LION is proud to announce its support for the Rotary International World Service Project by committing to provide deeply discounted, high-quality turnout sets and to assist with transportation logistics. Rotary clubs are raising funds for the effort and assisting with press and community outreach.

In true Rotary spirit, this project has been designed to ensure that it is smart and sustainable. We hope you will join us in this exciting project to support these service men and women. You can show your support for the project and track its progress by Liking their Facebook page.

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By Mark van der Feyst
for FireRescue1.com

Whenever we arrive at a working fire, time is running against us in terms of executing an interior attack and achieving a quick and effective knockdown of the fire.

Certain delays caused by human, mechanical or unknown error can arise, which handicap the efforts of our interior fire attack.

Some of these handicaps are attributed to our personal protective equipment malfunctioning right at the time of our operation.

A basic part of our personal protective equipment is the self contained breathing apparatus. This piece of equipment is an integral part of our personal protection as it provides for protection against heat, smoke, toxic gases and other products of combustion from entering into our respiratory system.

Knowing SCBA inside and out is vital to the survivability of the individual using it. Knowing the limitations, the mechanical operation and being able to troubleshoot problems as they arise will benefit the user and remove any handicaps.

Read the full article on FireRescue1.com.

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With research showing that 40 percent of victims involved in building collapses suffer from crush injuries, Dr. David Tan describes some important tips for treating these injuries and examines crush injuries in the USAR setting.

FlashoverTV is powered by FireRescue1.com

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A comfortable boot is essential to safety on the fireground because, when your feet hurt, you can lose mobility and stamina.

The Shoe Technology Company, STC, has put together a boot fitting guide to assist you in selecting the right boot for your foot.

STC feels it is very important for people to take a few minutes to properly fit the shoes that you will spend 8 + hours a day in. When you go to the store and buy casual shoes, athletic shoes or possibly dress shoes it would be a normal thing to try on 2-3 pairs before you get the one that fits you best. Hence it only makes sense to do the same with your boots. We recommend trying on one in the size you measure on a proper footwear measuring device like a Brannock device and then trying the ½ size up or down or either way on width to really get the best fit possible. A couple of things to consider are that if the boots are not comfortable when you try them on you should not count on them becoming more comfortable with wear in order to make them bearable. You also should be looking for a fit that does not have your heel lifting up and down whilst walking. If your heel is lifting, the footwear will prematurely wear out and also cause you discomfort. It is better to try your boots on later in the day as your feet tend to swell over the course of the day. This will help you select footwear that is not too snug. Try your boots on wearing the socks you would wear whilst working and lastly a good wool sock or wool polypropylene blend will give you a lot more all day comfort then a cotton sock.

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The FDNY Center of Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness is one of the most technologically advanced organizations of its kind in the world, entrusted to keep New York City safe from any and every threat imaginable. Part of their ongoing training and planning involves the LION MT94 multi-threat CRBN garment. The Center put together an overview video to highlight its many advanced capabilities and precautions, and you can see the MT94 being discussed in the PPE section around the 4 minute mark:

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One of our favorite things here at LION is hearing from firefighters who tell us how our products have enhanced their health, performance and safety in the line of duty. Recently we’ve heard from two firefighters who wear our structural firefighting boots and have contacted us to share their feedback. Now we’d like to share their thoughts with you:

“At 0630 on September 11, a possible house fire alarm came in. I had already changed out of my uniform into my civilian clothes. I wore sandals to work the morning before….that is correct no socks. I jumped in to my LION Technical Footwear™ Marshall boots, pulled up my bunker pants and hopped on the engine.  The fire alarm was in fact a working fire. Two story residential dwelling with fire and smoke coming out the D side of the house. During this house fire, another firefighter became trapped in a burned out staircase in front of myself and a Captain.  We quickly helped the trapped firefighter out of the stairwell literally seconds before the room behind us became fully charged with smoke and flames.

Your boots with the Lock-Fit Ankle Support System™ worked very well. I would have had to worry about possible blisters on my heels from not wearing socks in my boots, but your boots protected my heels and didn’t slip at all while fighting this working fire and rescuing a fellow firefighter.

Thank you!”

