UTAH DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION and COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC. have created the first integration of the Intelligent Traffic System (CommuterLink) with a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system for public safety and transportation services in the Salt Lake City region. The traffic system includes weather and traffic flow sensors and highway cameras to monitor highway traffic. Dispatchers monitoring traffic through a video monitor can generate multiple dispatches to expedite police, ambulance, and fire department response in the event of an accident.
The U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY announced a three-part plan to address fire safety issues concerning wildfires occurring near department property. It includes convening an independent commission of nationally recognized fire safety professionals to assess the adequacy of the department’s fire safety programs; calls for a department team to immediately review the department’s fire safety and emergency management capabilities; and directs the department to formalize a cooperative agreement with the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior in planning, preparation, and fire emergency response.
INTERNATIONAL ENGINE CORPORATION is a newly created subsidiary of International Truck and Engine Corporation, reflecting the growth in the company’s midrange diesel engine business. Dan Ustian was named president of the new subsidiary.
The UNIVERSITY OF FINDLAY in Ohio has established the National Center for Terrorism Preparedness. The center will develop emergency response training for acts of terrorism involving nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.
The FIRE DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK (FDNY) commissioned Swanke Hayden Connell Architects (SHCA) to design three new buildings and renovate a fourth at the department’s seven-acre Fire Training Academy on Randall’s Island. A 35,000-square-foot, six-classroom building will include a Distance Learning Center through which firefighters may receive instruction at remote sites and headquarters officials can observe training. A 35,000-square-foot field house will include structural fire simulators. Using computer technology, a 6,000-square-foot burn building will simulate live fire scenarios (loading dock, office building, residence, and automobile). An existing 4,000-square-foot building will be renovated to provide live fire training. The project is expected to be finished in 2002.
ALLISON TRANSMISSION appointed James L. Wanaselja director of North American marketing, sales, and service for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Michael G. Headly was named director of international marketing, sales, and service. He will be responsible for the company’s commercial sales and marketing outside of North America.
HALE PRODUCTS named Bruce Lear director of service. In the newly developed position, Lear will be responsible for Six Sigma initiatives and improvements in Hale and Hurst customer service functions.
The INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS FOUNDATION (IAFC) awarded 20 scholarships for 2000 ranging between $250 and $4,000. The winners are Patrick Amott, Camarillo, CA; Mike Bloski, Bradenton, FL; Robert Boone, Jr., Apopka, FL; Gareth Burton, Humble, TX; Diane Collins, Stony Brook, NY; Michael Dutton, Greenwood, IN; Michael Hamilton, Justin, TX; James Martin, Frostburg, MD; James Paul, Woodbridge, VA; Donald Phillips, Green Bay, WI; Jeff Pierson, Joliet, IL; Jerid Ployhar; Heppner, OR; James Poltrock, Salem, WI; William Schultz, Homewood, IL; Coris Throckmorton, Midlothian, VA; Deborah Weymouth, Richmond, VA; Harlan Wilkie, Sweet Home, OR; Debra Zielonka, Apopka, FL; Explorer Scout Brandon Potter, Kellyville, OK; and Explorer Scout Millisa Hogan, Dobbs Ferry, NY.
