Bronto Skylift has appointed Jarmo Kokkola and Juha Särkijärvi as Project Managers to oversee and develop the total order-to-delivery process. Jarmo Kokkola is a long-time Brontonian with 12 years of experience from engineering, product management and sales within the company. Juha Särkijärvi on the other hand is a new member of the Bronto Family with extensive project management experience from the automation and energy industries in Europe and America. Juha joins Bronto from Valmet Technologies, where he has served for the last 16 years. Speaking about the appointments, Roberto Quintero, Sales, Marketing, Project and Product Management Director from Bronto Skylift, said that he felt that the blend of different backgrounds that the duo have is great for the company, while he is also very hopeful that their combined assistance can elevate the company, while also enabling their customers to have a significantly better service. “With their different backgrounds Juha and Jarmo are a perfect mix for this important function and enable us to get a more in-depth grasp of our overall project management,” said Quintero. “With their help we will be able to take the customers’ experience to new heights.” Bronto Skylift are based in Finland, but they also have subsidiaries in Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and America.

Intersec, the world’s leading security, safety, and fire protection trade fair, has been rescheduled to take place in January 2022, organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East has confirmed. The 23rd edition of the three-day event was originally set to run from 24-26 January 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, however the move to 2022 comes after extensive consultation with key industry stakeholders. “We’ve spoken to many of our exhibitors, industry trade associations, supporters, and partners over the last couple of weeks and have heard first-hand the many challenges they’re facing putting pressure on their ability to participate at Intersec in January 2021,” said Alexandria Robinson, Intersec’s Show Director. “Moving Intersec to its customary January dates in 2022 at the Dubai World Trade Centre will allow time for recovery.” Ms. Robinson said Intersec will be very active throughout 2021 via its ongoing webinar series, while the team is now working toward creating a virtual event early next year to engage industry leaders, regulators, government agencies and opinion formers. “We might be restricted physically, but we know there is a definitive need for critical conversations and discussions to address the challenges the industry has faced,” she said. “By hosting these talks via a digital forum it enables us to keep connected to the industry and nurture our existing relationships, whilst sharing solutions and common goals.  We’ll share further details and plans about the digital event in the coming weeks.” Intersec’s popular free-to-attend webinar series, of which there’ve been 11 so far in the last four months, has kept thousands of attendees abreast of the latest industry trends and opportunities. “We know we have a vital role to play in connecting and supporting the industry, and the Intersec webinars stimulate meaningful conversations, collaborations and success stories,” added Ms. Robinson.  “We will continue to run these and support our stakeholders in every way possible until we meet again personally, and safely, at Intersec 2022.” “One thing is absolutely certain: our community is resilient and will bounce back.  It has been involved in many frontline situations throughout the course of this year and it will continue to play a critical role in the months ahead. Throughout 2021 and come January 2022, we’ll have much to share and learn from each other.” Intersec in 2020 featured 1,100 exhibitors from 56 countries, while attracting 33,872 visitors from 135 countries.  The global industry event is supported by Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Police, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA), Dubai Police Academy, and Dubai Municipality. More information is available at: www.intersecexpo.com.

An intrepid team of firefighters from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service have excelled in a virtual firefighters’ challenge, against competitors from across Europe. Firefighter Aaron Childs, who is based at Mereway Fire Station in Northampton, landed first place in the Cheshire Firefighter Challenge (and first in his age group), beating 89 other entrants from six different countries. And colleague Dean Keeber, from The Mounts Fire Station, landed third place overall (and first in his age group). The Cheshire Firefighter Challenge was held last month as a regional competition which forms part of the British Firefighter Challenge. The event involves a course of eight challenges focused on firefighting activities, designed to test the competitors’ physical and mental strength and ability. This year, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the annual challenge became a virtual one and firefighters were asked to send in videos of themselves undertaking the challenge. In total, four Northamptonshire firefighters took part, with the team also including Bec Meachin (training department) and Paul Webb from Kettering Fire Station. The Northamptonshire team were also named second fastest team overall in their completion of the activities, narrowly missing out to Cumbria. Firefighter Childs said: “I’m really proud to have earned first place and I think our overall performance has drawn quite a lot of interest from other firefighters who have expressed an interest in taking part in future firefighting challenges.” Firefighter Keeber added: “I’m really proud of the high standards every member of the team managed to achieve and I think this really made Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) stand out against such tough competition from across other European countries. “The extra challenge this year was of course organising and recording the course ourselves and I’m so pleased with this amazing outcome.” The challenge involved being timed carrying out a series of activities, including a 200 metre run (wearing BA set), a 20 metre hose reel drag, a 20 metre hose reel pull, carrying 4 foam drums (each weighing 25kg) for 10 metres and the task of dragging a 75kg dummy across a length of 50 metres. These were just a few of the testing tasks set to the competing firefighters. The challenge itself is held to help promote firefighter fitness and to help raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity.

