Products/Services/Media


MAYDAY! MAYDAY! MAYDAY! THE DAY THE TOWERS FELL, a new all-color photo book by photographer Steve Spak, allows you to experience the 9-11 World Trade Center disaster through his camera. Features exclusive photos (some never seen before) taken shortly after the collapse of the Twin Towers as the author walked through the rubble of the World Trade Center. Spak knew many of the firefighters who perished on that day—this is his tribute to those men and women. Available in hard and soft cover. Web sites: xlibris.com, www.stevespak.com.


AMDOR Inc. manufactures premium ROLLUP COMPARTMENT DOORS for fire apparatus and emergency vehicles. Contact AMDOR today to learn more about the strongest roll-up doors in the industry. (877) 462-6367. Web site: www. amdor.com.


The new SOG FLASH II SEARCH/RESCUE KNIFE can cut someone free in a rescue, cut away an injured victim’s clothing, or free an animal entangled in rope. Features extra long blade with rounded tip. Uses S.A.T. (SOG Assisted Technology) to help propel the blade open once the operator has initiated the one-handed opening action. Blade is held securely inside the handle; piston lock is released with a sliding button. Additional safety lock gives added security when the blade is closed; when the safety shows red, you are ready to go. The glass-reinforced Zytel handle is ergonomically contoured. A new reversible, bayonet-mounted clip extends from the back of the handle for the lowest, most discreet carry possible, and dual thumb studs allow ambidextrous opening. (425) 771-6230, ext. 238.


Exit Technologies’ new TRACKER FRT (FIREFIGHTER RESCUE TRANSCEIVER) is a combination radio transmitter and receiver operating at 457 kHz, a low frequency that is not deflected by walls, debris, or the user’s body. Worn on the SCBA shoulder or waist belt during firefighting operations. If a firefighter is missing, others on the scene switch their Trackers from transmit to Tracker Search mode. Clear digital displays indicate the distance and direction to the missing firefighter. The EGRESS TRANSMITTER (ET) is a small transmitter that is placed strategically at exits and other known locations and can be located using the Tracker FRT in Egress Search mode. Egress Transmitters can aid rescuers in evacuating the victim and enable disoriented firefighters to return to a known location instead of initiating a Mayday. (303) 468-5698. Web site: www.exit-technologies.com.


Cummins Inc.’ next generation ISC (pictured) and ISL ENGINES, available in October, feature a new high-pressure common-rail fuel system for increased performance, lower emissions, and noise reduced by 50 percent. The ISL features the Holset Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VG Turbo) that constantly adjusts airflow based on engine load, altitude, and temperature, for improved transient response and performance. VG Turbo has only one moving part in the hot exhaust stream. The ISC now includes roller followers for increased durability. Both engines feature mid-stop cylinder liners for ease of rebuild, offer targeted piston cooling for increased engine life, and use the same Electronic Control Module and software as all Cummins heavy-duty engines. For fire customers, the new “Same Day Or We Pay” QuickServe Guarantee is available at every authorized Cummins QuickServeT location in North America. Qualifying in-shop repair jobs, with a standard repair time of four hours or less, will be completed that same day—or Cummins will offer a $75 credit toward future parts and service. If on-site service is required, Cummins guarantees that, with one call, a Cummins QuickServe truck staffed by a certified Cummins technician will be dispatched within four hours or Cummins will offer a $75 credit toward future parts and service. (888) 329-2305. Web site: www.cummins. com.

MSA CBRN SCBA UPGRADE KITS will allow users to upgrade field-deployed MSA MMR SCBA to respiratory protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents. NIOSH approved for NFPA 1981, 2002, and 1997 editions. Simple upgrade process is quick, easy, and economical. The existing second-stage regulator in MMR SCBA is replaced with a CBRN-protected Firehawk™ regulator at any MSA authorized C.A.R.E. facility. Using an ATO (assemble-to-order) matrix ensures that customers receive all components necessary to upgrade their SCBA. Thousands of SCBA already deployed in the fire service can be upgraded to meet the stringent requirements of the NIOSH CBRN standards for a fraction of the cost of a new SCBA. The Firehawk MMR is available in either a Slide-to-Connect or Push-to-Connect version for ease of use. (877) MSA-FIRE. Web site: www.MSAFire.com.


Silent Knight introduces its MODEL 5104 SIX-ZONE FIRE CONTROL COMMUNICATOR that provides digital fire and reporting over ordinary telephone lines. Can be used as a stand-alone system or incorporated into an existing system as a Slave DACT. As a stand-alone unit, it monitors sprinkler systems for waterflow, supervisory, and gate valve tamper conditions. UL 864 listed for NFPA 72 Central Station and Remote Supervising Station Fire Alarm System Service, and is FM approved. Features six fully supervised inputs: one Class A (Style D) input and five Class B (Style A) inputs. Offers fuseless overload protection with automatic reset circuitry and fault indicators. Dual phone line interface automatically self-tests every 24 hours with a report sent to the central station. Reports in SIA and in most other major communications formats. Web site: www.silentknight.com.


