FDNY To Test New Bunker Gear

[Guest FDNY242Buff]

http://ufalocal94.org/news_stories/nypost/...01_30_05.html#1

[MPACE2-299 0]

"The competition has already resulted in ugly infighting, in which Lion has accused Morning Pride of collusion with the UFA. Lion and Globe say they may boycott the new round of tests because of bias toward Morning Pride."

Lion and Globe are just mad they can match the quality of MP.

[Pudge3311 5]

It has to do with the simple fact that Morning Pride tries to meet all three tests, while Globe and Lion only try to meet NFPA. That means that Morning Pride might be a little more expensive, but safer, and after all, if youve been getting the safest gear for some time, why would you want to go backward?

[msm232 69]

This issue is not about quality or having innovative products to protect firefighters......it's about $$$$$$ plain and simple. Take a look at your own bunker gear. There is no such thing as a Project Fires or Project Heros Label or certifacation. Those projects are similar to concept cars, where emerging technology and innovation are show cased for future products. All gear companies have to produce to the NFPA level.

www.ufalocal94.org/firelines/2004/june_04/fl_june_04_ufaseminar.html

*** The following was borrowed from the UFA LOCAL 94 Web page

*** Protective Gear Issues: Mary Grilliot & Jack Reilly, from Morning Pride/Total Fire Group (our gear manufacturers), made a critical and impactful PowerPoint presentation and narrative regarding how our current Protective Gear could be in jeopardy, and how you can guard the selection process. Mary & Jack shared latest developments in gear that may affect you, and the possible upcoming bidding process that could lead to replacement of your current bunker gear with inferior quality fire protective clothing. Upcoming evaluations by various members will play a key role in making this determination. Mary & Jack explained the process of insuring your members (should they be selected) understand the small nuances on City evaluation forms that, if not prepared correctly, could ultimately result in a lower grade/cost replacement of your bunker gear, which—while saving the City money—will result in more burns or deaths to firefighters. Morning Pride/Total Fire Group was also the Title Sponsor of the seminar, footing the bill for an extremely large chunk of the seminar’s cost, which they generously do each year.

There are 2 sides to every story....be able to compare apples to apples.

Again, this is about $$$$$$$. PLAIN and SIMPLE java script:emoticon(':-k')

[CFD320 35]

I would bet my bottom dollar that there are some UFA official(s) in Morning Pride's pocket (thats capitalism, a concept the economy of this country was built on). This is a huge contract, if Globe and Lion want an invite to the party they better buck up.....or shut up.

[msm232 69]

That's not capitolism, that's illegal....so now its ok fund projects...per say???....that may influence the outcome of a legitimate R&D and bidding process. Who do you think loses??? I 'll bet you it's the guys on the line who suffer in one way or another.

[CFD320 35]

You just summed up politics in four sentences.

I neglected to say American Capitalism not text book capitalism:

An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately or corporately owned and development is proportionate to the accumulation and reinvestment (paying people off) of profits gained (soft money) in a free market (only exists in a utopia).

I'm not saying its right, just that it is most likely the case.

[ny10570 745]

This is not an issue of kick backs or collusion amongst officials and manufacturors...its simple math. The cost of improved saftey versus the cost of injury. Its the same formula that EVERYONE uses, wether it be New York City, OSHA, NFPA, etc. If the benefit cost is greater than the losses faced by not using better gear, the city is going to go with the less expensive gear. Everyone and everything has a dollar value