spaces where the continuous operation of high-value equipment is paramount. These include telecommunication switch rooms, computer rooms, and electronic control rooms. Janus Fires Systems® Clean Agent Systems are also perfectly suited for environments such as libraries, cultural facilities, storage rooms, archives, and museums, where valuable items must not be damaged by the fire extinguishing agent. Novec 1230 fluid has zero ozone depletion potential and the lowest atmospheric lifetime for chemical clean agent alternatives: 5 days. The next closest Halon alternative is 29 years. Novec 1230 fluid has a Global Warming Potential of 1 which is 99.9% lower than any halocarbon agent acceptable for use in occupied spaces. Novec 1230 fluid also has the largest margin of safety for use in occupied spaces. The storage and release of Novec 1230 fluid is controlled by three uniquely designed cylinder valves and steel cylinders in eight different sizes. Each system is categorised by valve size. The Sv system for Novec 1230 fluid utilises a 32 mm valve supporting cylinder capacities of 10 to 59.4 kg. The Mv system utilises a 50 mm valve supporting cylinder capacities of 57.3 to 191.4 kg of Novec 1230 fluid, and the Lv system utilises an 80 mm valve to allow cylinder capacities of 137.9 to 453.6 kg. Multi-cylinder arrangements add even greater flexibility as up to 15 cylinders may be discharged from a single Janus Fire Systems® primary cylinder. Janus Fire Systems® has also developed the Janus Design Suite™ Flow Calculation Software for use with Janus Fire Systems® Clean Agent Systems. This user-friendly program is built on the robust Microsoft .net framework and is compatible with Windows 98, XP, Vista, and 7, 32 and 64 bit versions. The JDS flow calculation module allows users to design and calculate agent flow for systems utilising Novec 1230 fluid, including hazard pressurisation estimation. In addition to agent flow calculation capabilities, the JDS software package includes an industry first “proposal maker” tool that offers Janus Fire Systems® product integrators an expedient method for developing accurate proposals. The JDS proposal maker may be used independently of the JDS flow calculation module or can import system information directly from the flow calculation module. The Janus Design Suite has been tested and approved by both UL and FM. All these factors make Janus Fire Systems® Clean Agent Systems utilising Novec 1230 fluid an effective, versatile, and environmentally conscious option anywhere lengthy downtime for agent cleanup or damage from the suppression agent is unacceptable. Cardbon Dioxide Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishing Systems have been utilised since the early part of the 20th century because they work efficiently, leave no residue, and employ a readily available and inexpensive suppression agent. Carbon Dioxide is the only clean agent capable of being used in total flooding and local application system designs. Janus Fire Systems® Low-Pressure Carbon Dioxide Systems store the carbon dioxide in large insulated vessels fitted with commercial refrigeration units. Capacities range from 1.25 ton (1134 kg) to 50 ton (45359 kg). Janus Fire Systems® High-Pressure Carbon Dioxide Systems store the carbon dioxide in steel spun cylinders of usually 50 or 100 lb (22.7 or 45.4 kg) capacities, allowing installation of carbon dioxide systems in most facilities. The carbon dioxide method of fire suppression by oxygen depletion requires specific safeguards to prevent exposure of personnel to unsafe concentrations of agent as defined by NFPA 12 – Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems. The 2005 Edition of NFPA 12 requires even existing installations to upgrade safeguards to include pneumatic time delays, pre-discharge sirens, specific signage, lockout valves, and odorisers. Janus Fire Systems® Carbon Dioxide Pilot Cabinets together with a wide selection of discharge and lockout valves make compliance simple for both new installations and site upgrades. Janus Fire Systems® Carbon Dioxide Systems are ideal for industrial settings such as

PPG Protective & Marine Coating World leader in fire protective coatings PPG Protective & Marine Coatings is recognised as a world leader in the development and supply of marketleading performance coatings to protect steel and concrete structures from fire and corrosion in some of the world’s most demanding environments. To maintain this position, we utilise state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for formulating and testing products that are at the cutting edge of coatings technology. As a result of this expertise, PPG has gained an international reputation for outstanding reliability in both products and services. This expertise, combined with our global network, ensures consistent success for our customers and their projects throughout the world. An unrivaled product range Under the Amercoat and Sigma Coatings brands, PPG Protective & Marine Coatings provides proven products that protect heavyduty industrial and commercial assets in the most challenging conditions.   These products are used in such diverse segments, as offshore, petrochemical, power, civil infrastructure, original equipment manufacturing and marine. ‘The Steelguard intumescent range also includes coatings specifically for on-site use.’ Steelguard – the superior solution for cellulosic fire protection PPG Protective & Marine Coatings offers, under the trade name Steelguard, a complete range of intumescent coating systems for various grades of fire protection, climatic exposure conditions and application techniques that also comply with many national standards. The development of PPG’s Steelguard thin-film intumescent coatings started in the mid-1980s, when the first companies started to market and develop intumescent coatings in the UK in cooperation with British Steel. Formulating external grades intumescent Steelguard FM and matching application innovations in the development of off-site applied intumescent coatings demonstrates our proactive commitment to solving the challenges of the construction industry. These coatings are ideally suited for today’s designers and provide an extremely smooth surface in a wide range of colours. Architects often design buildings by showing the exposed steel structures, which enables existing and effective design to be used in all areas of construction, such as factories, sports halls, hospitals and schools. But if a fire strikes, the potential for disaster is frightening. Within minutes unprotected steel can reach the critical temperature that causes it to lose stability and collapse. Intumescent coatings work by expanding at high temperatures, from a very thin, lightweight coating, into a thick, foam-like layer that insulates the steel from the fire and maintains its stability. As a result, the value of Steelguard intumescent coatings is that they provide the vital extra time to help people escape and also allow fire fighters to save the building itself. On-site and off-site capability Always aware of commercial and manufacturing developments, PPG Protective & Marine Coatings products meet the trend towards off-site painting of construction steelwork in high-rise steel frame structures in city centers, minimising on-site painting in the construction and optimising the quality control procedures during the specialized application techniques. The Steelguard intumescent range also includes coatings specifically designed for on-site use. These water-borne coatings comply with the most stringent environmental regulations, enabling applications to take place in working environments – even while people are using the building. In combination with suitable PPG topcoats, the range also provides high levels of corrosion protection against a wide variety of atmospheric conditions. These products can be combined with matching water-based primer and finish coats and are used where buildings are repaired, refurbished or sometimes completely stripped and rebuilt to allow a complete new usage of the construction. Compliance to international standards PPG is certified to ISO 9001, recognised around the world as sign of quality and our global core range of systems is comprehensively tested, meeting standards such as Norsok M501, ISO 20340 and ISO 12944. Steelguard intumescent coatings meet international standards in fire protection, with each product undergoing a rigorous, exhaustive testing process. In addition, every production batch is checked against its specifications – so you can be assured of consistent quality and accurate fire protection levels at all times. Certificates from recognised testing authorities, proving full compliance with the international standards, are available on request. Fire engineering service Large projects frequently require additional fire engineering in which the coatings supplier, designer and contractor develop solutions for specific project applications and construction solutions to meet all fire protection requirements. With an experienced coatings supplier like PPG Protective & Marine Coatings, equipped with the latest laboratory facilities for formulating and fire testing, custom-made solutions can be developed to ensure dependable and compliant fire protection. Environmental principles Through intensive research, PPG Protective & Marine Coatings has developed proprietary coatings and processes for steel and concrete protection that greatly reduce the use of chemicals potentially harmful to human health and the environment while protecting capital investments, thereby ensuring a long economic life expectancy. The majority of PPG Protective & Marine Coatings products are environmentally designed with high-solids, solventfree and water-based technology reducing the possibility of environmental pollution and enhancing workers’ safety. A total customer-focused solution The industry constantly faces new demands, which is why we work closely with our customers and the world’s leading architects and engineers to continuously improve the value and effectiveness of all our fire protection products. This drive and pursuit of excellence delivers coatings that are unsurpassed in performance and protection among asset owners, contractors, fabricators and applicators across the globe, and help customers meet the challenges they face today, and tomorrow. We are justly proud of the excellence of our people and the quality of service we provide. Our customers have access to a worldwide technical service through our teams of experts (based in over 80 countries), qualified and independently certified technical sales representatives, and experts who can assess your specific requirements and help you select the most suitable coating solution. At PPG Protective & Marine Coatings we have the people, the products and the support to make sure that when you select a PPG fire protective coating you know you have chosen the best. Experience, innovation and integrity – that is what makes PPG the ideal coatings partner. PPG Protective & Marine Coatings, part of

Michael. L. Kuk, P.H.D History does repeat itself, and the Fire Service is a big part of this element of life. Whether we review and study the fires of the past, we are concerned with today’s events becoming tomorrow’s history lesson. How often do we ask ourselves if these events will be revisited? If we do it regularly enough, then one might already know the complete answer. Today’s environment for the Fire Service finds the financial question again at the top of the list. It does not matter if the department is large or small, either in personnel or areas of coverage and responsibility, it must be noted that the present monetary process affects us all, and in the end, certainly what we do for services delivered. And when we say the word “all”, we must include the many allied and related professions and businesses that support the Fire Service. Direct and indirectly, these partners are in a straight line that links with our overall mission success. Manufacturers of fire service equipment are in a parallel link with our system of services. They are quite like us, whereas we both strive to daily deliver a high quality of product, even though it’s a service-based industry for the