Vesper microphones power smart home fire safety device, LifeDoor Vesper recently announced that its ZeroPower Listening microphones were chosen to bring extended battery life and durability to the lifesaving fire safety devices from LifeDoor. Founded and funded by firefighters, LifeDoor has pioneered an entirely new class of home safety product that protects people and property in the event of a fire. The brands will demonstrate the technology at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), taking place in Las Vegas this week. Triggered by the sound of a smoke alarm, LifeDoor’s smart sensing technology automatically closes a home’s interior doors in the event of a fire to prevent it from spreading. The device also lights up the room and sounds a secondary alarm to alert occupants. Vesper’s microphones register the sound of the smoke detector, prompting the door closure. The door is then easily reopened if that’s the safest way to exit the home. “Vesper’s ZeroPower Listening technology has enabled an entirely new class of smart home products that use audio event detection in battery powered devices,” said Vesper CEO Matt Crowley. “Embedding Vesper’s ZeroPower Listening microphones in an innovative device like LifeDoor’s literally saves lives. We are proud to support the founders of LifeDoor in this important mission.” “80% of children sleep through a smoke alarm,” said LifeDoor Co-Founder and Firefighter, Joel Sellinger. “LifeDoor automatically closes bedroom doors when triggered by the sound of a smoke alarm, protecting the family. Unfortunately, house fires are increasing in frequency and spread 600% faster today as compared to 40 years ago. “10 years of research by the Underwriters Laboratories Firefighters Safety Research Institute shows that fire is getting faster and that a closed door makes a 900-degree difference. We’re committed to utilizing the most advanced and robust technology available to develop disruptive products that decrease fire danger in entirely new ways.” Vesper specialises in MEMS technology and has developed some of the market’s most reliable and intelligent sensors and MEMS microphones. Using the piezoelectric effect, Vesper microphones can use sound to activate devices from a deep sleep mode that uses virtually zero power. Backed by Amazon Alexa Fund, Vesper’s microphones solve a critical need for stable, reliable and long-lasting microphone arrays that operate in environmentally harsh surroundings. All Vesper microphones are natively immune to environmental contaminants such as dust, water, moisture, oil and particles.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue firefighter’s gruelling 2020 challenge A Hampshire Fire and Rescue firefighter from Portsmouth wanting to take part in his first 32-mile triathlon mistakenly signed up for an 80-mile challenge instead but has vowed to complete it. Only when Scott Avery received the confirmation did he realise what he’d really signed up for, however not being one to shirk a challenge, he will take it on for a cause close to his heart. The Castle to Coast race is the equivalent to half an Ironman and is more than double the distance Olympic athletes face. The 24-year-old has since learned the importance of reading the small print and has decided fate would like him to endeavour on this personal challenge fresh from his return from Everest Base Camp with the rest of his team of intrepid firefighters. The triathlon starts at Windsor Castle on 25 July with participants racing across the South Downs to the finishing line on the Brighton seafront. When asked how he is going to prepare for the triathlon, Scott said: “I’ve got lots of miles to cover so I’ll be doing as much swimming, running, and cycling as I can in the lead up. “The physical fitness that comes with being a firefighter is going to be a huge help to me to complete this race. “I’m very lucky to have friends who are going to help me train and exercise along the way.” The Hampshire Fire and Rescue firefighter – based in Southsea – aims to raise £1,000 for Hannah’s Appeal, a charity set up in 2004 by the family 10-year-old Hannah Westbrook who lost her battle with Hodgkin’s Disease. The small but dedicated team provide the opportunity for children with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses to have a fun-filled family holiday at one of their luxurious homes. Scott went to school with Hannah and her brother which is why he is supporting Hannah’s Appeal. The money Scott raises in her memory will see three deserving families given a much-needed holiday. The challenge involves 1.2-miles of open water swimming, a 67-mile cycle and finishes with a 13.2-mile run. The swim involves one lap of Eton Dorney Rowing Centre before a series of challenging climbs to the foot of Ditchling Beacon on his bike. Scott will then complete his mission by running down to the seafront in Brighton. Donations can be made to Scott’s Virgin money giving page.