REV Group, a manufacturer of  fire apparatus brands including E-ONE, KME, Ferrara and Spartan Emergency Response, have recently announced that Gary Pacilio has joined the Company as Director of Operational Excellence. Pacilio joins the company with over 10 years’ experience in operational leadership. Over the years, he has held several leadership positions with GE and, most recently, with IDEX Corporation where he served as Vice President of the Fire Suppression Group. “We’re certainly thrilled to have Gary on board with us at the REV Fire Group,” stated Kent Tyler, President, REV Fire Group. “As we continue to further our leadership position within the fire industry it’s certainly important to attract individuals with not only deep knowledge of the fire market, but also a proven track record of driving quality, efficiency and performance throughout all of our brands. “Gary has an impressive history of delivering these types of results and I have no doubt that he will bring that same knowledge, experience, and passion to all of our employees and customers.” Pacilio earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York and his Master of Science degree from Florida Institute of Technology. He is a Six Sigma Green Belt and has served as a Committee Chair for FAMA. To find out more information about, please visit www.revgroup.com/rev-group-best-fire-truck-manufacturers.

Streamlight Inc. have launched the PolyTac 90X USB, a multi-fuel, right-angle personal light that delivers 500 lumens and uses a Streamlight SL B-26 protected USB rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack. A PolyTac 90X with two CR123A batteries is also available. The PolyTac 90X USB is a complete rechargeable system that includes a Streamlight SL-B26 rechargeable battery with integrated micro-USB port. The light can also accept two 3-Volt CR123A disposable lithium batteries. This multi-fuel capability enables users to charge the light on the go or insert cell batteries when a charging source is unavailable. “The PolyTac family of lights is among our most popular with fire and rescue personnel because of their extreme brightness, compact size and exceptional durability,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “This newest addition features a 90° head, multiple attachment methods and multi-fuel battery technology, giving users the ability to power and recharge the light through convenient USB recharging or via disposable batteries. “Whether conducting rescue operations, investigating fire scenes or signalling others during emergencies, it’s ideal for first responders.” The new light includes an integrated carabiner style D-ring clip for a variety of attachment methods and a multi-position, reversible pocket clip that attaches to MOLLE, turnout gear, harnesses and a variety of mounting positions. It is also available with a Gear Keeper retractor for attachment to gear, clothing or equipment. The Gear Keeper system features a high-strength nylon tether with a 36” extension and 6 oz. of retraction force. The PolyTac 90X USB features the latest in power LED technology for extreme brightness. When using the SL-B26 USB Li-Ion battery pack, it delivers 500 lumens and runs for three hours and 45 minutes on high. It also provides 500 lumens and a run time of 2 hours and 30 minutes on the high setting when using CR123A batteries. A battery indicator built into the on/off button flashes red when battery recharging or replacement is needed. Featuring