– Ron Brickell, firefighter, Omaha, Nebraska

“I had the opportunity to attend the FDIC conference last year and stopped at the LION booth. I tried on numerous pair of boots, not only at the LION booth but many other vendors. I made my decision that the boots from LION were the best fit and price for me. After returning to Minot, I tossed around the thought of buying a pair of boots from LION. I made my decision, and just as I went to send the order in, I received an email notification that I had won a pair (exact same I tried on at FDIC). I have been wearing them now for about 6 months and I love them, they are the best boot I have ever worn. My fire department has purchased Black Diamond, I wore a pair of them for a while and I honestly would go barefoot before I would wear them again. Thank you LION for all of your hard work in making such great boots!!!

Keep up the good work!”

– Ken Sisk, firefighter, Minot, ND

How about you? Do you love your LION Janesville® turnout gear or LION Paul Conway Helmet®? Have you worn our LION Technical Footwear® boots or our new LION Protective Gloves®? If so, let us know what you like about our products. You can always post your pics and feedback on our Facebook wall, or you can e-mail us directly. We’d love to share your stories and photos next.

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LION announces the CLOSEOUT of all wildlands products. All Nomex® and Advance® wildlands shirts, coveralls and cargo pants are now available to the fire service at factory direct closeout pricing. All garments are in-stock and ready to ship making now the best time ever to take advantage of these products priced well below wholesale.

Check out our webpage for detailed product information including pricing and sizing.

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LION is and has always been known for bringing the most comfortable and safe gear to the fire service. We’ve recently gathered feedback from firefighters about what they’re looking for in improving comfort and the interface in the head, neck and face area and have developed the brand new Contoured Comfort Collar. Field testing validated these improvements, and now we are bringing these changes to all wearers of LION Janesville® turnout gear by making the Contoured Comfort Collar standard on all LION Janesville® turnout coat models beginning Oct. 1.

Some features and benefits of our new collar design include:
–  Ergonomically shaped using contoured pattern to improve comfort and interface.
–  Smooth one piece transition at the shell/liner interface increasing comfort. No bulky seams or hook and loop to rub at the back of the neck.
–  Liner attachment at the top of the collar to allow for a natural break in order to use the collar effectively in the up or down position.
–  Continuous thermal and moisture protection around the neck and face to provide optimum comfort while the collar is upright or rolled down.
–   Versatility – up or down, improves interface with other PPE elements.
–  Standard 3” collar height with optional 4” height. Optional throat tab.

Want to know more about LION’s full line of personal protective equipment for firefighters, such as structural boots, gloves and helmets? Visit http://www.lionprotects.com/fire-and-rescue to see our product lineup.

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Make sure you train, research and follow best practices and standards when fighting any fire

by Jason Hoevelmann, FireRescue1

Basement fires of today are not the same as the basement fires of years past. It seems we are hearing more and more often about firefighters falling through floors early in an incident.

Construction

It is paramount that we understand what type of building construction we are dealing with in our areas. It is our responsibility to know if they are traditional, legacy construction or if they’re newer with low mass, engineered construction.

Click here to read the entire article on FireRescue1.

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By STEVE SCHWARTZ
Message from LION CEO

This Sunday marks ten years since 9/11.

It’s a time for remembrance. Nearly 3,000 people were murdered. Each loss creates an unfillable void for family, friends, our fire service and first responder community, and the nation.

It’s a time for reflection. Right after 9/11, as a country, we stood as one. That sense of oneness has looked and felt increasingly fragile over the past two years of economic and political turmoil in our country.

It’s a time for renewed solidarity: to recommit ourselves to a belief in that oneness that we felt so strongly 10 years ago. The challenges we face in each of our communities and in the nation can only be solved through believing in oneness not divisiveness. Divisiveness is what our enemies hope for.

We must also recommit ourselves to the defense of our country – and to its core values. On 9/11, we were attacked by radical Islamist forces not for a specific policy, but for who we are. Remember: in 1993, under a different president from a different party, there was another deadly terror attack on the Twin Towers. It’s America – and what we stand for – that’s the target.

I thank each of our first responders for putting your lives on the line daily to keep our families and communities safe. I hope our nation never experiences anything like 9/11 again, but if we do, know that we as a company are doing everything we can to keep you safe and ready to respond to whatever challenge you face.

Stay Safe.

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