New Airport Fire Officers Association (AFOA) Chair outlines vision for 2020 Providing platforms to engage with the industry and promote excellence in aviation firefighting will be priorities for the Airport Fire Officers Association (AFOA) in the coming year. This is according to AFOA’s new Chairman John Purdy, who has taken over from Gatwick Airport’s Chief Fire Officer, Simon Petts after four years in the role. Currently Airports Commercial Training Manager at Newcastle International Airport Service, John Purdy has many years’ experience in aviation firefighting, offshore oil and gas firefighting and safety and security training. He started his career serving with the RAF Fire Service in the UK and abroad before joining Newcastle International Airport where he w–orked through the ranks to become station manager in 2007. As Chairman, John will lead AFOA’s latest projects which include organising industry-led events with the support of manufacturers and suppliers, working closely with the American Airport Fire Officers Association Working Group and running an annual charity golf day to support the Fire Service Charity. Simon Petts, who will remain on the AFOA committee as Vice Chair, has seen AFOA through a period of significant change. Key achievements include introducing the JESIP team into the Rescue & Fire Fighting Services arena through a series of workshops, bringing in a dedicated AFOA finance manager, developing a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Fire Officers Association Working Group, and launching the new AFOA website www.afoa.org.uk. The website will continue to play an important role in facilitating dialogue among the industry as John explains, “Our members play a key role in influencing the important work we do in sharing information and resourcing specific projects. The introduction of a members’ forum to the AFOA website is already helping to build engagement and we will be making further improvements in the coming months.” Meanwhile the AFOA Annual Conference at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole from 11 to 13 February 2020 will provide a face-to-face arena for collaborating and sharing best practice in safety, security and incident management. Key speakers include Dai Whittingham, Chief Executive of the UK Flight Safety Committee and Josh Bratchley, one of the UK divers from the Thai Cave rescue.

Wayne Baker joins DJI to expand drone use in public safety DJI welcomes retired fire chief Wayne Baker as its new Director of Public Safety Integration, enhancing the company’s support for the police, fire and rescue personnel across America who rely on DJI products to protect the public. Baker is a 26-year veteran of the fire service and recently retired after serving the past 10 years as Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Joshua, Texas. He is a founding member of the North Central Texas Public Safety UAS Response Team, where he worked with DJI to test and evaluate new drone platforms and thermal imaging cameras before they were publicly released. “Joining DJI is a professional honor for me, and I’m glad to have a role where I can continue helping emergency professionals adopt and implement drones for public safety,” Baker said. “Throughout my career I have sought out, evaluated, trained and deployed the technologies and tactics that can protect civilian lives and property as well as protect the first responders who put their lives on the line every day. I’m looking forward to continuing this vital work and seeing the great things police officers, firefighters and rescue services do with drones.” Baker will work with public safety agencies across the United States as they explore the technical challenges of establishing drone programs, training staff, maintaining equipment and operating most effectively. He pioneered using new technology in emergency response throughout his career, and over the past five years used his skills as an FAA-certified public safety drone pilot at countless fire, police and rescue incidents. “Wayne’s insight and experience as an expert user of DJI drones, cameras and systems has helped him become one of America’s lead developers of public safety drone training, deployment tactics and program policies,” said Romeo Durscher, DJI Senior Director of Public Safety Integration. “Adding Wayne to our team allows the entire DJI community to benefit from his experience developing training, tactics and policies for drones in public safety.”

International Water Mist Association (IWMA) to support the Work on VdS Guidline 3188 On January 13, the International Water Mist Association (IWMA) announced the start of a co-operation with VdS to support the work on guidelines 3188. The IWMA board of directors have appointed Rüdiger Kopp to represent the association in the working group to update and revise the document. Speaking about the arrangement, Rüdiger Kopp, founding member of IWMA and general manager for fixed water mist systems with Cologne-based Fogtec, expressed his delight that the they have secured a strong relationship with manufacturers at the top of their field and that this will continue to improve and boost the VdS guidelines that are in place across Europe. “We are delighted that the participation of leading manufacturers as well as water mist have resulted in a further improvement of the VdS guidelines 3188, which is applied in a growing number of projects not only in Germany but also in neighbouring countries,” Kopp said. The latest edition of VdS 3188 was published at the end of 2019. It is available in German and will shortly also be available in English and Polish. The next updating process will commence in the last quarter of 2020. The goal for IWMA is to update and adjust the document, but also to add e.g. know-how based on practical experience. The IWMA arose from the necessity to establish an international platform for companies, scientists and interested people dealing with water mist. For potential users of water mist systems, IWMA is an independent body which can be addressed for questions related to the technology like e.g. the suitability of water mist for certain applications, the limits of such systems, minimum requirements, suitability of test protocols, contacts to insurance companies promoting the technology, understanding and interpretation of guidelines, suitability of test institutes. This will help to give potential users the necessary background for the installation of water mist systems.

