Fire Department News
November 2026
Industry / Vendor News
Nearly half of on-duty firefighter deaths are heart-related, Cedars-Sinai study finds
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai reviewed 3,401 on-duty firefighter deaths in U.S. Fire Administration records from 1990 to 2025 and found that 43% were cardiac. The study was published Oct. 21, 2026, in JACC: Advances. From 1990 to 2019, total on-duty deaths fell, but the odds that a death was cardiac rose 2.2% a year. Over the same period, cardiac deaths in the general population fell 1.3% a year. The researchers flag enlarged heart muscle, which exercise stress tests often miss, as a gap in current screening. "Our research shows there may be a blind spot when it comes to routine heart screenings for firefighters in the U.S.," said Alan Kwan, MD, of Cedars-Sinai. If your annual physicals rely on a stress test alone, ask your occupational medicine provider whether cardiac imaging belongs in the protocol.
Spartan recall: drive/pump mode software can cut rear-axle power on KME, Spartan and Gladiator apparatus
Spartan Emergency Response filed NHTSA recall 26V676000 on Oct. 15, 2026, covering 460 potential units: 2025–2026 KME Panther and Predator, 2024–2027 Spartan Metrostar and FC-94, and 2025–2027 Gladiator. A software error can cause the drive/pump mode solenoid to lose pressure, disengaging the pump transfer case and cutting power to the rear axle. That raises the risk of a crash. The remedy is a free software update. Owner letters are scheduled for Dec. 7, 2026. Spartan's recall number is 26018, and owners can call Spartan at 1-517-543-6400. Check VINs on any 2024-or-newer KME, Spartan or Gladiator cab in your fleet and get the software update scheduled.
Virginia Beach EMS reports first-year results of "compassionate billing"
Virginia Beach began billing for EMS transport on July 1, 2025, under a "compassionate billing" model. EMS Chief Jason Stroud presented first-year results to City Council on Oct. 20, 2026. Under the program, 30% of revenue goes to the city's volunteer rescue squads, a total of $4.2 million so far. The city reports that billing revenue has added seven ambulances, paid off prior-year ambulance loans, begun a fleet standardization assessment, and sent 23 EMTs and AEMTs to paramedic training. If you're weighing transport billing, Virginia Beach's model of sharing revenue with volunteer squads and putting it into fleet and paramedic training is worth a look.
Earlier this month
Massachusetts will require annual checks for recalled sprinkler heads after the Gabriel House fire
On Oct. 15, 2026, the Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention Regulations voted to require annual checks of sprinkler systems for recalled sprinkler heads. Property owners must notify their local fire department when recalled equipment is found and make sure it is promptly replaced. Local fire departments will be able to require additional fire protection measures until the replacement is done. Fall River Fire Captain Joshua Hetzler proposed the change after the July 2025 Gabriel House assisted-living fire in Fall River, which killed 10 people and forced the evacuation of more than 50 other residents. The requirements take effect with the next edition of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, expected early next year. The same package bans welding, grinding and other hot work when winds exceed 15 mph and requires hot-work safety training to be renewed every three years. Recalled-head checks are becoming part of routine inspections, and your department is the one that gets notified. Check how your prevention bureau would track and follow up on those notices.
Cummins L9 fuel-hose recall covers 2021 Sutphen fire trucks and Freightliner/FCCC chassis
Under Cummins campaign C7311, remote fuel-filter hoses on certain Cummins L9 engines may separate. That can cause a fuel leak, which is a fire risk, and an engine stall. Sutphen's filing (NHTSA 26V661000, Oct. 8, 2026) covers 410 2021 Sutphen fire trucks. Cummins dealers will replace the hoses free of charge, and owner letters are scheduled for Dec. 7, 2026. Owners can contact Cummins at 1-800-286-6467 or Sutphen at 1-614-889-1005. A separate Daimler Truck North America filing (NHTSA 26V660000, Oct. 7, 2026) covers 2,592 units with certain Cummins L9 engines. These are 2022–2025 Freightliner M2, 2023 108SD, and Freightliner Custom Chassis XCM/XCR (2022–2027) and XCS/XBS (2024–2027) models. Run the VINs on your L9-powered rigs now. The fix is free at Cummins dealers.