The RESCUE HOOK from Benchmade Knife Co. readily slices through security belts, rope, clothing, and a multitude of fibrous or pliable matter easy and quickly. A scalpel-sharp edge is shrouded for safety. Even with gloved hands, fire and rescue personnel can handle this cutting tool deftly. (503) 655-6004. Web site: www.benchmade.com.


Raydan’s AIR RIDE WALKING BEAM SUSPENSION is now available for heavy truck applications. Provides articulation, a smooth ride, high roll stability, low maintenance, and continuous equal weight distribution. Available for axle spreads of 66, 72, and 84 inches with a weight capacity of up to 40,000 pounds. Offers lower operating and maintenance costs and extended chassis and tire life and reduces downtime. Suspensions for each model of truck are custom engineered and manufactured. (888) 472-9326, (780) 955-2859. Web site: www.raydanmfg.com.


American Firewear’s new 8500 SERIES GLOVES are available in standard sizes: XS-2XL and Cadet sizes (fingers are 1/2 inch shorter) S-XL. The 8500 (knitwrist) and 8550 (gauntlet) gloves feature specially treated, ultrasmooth cowhide that stays soft and resists water and distinctive deep green color. PyrotectT glove inserts are highly breathable with a very high moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) and are far less expensive than similarly featured gloves. (800) 264-3333, ext. 102. Web site: www.firewear.com.


The Thielsen Wildland Firefighting Equipment’s 2004 CATALOG offers eight full-color pages that are filled with state-of-the-art products, including the new Advanced System Pack (ASP) that allows firefighters to build the pack to meet their specific needs. This pack offers a choice of four detachable main pack styles and is built on Thielsen’s ingenious contoured harness system. Using the interlocking Slide Lock System (SLS), it allows for a variety of bags and belt accessories to be added for complete customization. The ASP is also available in a standard configuration package. Other products include the nondetachable Shot Pack; Engine/Dozer Pack; several radio gear harness styles; and a variety of accessory holders, cases, and pouches. Price and shipping weight is included for each item, and all products are backed with by Thielsen’s lifetime warranty. (866) 888-1444. Web site: www.thielsen.net.


SnapTank™ PORTABLE WATER TANKS can be assembled in less than four minutes without any tools. Available through Forestry Suppliers, the tank conforms to uneven ground with no spillover and no rolling. Liquid level marks are printed inside the heavy-duty vinyl tank liner. The octagonal frame is constructed of durable aircraft quality aluminum and consists of eight vertical leg assemblies with 16 snap-in support bars. Features a three-inch threaded flange with plug and a protective vinyl flap that covers the flange area. A vinyl field bag with zipper closure and side/end carry handles holds all of the tank components. Five tank capacities available. Web site: www.forestry-suppliers.com. (800) 360-7788.


Pelican™ introduces the MITY-LITE™ PLUS 2AA LED, one of its longest burning lights (10,000 hours of lamp life), 65-hour burn time. Radiates a clean white beam that is activated by the rear push button switch that provides momentary and constant on/off operation. Backed by Pelican’s Legendary “You break it, we replace it … forever” Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence. Available in black or yellow. (310) 326-4700 (inside California), (800) 473-5422 (outside CA). Web site: www.pelican.com.


The 9-1-1 TELEPHONE ROBOT from The Robot Factory is remotely controlled and equipped with two-way communication to talk and hear with the audience. It looks like a real cordless telephone and the number buttons light and sound real phone tones when pressed. The eyes wink, blink, and sleep; the pupils slide back and forth. Robot is custom molded of high-impact-resistant ABS plastic. Standard package includes quiet, powerful, heavy-duty wheelchair motors and incorporates state-of-the art differential steering for easy maneuverability. Optional LED number display shows the numbers dialed when the number pad is pressed. Web site: www.robotfactory.com. (800) 717-6268.

Dave McGlynn and Brian Zaitz

The Training Officer: The ISFSI and Brian Zaitz

Dave McGlynn talks with Brian Zaitz about the ISFSI and the training officer as a calling.
Conyers Georgia chemical plant fire

Federal Investigators Previously Raised Alarm About BioLab Chemicals

A fire at a BioLabs facility in Conyers, Georgia, has sent a toxic cloud over Rockdale County and disrupted large swaths of metro Atlanta.