Former Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service officer recognised in New Year’s Honours List Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service former Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Terry McDermott was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal (QFSM)(QFSM) in the New Year’s Honours List. Mr. McDermott retired from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service in September 2019 following a 30 year career that saw him serve at Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS). In 2014 he left Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and joined Derbyshire as Deputy Chief Fire Officer. He was promoted to Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive in 2015. On hearing the news that Mr. McDermott was to be honoured with the QFSM, Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Gavin Tomlinson said: “It’s wonderful to hear that Derbyshire’s formerChief, Terry McDermott has been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen and awarded theQueen’s Fire Service Medal, acknowledging Terry’s work to protect people from fire and other emergencies and hard work and commitment to making a difference to people’s lives. “Terry joined Derbyshire in 2014 and quickly made his mark. He was a visionary leader whowas committed to the safety of Derbyshire’s communities. “Terry campaigned widely in respect of the effectiveness of fire sprinklers and was both thelead for the National Fire Chiefs’ Council and the Chairman of the National Fire SprinklerNetwork, working to raise the profile and understanding of how sprinkler systems can be an effective part of an overall fire safety solution. “The honour is a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication that Terry has shown throughout his career.” Speaking following the publication of the News Years Honours List, Mr McDermott said: “I am extremely proud to have been named in the New Year’s Honours List and that I am to be awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal. In my mind the medal is not only a recognition of my personal efforts, but a fitting endorsement of the efforts of everyone working at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and everyone connected with the National Fire Sprinkler Network, all who have embraced the operational, financial and technical challenges that we have faced and yet continue to deliver to such a high standard day after day”.

Pierce Manufacturing and Fotokite establish exclusive alliance Pierce Manufacturing announced before Christmas that it is partnering exclusively with Fotokite to provide situational awareness systems to firefighters and first responders. The introduction of the Pierce Situational Awareness System by Fotokite was announced at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in April 2019. Through a newly-established exclusive arrangement between Pierce and Fotokite, the vehicle-integrated situational awareness product will be available solely through Pierce’s dealer network. The situational awareness system is a self-piloting, actively tethered aerial device that provides instant aerial views of an emergency scene to help maximize response effectiveness and safety. With no requirement for a piloting license or certificate of authorization, valuable team resources are not depleted to pilot the aerial device during an operation. Controlled inside or outside the vehicle via tablet, a live video stream offers thermal surveillance, scene documentation, as well as critical training. The system transmits power, control signal, and video through the tether for security and reliability. “During the beta-program rollout earlier this year, the Pierce Situational Awareness System was flown in over 1,500 missions by fire departments across the country,” said Jim Johnson, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “These missions included live fire responses, search and rescue missions, and training exercises.” Additionally, the system was on display throughout the 2019 Pierce Road Rally, which drew 2,200 attendees and covered over 5,000 miles and 16 states. “The entire Fotokite team is honored to serve firefighters and first responder teams in their duty to save lives and preserve property, alongside Pierce Manufacturing,” said Chris McCall, CEO of Fotokite. “Through this partnership, we look forward to building on the solid track record of installations, trainings, and resources provided to not only keep firefighters safe but also to support them in their everyday missions.” Pierce and Fotokite’s exclusive cooperation covers all land-based firefighting and public safety command vehicle markets in North and South America, as well as worldwide airport rescue and fire fighting and industrial fire fighting customers. Pierce’s dealer network supports Pierce Situational Awareness System installations in both new apparatus and those currently in service, including non-Pierce apparatus.