UL FSRI releases Southern California Fires Incident Analysis Report
UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute released its "Southern California Fires Incident Analysis Report" on Oct. 2, 2026. It is the second of two reports the Office of the Governor of California requested after the January 2025 fires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires. The report identifies 175 findings and 266 recommendations. It concludes that outcomes depended on how numerous interconnected systems performed together, not on a single point of failure. Key recommendations focus on community-scale wildfire mitigation, readiness for large wind-driven community conflagrations, situational awareness and operational intelligence, and evacuation and communications interoperability. If your district has wildland-urban interface or conflagration risk, this is a detailed playbook to check your plans against.
NIOSH: Firefighters injured by toxic plume from damaged EV battery
A NIOSH investigation covers an April 2025 Sacramento crash in which a Tesla Model 3's damaged lithium-ion battery went into thermal runaway while the car was being towed. The plume reached firefighters who had already doffed PPE and were off air. Five had serious health effects, and four were still out of work in spring 2026. NIOSH recommends keeping SCBA on inside the hazard zone throughout EV/battery suppression, handling and removal. It also recommends setting hazard zones with a risk-assessment tool, training crews on thermal-runaway signs, and getting prompt medical evaluation after any exposure. Review your EV/battery SOGs so respiratory protection stays on until the vehicle leaves the scene.
Seven Arizona cities join national fire-truck antitrust class action
Tucson, Phoenix, Tempe, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Mesa and Peoria have joined about 80 jurisdictions in a federal class action in Wisconsin. The plaintiffs allege that Oshkosh/Pierce, REV Group, Rosenbauer, the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association and private equity firm American Industrial Partners drove up apparatus prices and delivery times. Phoenix says a standard pumper cost about $613,000 in 2020 and $1.15 million in 2025. Arizona's attorney general has opened an investigation. The manufacturers and FAMA deny wrongdoing and attribute the increases to post-pandemic demand. Price and lead-time questions are now in front of a federal court. Watch the case as you plan replacements.
IAFC releases guide for keeping operations running during technology outages
The IAFC's new Digital Capabilities Resilience Guide helps fire and EMS departments keep mission-essential capabilities running when technology systems fail. It lays out five phases of continuity and includes six ready-to-use planning tools. It was developed for the IAFC Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee, and it frames cyber resilience as a leadership responsibility, not just an IT issue. A ready framework for adding tech-outage scenarios to your continuity of operations plan.
Closed Auction Results
| 1988 International 1954 Engine (Automatic, 1,000 gal) — Town of Whitefield, NH | $4,000 | Sold Apr 30 |
| 1997 KME Excel Pumper — Borough of Wilson (Easton), PA | $3,100 | Sold Apr 30 |
| 1989 Pierce Lance Engine — Dover Fire Department, MA | $9,000 | Sold Apr 27 |
| 2004 Sutphen 100' Aerial — Town of Needham, MA | $7,000 | Sold Apr 17 |
| 2003 Spartan Gladiator / New Lexington Rescue Engine — Caln Township (Thorndale), PA | $10,000 | Sold Mar 10 |
Earlier this month
Closing Soon Auctions
Earlier this month
| 1953 Dodge M37 — Hampden Fire Department, MA | Nov 5 · $4,200 |
| 1996 HME Pumper — Town of Canterbury, NH | Nov 6 · $6,000 |
| 1986 Ford C8000 Young Pumper — Johnsonburg Fire Department, PA | Nov 9 · $1,975 |
| 1998 International / HME 4x4 Wet Rescue — Town of Orford, NH | Nov 12 · $6,260 |
Featured Project
Marion, IA — Public Safety Training Center and DeVault Tower
Marion's new Public Safety Training Center, at 204 44th Street, held its ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. The site has a four-story training structure, the DeVault Tower, for mid-rise and elevated rescue, search, forcible entry and ventilation training, plus a two-story Class A burn structure for live-fire training. The center will also serve regional partner agencies. The tower is named for former volunteer firefighter Don DeVault, who served 50 years, and his wife Ruth, whose bequest helped fund the center. "This facility represents an important investment in the safety of our firefighters, emergency responders and the communities they serve," said Fire Chief Tom Fagan.