a multi-function, head-mounted push button switch that is easy to operate with gloved hands, the light is made from high-impact, super-tough nylon polymer with textured grip. The light features an IPX7-rated design that makes it waterproof to 1 metre for 30 minutes and it is impact-resistant tested to two metres. Product Features: Lumens: High: 500 lumens; Low: 85 Lumens Battery: Streamlight SL-B26™Protected Li-Ion USB Rechargeable Battery Pack, CR123A Lithium Size: 4.43” (11.25 cm) Weight: 4.8oz. (136.08g) – with Streamlight USB Li-Ion battery Weight: 4.3oz. (122g) – with CR123A batteries Colour: Orange, Black or Yellow Available in black, yellow or orange, the PolyTac 90X USB and PolyTac 90X have MSRPs of £85 and £71, respectively. The Gear Keeper models, available in orange, have MSRPs of £102 and £89, respectively. Both come with the Streamlight Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Streamlight Inc. have introduced a Class 1, Division 1 safety-rated lantern in its Vulcan series for use in hazardous environments faced by many first responders. Lightweight, compact and waterproof, the Vulcan 180 HAZ-LO features a 24-hour run time on low, 180° articulating head, and two ultra-bright blue taillights for visibility in thick smoke. “The Vulcan 180 HAZ-LO is an extremely bright lantern with rear taillights, designed to enable firefighters to operate safely in difficult environments, whether from smoke, inclement weather or other hazards,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “With its 180° articulating head, first responders and other users can aim the light beam precisely where it is needed for task lighting purposes. And because it is powered by a lithium ion battery, it is one of the lightest-weight lanterns in its category.” Featuring a triangular-shaped face cap and rotating head, the Vulcan 180 HAZ-LO combines three white power LEDs for extreme brightness with cordless operation to eliminate trip hazards. Three deep-dish parabolic reflectors produce a tight spot beam with optimum peripheral illumination to aid in navigation, while two ultra-bright blue LEDs illuminate the lantern’s taillights. It delivers 400 lumens, 25,000 candela, a 316-metre beam distance, and a run time of 10 hours on the high setting. On low, it provides 130 lumens, 8,000 candela, a 128-metre beam distance, and a run time of 24 hours. The light’s rotating head tilts 180° and features a locking mechanism to lock it in the upright position. The lantern’s rubberised cushion-grip handle and large, multi-function, push-button enables smooth handoffs and use even with gloves and offers a nonslip grip for easy carrying. Powered by a rechargeable 7.8Ahr lithium ion battery, the Vulcan 180 HAZ-LO fully recharges in 15 hours with battery status indicator. Its quick install charge rack fits the same footprint as other lanterns in both the Vulcan  and LiteBox series. The light is encased in a durable, super-tough nylon with the rotating head constructed from high grade aluminium and also encased in super-tough nylon. It is IP67-rated for waterproof operation to one-metre submersion and also floats. Product Features: Lumens: High: 130-400 Battery: Lithium Ion Size: 7.43” (18.87cm) x 4.36” (11.07cm) Weight: 2.45 lbs. (1123g) Colour: Orange or Yellow Available in in safety orange and safety yellow, the Vulcan 180 HAZ-LO comes with the Streamlight Limited Lifetime Warranty and has an MSRP that ranges from £270 to £325 depending on the configuration.