Fire Service. We utilise many specialised pieces of equipment and hardware to accomplish positive results, usually for someone in trouble. Our state of training has never been higher. We now are no longer satisfied with internal training classes and departmental operational budgets are not only under close review, but many are being slashed’ based training. We continually press forward for more external credentials, such as national and international recognitions and certifications. Those who are self-committed for greater planes of attainment seek higher level institutions awarding us a unique distinction of advanced knowledge, and the bottom line is that this all commits a financial obligation. Let us return to what is happening today to the Fire Service family. Operational budgets are not only under close review, but many are being slashed simply because the tax base is absent. Revenue for many cities and other taxing bodies is greatly diminished, and for a wide variety of reasons and elements beyond their respective span of control. The best supporting documentation from the chief fire officers and their staff is probably read with frank interest, but in the face of what the governing authorities have been dealt with, there isn’t enough funding to support all aspects of the individual fire service operations. Remember that the fire service is in direct competition with other basic services to take care of a given area and population. Ask yourself the question about the need for refuse trucks. One cannot imagine what would occur if there was a major absence of trash collection services. Within the passing of just one week, there would be untold health issues, must less an eyesore everywhere. As in most cases, equipment and apparatus replacement suffers first. The planned and projected new apparatus is placed on an indefinite hold, or maybe, by a stroke of luck some finances can be committed, then a basic refurbishment can be performed. This alternate method of fire apparatus modernisation yields a few more years of serviceable life, and some upgrading, although there are limits. Looking at the European fire apparatus market, there are differences in their apparatus that makes financial sense. They opt for painted parts versus chrome and highly polished components. American apparatus still displays a generous portion of several expensive segments like fully chromed bumpers, when the European market utilizes hard coated paint. There is also a standard of apparatus design in the European market. One can venture forth from any given community and find their apparatus in a basic and easily distinguished format.   If a firefighter can go to a particular compartment and grab a rescue tool on their apparatus, then he can probably also go and locate the same tool on another department’s apparatus. This standard of design does lower a cost portion of the overall apparatus construction. The basic factory processes, such as fashioning, fabrication, and overall construction techniques, should contribute to be more economical in the long run as apparatus is standardised at the very beginning of this system of construction. Of recent note is what the United States Army has done for major fire apparatus replacement. A fleet of Class A engines were built and delivered to a wide variety of bases. These engines were the results of an exhaustive process involving experienced fire officers and their key staff members coming together and forming a committee to explore all avenues of truly required services. The end result was their work in designing a state of the art piece of apparatus with options to be secured and distributed to installations in need. Options becomes the key word here. All of the engines could perform a wide variety of multi-taskings, but several options remained available for each individual apparatus. These pieces of apparatus were destined to serve across the United States, and each base is unique in its makeup, not unlike one city to another. There were options that included heavy duty air-conditioning for hot weather climates versus a severe cold weather package ensemble. Some of the equipment storage compartments could be easily modified to increase medical gear being carried. The overall ground ladder package could also be specified to fit the base requirements of taller structures. The Army made it a bulk purchase of many units. Thus, a couple of extra engines were able to be built within the same funding structure and defined financial limits. This was a direct result of purchasing a large “alike” collection, and capturing the immediate savings from the total expenditure, with a good reinvestment back into the apparatus replacement program. In looking at what the manufacturers are challenged with, in the present austere procurement atmosphere, the picture might look similar. After all, they are very visible today in delivering a solid and dependable product. Their product

Label: Company Profile – PPG Protective & Marine coatings Title: World Leader in Protective Coatings Teaser: An unrivalled product range Label: Case Study Eyevis Label: Expert Comment Label: Company Profile—Janus Fire Systems Title: Dedicated to providing fire protection solutions Teaser: Operational budgets are under close review, many are slashed Teaser: Clean agent systems allow for more efficient use of space

For use on wider door sills and B-pillars For use on wider door sills and B-pillars At Interschutz 2010 Holmatro Rescue Equipment introduced a new ram support specially designed to fit on the wider door sills and B-pillars common in modern vehicles. However, it can also be used with older model cars as it equipped with teeth providing grip. These ensure that the ram support will not slip or tilt. Other special features Holmatro’s new ram support HRS 22 NCT™ can be used both horizontally and vertically, depending on the size of the door opening. It contains various positioning bars for different ramming angles. These have a profiled surface to ensure that the ram always stays centrally positioned and does not tilt. The HRS 22 NCT™ is suitable for use with all Holmatro rams.