SVI Trucks launches brand new website specifically for their refurb division SVI Refurb – a subsidiary of the hugely successful SVI Trucks – have taken the next steps of their growth by launching its own website, www.svirefurb.com. Countless fire departments across the country have trusted SVI Refurb with their fire apparatus refurbishment needs, adding 10 to 15 years of life to their trucks. SVI Refurb is a division of SVI Trucks, a leading manufacturer of custom fire trucks, located in a 160,000-square-foot facility in Fort Collins, Colo. “With our growing list of services, plus a great portfolio of completed projects, we felt it was time for our refurb division to have its own website,” said Ron Weinmeister, SVI Refurb President. “Plus, we want to help guide departments through the refurb process, so the website includes a lot of resource information, like NFPA 1912 guidelines, cost analysis scenarios and a list of general refurb prices.” The website features a number of pages devoted to essential refurb services, including chassis remounting, apparatus repairs, automotive paint, vehicle graphics, lighting upgrades, tool mounting and annual inspections. Featuring EVT certified-technicians, SVI Refurb can refurbish most any fire truck brand, including Pierce, Sutphen, Spartan, Smeal, E-ONE, KME, Ferrara, Rosenbauer, Seagrave and of course, SVI Trucks. “It’s important to us to help extend the life of a truck, and often at a quarter of the cost it would take to build new,” Weinmeister said. The website also includes a gallery of completed work, featuring videos, refurb specifications and before and after photos.

Super Vac delivers two large-scale fans to international manufacturer Super Vac, a manufacturers in fire ventilation equipment, delivered two large-scale positive pressure ventilators, the SVU DD 50, to an international manufacturer in late December. Powered by a Cummins 3.8L diesel engine, the large fans each deliver a 200,000 cfm output to ventilate smoke, fumes and gases from manufacturing facilities, large warehouses, airport terminals, commercial structures and high-rise buildings in a fraction of the time. Downtime can adversely affect many of these facilities, costing a company $2,500-$5,000 per un-operable minute, which equates to $300,000 per un-operable hour and $2.4 million per un-operable day. The most recent Super Vac SVU deliveries were equipped with a scissor lift and rotating turntable, which provide 65” extension, 27-degree rotation and +/- do-degree up-and-down tilt. Both fans were mounted to their own custom trailer. Past SVUs have been mounted to trucks, flatbeds and even skid units. The SVU also features a variety of optional accessories, including mist attachment, LED lights and ducting for positive and negative ventilation. Super Vac claim to be the world’s leading manufacturer in the emergency ventilation products. A onestop shop for all things ventilation, Super Vac equips crews with a versatile array of only the toughest solutions, including the industry’s largest lineup of PPV fans, spanning from 8- to 80- inch blades, as well as smoke ejectors, available in 12-, 16-, 20- and 24-inch blades. Super Vac also manufactures rescue saws, rehab misters and other necessities, including the patented Smoke BlockAid for smoke mitigation.

Firexo joins forces with UK PPE manufacturer Beeswift Limited Ground-breaking fire extinguishing company Firexo has partnered with Beeswift, one of the largest manufacturers and wholesale producers of PPE in the UK. Beeswift will begin distributing the Firexo range from December as Firexo looks to build upon its successful first year of operations. Beeswift is already signed to over 150 service providers in the UK while provisions of Firexo’s solution are being used by local Fire Brigades across England. The agreement with Beeswift is a natural next step for Firexo. As the first and only liquid able to quickly extinguish all classes of fire (A, B, C, D, E, & F), the ground-breaking sachets and extinguishers are uniquely placed to become a major player in the protective equipment market. The partnership with Beeswift, as the major supplier for all PPE and safety requirements, will help facilitate Firexo’s mission of becoming a household name. Beeswift’s ability to increase the visibility of Firexo’s range of products to markets around the world, through its enviable network of distributors, sales agents and international contracts is crucial for Firexo. As the solution works for any business, organisation, household or individual, Firexo is guided by a vision of empowering all people on fire safety.  The product takes the confusion out of which extinguisher to use on which fire. Electrical, fuel, gas, oil, fat, metals, and solid combustible material fires can all be put out with one single solution. Firexo CEO, Dave Breith said, “A clear vision of our roadmap for Firexo is to sign strategic wholesaler partnerships with big players in the protective clothing and equipment market. We could not be more pleased to have Beeswift as a partner in this area, as we look to capitalise on a very successful first year”. Firexo CEO, Dave Breith continued, “The catalogue of safety products available at Beeswift is enviable and it is testament to Firexo’s unique capabilities of safeguarding both consumers and businesses alike against fire, that makes us an important part of their portfolio. Beeswift will no doubt help facilitate our vision of becoming a household name in the years to come”.