Streamlight Inc. have launched a new intrinsically safe version of its Enduro Pro HAZ-LO headlamp, the Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX. The new safety-rated model of the high-performance headlamp is ATEX and IECEx-certified for use in Zone 0 locations faced by many first responders. “The Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX is ideal in dangerous environments with potentially hazardous conditions that require flexible lighting options,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “For example, the flood LED is strategically placed high on the light to ensure shadow-free lighting when mounted on a hard hat. And the light’s 45° tilting head makes the headlamp easy to use in a variety of settings.” Powered by easily sourced AAA batteries, the Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX features two power LEDs and three output modes: spot, flood and a spot/flood combination for maximum brightness. On high, the headlamp’s spot beam delivers 160 lumens, 1,320 candela and a 73-metre beam distance; the flood beam offers 160 lumens and 100 candela over a 20-metre beam distance. The combined spot/flood setting provides 235 lumens. On spot or flood, the run time is 5 hours; in the combination mode, the run time is 4.75 hours. The Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX uses three AAA alkaline batteries, easily replaceable without tools by opening the light’s rear cover. The light features a case constructed from tough thermoplastic material with elastomer over mould and unbreakable polycarbonate lenses. The light includes an adjustable elastic head strap, and also comes with two additional options: a rubber strap and 3M Dual Lock re-closable fasteners for mounting on hard hats. The light is IPX7 rated and is waterproof to 1 metre for 30 minutes. It is impact-resistance tested to 2 metres. Product Features: Lumens: High: 235 lumens (spot/flood combo) Battery: AAA Alkaline x 3 Size: 2.19” (5.56 cm) x 2” (5.08 cm) x 1.5” (3.81 cm) Weight: 3.5oz. (99.22g) Colour: Orange Available in in international safety orange, the Enduro Pro HAZ-LO ATEX headlamp has a MSRP of £44 and includes the Streamlight Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Drone Amplified has contracted with the U.S. Forest Service to source and vet U.S.-made drones to fight wildfires with Drone Amplified’s aerial ignition system. The $750,000 contract is designed to increase and scale the utilisation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for aerial ignitions in fire management and develop the next generation of aerial ignition capabilities. The move follows the Department of the Interior’s grounding of their fleet of drones that contained Chinese made parts, which made it more difficult to fight wildfires. The U.S. Forest Service has been filling this gap, and now with this investment, the U.S. Forest Service and Drone Amplified are leading the charge to drive domestic drone innovation. The deal follows the successful development and deployment of Drone Amplified’s aerial ignition system called IGNIS. IGNIS is the only UAS-based aerial ignitions payload available to the U.S. market that is approved for use on Federal prescribed fires and wildfires. IGNIS’s patented technology carries a payload of standard ping-pong ball sized chemical spheres. It can be integrated with infrared and other types of cameras. The spheres are pre-loaded with potassium permanganate and later injected with antifreeze prior to being released. The spheres ignite after hitting the ground, setting off back burns to create defensive lines for firefighters in rugged and sometimes unreachable terrain. “Our unique system has been conceived, developed and manufactured here in the U.S.,” said Drone Amplified Co-Founder Carrick Detweiler. “IGNIS has been extensively field tested on fires during the 2018 and 2019 fire seasons. It was then approved for use for fuels and wildfire management by the National Interagency Aviation Committee in 2019 and has been actively used by federal, state, and private contractors on numerous fires and prescribed burns ever since,” he said.

Bullard have recently announced they have completed the acquisition of Switzerland-based Darix, a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne focusing on improving the situational awareness of professionals in critical environments. Darix, founded in 2017, is comprised of a team of specialists in image processing and software, user experience and design, micro-electronics and rapid prototyping, and is a frontrunner on smart-glasses for industrial and commercial safety and emergency responder applications. “Bullard is committed to bringing to market life-saving equipment that allow our customers to go home safely at the end of the day,” said Wells Bullard, Chief Executive Officer of Bullard. “We are delighted to welcome the Darix team into the Bullard family to deliver new, innovative solutions to advance human safety around the world.” Martijn Bosch, Chief Executive Officer of Darix, added, “Four years ago, we started with a simple mission to help firefighters save lives by allowing them to see through smoke. Today this dream has come a big step closer as we are joining a fantastic and like-minded team.” Darix, currently in Lausanne, Switzerland, will continue to reside there and become the Bullard Technology Center, focused on developing leading technology to enhance worker safety. Peter Lugo, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bullard, said, “We are excited to join forces with the amazing talent at Darix to leverage augmented technology that will power our core and new product solutions to continue to solve our customers’ most critical safety-related challenges.”

CertAlarm has appointed Dr. Benoît Stockbroeckx as new Chair of its Technical Advisory Group (TAG). The TAG is CertAlarm’s organ to provide technical guidance on issues such as the interpretation of the respective standards or on the monitoring of the competence and integrity of the participating certification bodies and test laboratories. Dr. Benoît Stockbroeckx, who is Technical Manager of Euralarm, the European trade association representing the fire and security Industry, was until recently Head of Division Laboratory at ANPI, a Belgian association in the field of fire and theft prevention in which all industrial federations and professional associations as well as the government are represented. He is also an expert in several working groups within CENELEC TC79 and has a long experience within CEN TC72. “I have always been convinced that a pan-European certification based on mutual recognition can benefit the whole fire and security market and I look forward to contributing further to this objective”, says Dr. Benoît Stockbroeckx. “Dr. Stockbroeckx has many years of experience in the field of fire protection and security system products certification. He is also a proven expert in the field of alarm transmission systems. We are therefore delighted to be able to build on his experience in the future”, adds Anja Kinsky, General Manager of CertAlarm.