Firehouse Expo 2009

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Firehouse Expo 2009

FDNNTV.com's Dave Kirwan recently attended the 26th annual Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, MD. The trade show was held at the Baltimore Convention Center from July 21st through July 26th, 2009.

For six days, attendees had the opportunity to take part in classes, learn about advancements in equipment, and network with their peers. The expo also provided a firsthand look at what's new in the fire industry. It is the largest showcase of products, services, and technologies on the East Coast. Mary Velline, the Group Show Manager for Cygnus Expos said, "We have about 350 exhibitors at the show and we have 17,000 professionals looking at different equipment. We also have 120 instructors, over the last three days, that are talking about anything from roof collapse, to hazmat, to elected officials education, you know, and how to work with your mayor closer."

Solutions for Budget Cut-Backs

A topic that stirred the interest of many attendees was how departments can maintain their equipment in the face of budget cut-backs. One of the benefits of an event like the Firehouse Expo is that it puts manufacturers in touch with the end users. With not as many funding opportunities available this year, and possibly in the years to come, firefighters are going to have to think of creative ways to combat the downturn in the economy.

Reaction from Attendees

When asked how the event was shaping up this year, one firefighter said, "Training's interesting, change up the classes every year, and gives us the chance to interact with other departments." One of the vendors in attendance commented, "You get to meet new people . . . when you see the firefighters with the lights and everything, they're just happy . . . it just draws them in and everything; the Hurst tools . . . the lights, the ladders, everything, it's just unbelievable."

Firefighting Apparatus and Equipment

Of the many hands-on product demonstrations, one simulation was for a product called the BullsEye by BullEx Digital Safety. This training tool uses lasers to train first responders how to properly use a fire extinguisher. By pointing the extinguisher nozzle at the base of a display screen, the lasers hit sensors, which slowly put out the fire.

For more product reviews and demonstrations from the Firehouse Expo, please check back with www.fdnntv.com.