What made it work
A private bequest matched by city dollars gave Marion local live-fire and tower training that neighboring departments can use too. Ask whether your community has a legacy-giving path for the fire service.
Earlier this month
Grand opening
Ann Arbor, MI — Mindy Kerr Fire Station No. 4, Michigan's first net-zero fire station
Ann Arbor's rebuilt Fire Station No. 4, at 2415 S. Huron Parkway, replaces a station originally built in 1966 and is the city's first new fire station since 1981. Engine 1-4 has moved in under a temporary certificate of occupancy. The city calls it Michigan's first net-zero, carbon-neutral fire station, with geothermal heating and cooling, solar power generation, modern living accommodations and improved emergency vehicle access at Huron Parkway and Platt Road. Architect A3C describes a "hot zone" layout designed to reduce firefighters' exposure to carcinogens, along with gender-neutral dorms and locker rooms. The station is named for Mindy Kerr, Ann Arbor's first female firefighter, who served from 1980 to 2005. It also features "Three Ladder Fire," a 24-foot public art installation by Christopher Fennell made from decommissioned Ann Arbor Fire Department ladders. A public grand opening and dedication is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at 1 p.m.
What made it work
Net-zero systems and a hot-zone layout fit into a mid-size city's station budget. They're worth putting on the table at the design stage of your next station.
Opened
Grand Rapids, MI — Division Avenue Fire Station (Station No. 10) opens
Grand Rapids opened its new Division Avenue Fire Station with a ribbon cutting on Oct 13, 2026, at 1823 Division Ave. S. It was designed by Integrated Architecture and built by EV Construction, and it is built to serve the neighborhood for the next 75 to 100 years. Features include private dorm rooms, officers' quarters, modern kitchen and dining areas, drive-through apparatus bays and a fitness room. The city expects the location to improve emergency response times in the surrounding area.
What made it work
Private dorms, drive-through bays and fitness space are now standard for a station meant to last generations. Plan for them up front.
Featured Chief
Othaine Rance / Provincetown Fire Department (MA)
The Provincetown Select Board on Oct. 26, 2026, confirmed Town Manager Alex Morse's selection of Othaine Rance as the town's first full-time fire chief, subject to contract negotiations. Rance has served as acting chief since March 2026. Born in Black River, Jamaica, he began as a Provincetown call firefighter and has also served with the Dennis and Yarmouth fire departments. He is a Massachusetts-certified paramedic and holds a bachelor's degree from UMass Dartmouth and a master's in public administration from the University of New Haven.
"Provincetown and this department mean a great deal to me. I began as a call firefighter, and I have a deep appreciation for the generations of volunteers who built this department and the members who continue that tradition today… As Chief, my priority is to support all our members, honor our history of service, and build our future together."
Earlier this month
Heather Marques / Southern Marin Fire Protection District (CA)
Heather Marques was sworn in as chief of the Southern Marin Fire Protection District on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at a ceremony at Southern Marin Fire Station 1 in Sausalito. She is a former division chief with the Alameda County Fire Department. Marques is the district's sixth chief and the first woman to hold the post. She replaces Chris Tubbs, who retired in July. The district has 90 employees and covers Mill Valley, Sausalito, part of Tiburon, Tamalpais Valley, Almonte, Homestead Valley, Alto, Strawberry, Fort Baker and the Marin Headlands.
