- H.O. BOSTROM COMPANY, INC. received the 2016 Governor’s Export Achievement Award, which recognizes its success in global business development. The awards honor businesses that have achieved significant growth or implemented innovative strategies in exporting. Nominees were evaluated on measurable export growth, innovation, and contributions to the state’s overall economy and trade development. In 65 countries spanning five continents, H.O. Bostrom provides seating solutions for vehicles and equipment in industries such as fire (FireFighter™ brand), marine (SeaPost™ brand), construction, transportation, and other niche markets. In 2016, H.O. Bostrom celebrates its 70th year as a family-owned and -operated business.
- The CONGRESSIONAL FIRE SERVICES INSTITUTE (CFSI) and the International Fire Service Training Association at Fire Protection Publications-Oklahoma State University selected Gerry N. Bassett as the 2016 Dr. Anne W. Phillips Leadership in Fire Safety Education Award recipient. Bassett recently retired as public education and training program management chair at the National Fire Academy (NFA). He was one of a core group of individuals who helped influence fire and life safety education in the United States in the 40 years following America Burning. An inaugural member of the National Fire Academy, Bassett shepherded and developed NFA courses that have advanced the work of countless fire and life safety educators. www.cfsi.org.
- ENVISAGE TECHNOLOGIES announced its collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). For each fire and rescue employee who signed up for access to the company’s free online training network, FirstForward®, between April 15 and April 30, 2016, Envisage donated $1 to the NFFF. FirstForward is the nation’s first Professional Training Network for first responders. It aggregates training programs and resources, making them more readily accessible to first responders across all disciplines. The FirstForward platform includes a private online community in which first responders can share insights, best practices, and personal experiences. www.firstforward.com.
- DRÄGER announced that it has engineered its portfolio of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) products to best meet the diverse needs of today’s firefighters. The customizable configurations allow fire departments to find the right combination of features to meet their unique needs. Dräger allows fire departments to create their own SCBA solution by choosing their combination of carrying, monitoring, mask, and communication systems. Dräger’s SCBA devices are also covered under a 15-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, which supports a lower cost of ownership for the equipment. www.draeger.com.
- The AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION (AFSA) awarded its “Fire Sprinklers Save Lives” award to former Virginia State Fire Marshal Ed Altizer. Altizer began his tenure with the State Fire Marshal’s Office in 1974, where he spent 19 years in the Southwest Virginia field office as an inspector, engineer, and regional manager working with the state fire prevention codes and the fire protection and prevention aspects of the state building codes. Altizer was instrumental in getting fire sprinklers installed in numerous buildings at Virginia Tech as well as other locations, and he has been shown strong leadership and support in the effort to protect people in their homes through stronger residential fire protection requirements. He retired from his position on April 1, 2016. www.firespinkler.org.
- BRAUN INDUSTRIES, INC. presented footage from an ambulance crash test completed earlier this year at FDIC International 2016. As the fire/EMS industry’s first ambulance rollover test, the two-minute video showed the incredible force exerted on a 10+-years-old Braun ambulance and its effect on the module from a side-impact accident. According to data collected between 1992 and 2011 through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrative and U.S. Department of Transportation, there are an estimated 4,500 vehicle traffic crashes involving ambulances annually. Of those accidents, 34 percent result in injuries, and an average 33 people are killed. Recognizing the need for improved standards, Braun Industries, Inc. focused its crash testing to meet and exceed the standards set forth by the Society of Automotive Engineers. www.BraunAmbulances.com.
- SMEAL FIRE APPARATUS CO. awarded United Plastic Fabricating, Inc. (UPF) with its first-annual Supplier of the Year award. Based in North Andover, Massachusetts, UPF supplies high-impact polypropylene water and foam tanks. UPF President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Lingel accepted the award on behalf of UPF at the awards ceremony held at the Strategic Air and Space Museum in Ashland, Nebraska. Other nominees included Fastenal, Akron Brass, ROM Doors, Metals USA, Waterous, Harrison Hydro-Gen, and Task Force Tips, among others. Smeal recognized South Park, Milwaukee Tool, and Carlton-Bates as its suppliers of the month for the first quarter of 2016. www.smeal.com.
names in the news
- JAMES BONZANO was promoted from acting assistant chief to chief of the Arlington County (VA) Fire Department (ACFD) after a national search. Bonzano, who joined the ACFD in 1984, has led and served in nearly every section of the agency, from personnel services to emergency medical services battalion chief. Previous ACFD Chief James Schwartz was named deputy county manager last September. A native of Arlington, Bonzano received his bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University and his master’s degree in organizational leadership and innovation from Marymount University.
- CHRIS CLARK was sworn in as the new chief of the Glen Ellyn (IL) Volunteer Fire Company (GEVFC) on April 25. Clark replaces Jim Bodony, who had served as chief for the past three years (Clark will also serve for as chief for three years). Along with the election of Clark, the GEVFC also elected Scott Parrish as deputy chief. Clark has volunteered with GEVFC for 21 years and is also a career firefighter. Parrish recently retired from a career in the HVAC industry and has been a volunteer member of GEVFC for 30 years.
- JOSEPH HICKS was appointed as the new chief of the Framingham (MA) Fire Department (FFD). Hicks began his career as a firefighter with the FFD in 1988 and became one of five deputy chiefs in 2011. Hicks has also worked in the FFD as an administrative captain, which includes duties serving as the department’s chief training officer, safety officer, EMS and infection control officer, dive team leader, and hazardous materials decontamination officer. In other FFD promotions, Captain Marc Leoprati was promoted to Deputy Chief and Lieutenants James Ahern and Kurt O’Rourke were promoted to Captain.
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