Countless fire and emergency medical service departments across the country operate with sub-par gear, critically outdated technology and inefficient vehicles.
Unfortunately, current appropriations for the Federal Fire Grant Program simply aren’t enough to assure all departments operate at a baseline level of readiness.
Yesterday’s Home Day event, hosted by Waterous and presented by the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association (FAMA) and Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA), informed legislative and community officials about the vital services fire departments provide, and that current under-funding puts citizens and communities at risk.
As a member of both FAMA and FEMSA, Waterous officials and fellow members of the organizations including FoamPro, Rosenbauer America, Metro Fire, Firehouse Expos and Flamefighter Corporation, discussed the critical need to update fire and emergency service vehicles and equipment on a national basis.
“New, technologically advanced equipment for the fire service would help maintain vehicle safety standards, provide for improved firefighting technology, reducing firefighters’ exposure to volatile situations, provide greater fuel efficiency, and reduce the amount of water used to extinguish a fire, all of which are current issues with older equipment,” said Steve Toren, director of sales and marketing for Waterous. “Currently, 49% of our fire departments and first responders are making emergency calls using equipment that is15 years and older. That’s simply unacceptable.”
Government officials in attendance at the Home Day event included State Senator Katie Sieben, State Representative Karla Bigham, U.S Representative Betty McCollum (Josh Stralan), U.S. Representative John Kline (Chaz Johnson), U.S. Representative Michelle Bachmann (Jack Tomczak), community advocacy groups, and firefighting personnel.
Revolutionizing firefighting since 1886, Waterous has been manufacturing the most reliable, performance-enhancing pumps, power take-offs, valves and hydrants the fire service industry has to offer. Based out of South Saint Paul, Minnesota Waterous manufactures its complete product line in the USA.