Brent Smith / Cedar Rapids Fire Department (IA)
The Cedar Rapids City Council voted 6-0 on Oct 6, 2026 to appoint Brent Smith fire chief, effective Oct 7. Smith joined the department in 2003 as a paramedic/firefighter. He rose through captain, battalion chief, training chief and assistant fire chief of operations, where he led more than 140 personnel and managed the department's accreditation work. He succeeds Greg Smith (no relation), who retired June 30. The department has about 150 full-time personnel in nine stations. His stated priorities are a proposed $60 million fire facilities bond on the Nov. 3 ballot, response times and firefighter safety.
"I'm just incredibly grateful for the support and opportunity to lead and serve this department."
Hiring
Earlier this month
Celebrating Retirement
Fire Chief Chad Pittman / Clearwater Fire & Rescue (FL)
More than 36 years of fire service in Pinellas County · will retire Dec. 11, 2026
Pittman's career in Pinellas County includes Palm Harbor, East Lake, Largo and Clearwater. He announced his retirement Oct. 23. "After more than 36 years of service in Pinellas County, my wife and I are ready to retire and begin our next chapter… I make this decision with deep gratitude for the people I have worked alongside and the communities I have been fortunate to serve."
Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan / Long Beach Fire Department (CA)
With the department since 1993 · chief since February 2023 · will retire Dec. 11, 2026
Buchanan will retire after more than 33 years with the department. He is the department's first Black and Latino fire chief. Under his leadership the department opened Fire Stations 20 and 9 and added a 24-hour ambulance unit. "Serving the Long Beach community for more than 30 years has been the honor of my career." City Manager Tom Modica: "His legacy will be felt for years to come."
Earlier this month
Fire Chief Bryan LaRoche / Kankakee Fire Department (IL)
With the department since 2002 · chief since May 2021 · retiring Oct. 31, 2026
LaRoche joined the department in 2002 and has been chief since May 2021. He delayed his retirement to keep leadership continuous until a successor was named. Mayor Chris Curtis: "I am proud of Chief LaRoche for his tenure and his unwavering commitment to not only the City of Kankakee, but also to me, as he has served alongside me and the administrative team since I was elected Mayor in 2021."
Successor: Garrick Kasper starts Nov. 2.
Fire Chief Kenneth Jacks / Denison Fire Rescue (TX)
Nearly three decades in fire rescue · Denison chief for five years · retired Oct. 23, 2026
Jacks spent 27 years with the Richardson Fire Department, rising from firefighter-paramedic to training chief, and was fire chief in New Braunfels until 2019. In Denison, the department secured an ISO 1 rating under his leadership. It also brought EMS back under Denison Fire Rescue, expanded staffing, invested in new apparatus and equipment, won SAFER grant funding, and began planning and early design for Fire Station Four. "It has been the greatest honor to serve the outstanding city of Denison, alongside a dedicated team of professionals who exemplify courage, compassion, and service every day."
Interim: Assistant Chief Cheyenne Henderson.
Fire Chief Reginald “Reggie” Williams / Rocklin Fire Department (CA)
Nearly 32 years in the fire service · Rocklin chief since August 2020 · retired this fall
Retired this fall after nearly 32 years in the fire service. He was Rocklin's chief from August 2020, after more than 25 years with the San José Fire Department, where he rose to assistant fire chief.
Successor: Tilden Billiter, who started Sept. 30.
Fire Chief Phillip Charron / Lowell Fire Department (MA)
More than 29 years of service · chief since September 2020 · retired Sept. 27, 2026
Retired in late September (effective Sept. 27) after more than 29 years of service, including service as chief since his appointment in September 2020.
Interim: Assistant Chief David Keene, a three-decade LFD veteran.
Fire Chief Paul Alvarado / Palm Springs Fire Department (CA)
35 years in the fire service · retires Nov. 2, 2026
Retiring Nov. 2, 2026 after 35 years in the fire service, including about three and a half years leading Palm Springs, after his years with the Long Beach Fire Department. He led the department through major emergencies, including Tropical Storm Hilary in 2023.