Virtual Reality Training
Oshkosh Airport Products Group, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation company, demonstrated the new Oshkosh Striker Simulator virtual reality training system at Interschutz 2015, in Hannover, Germany.
Already on duty at Chicago’s O’Hare International, the Striker Simulator system is engineered to depict an array of training scenarios for aircraft rescue and firefighting organizations.
“The Oshkosh Striker Simulator system is unlike anything else available on the market, and delivers a giant leap forward in realism, with actual Striker vehicle cockpit components and controls along with a series of widescreen video monitors,” said Jeff Resch, Oshkosh Airport Products Group vice president and general manager. “The Striker Simulator can mimic training scenarios that can’t be safely accomplished at a traditional training center, such as fuel spills and even passengers exiting an aircraft.”
The system incorporates video footage and illustrated environments of Striker vehicles in action, with views from both inside and outside of the cab and with a full audio track. The system depicts different environmental and weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, night and bright daylight. It can accurately depict the delivery of dry chemical, foam, water, and even Halon.
At its most basic configuration, the Oshkosh Striker Simulator includes a laptop computer that is synchronized with a steering wheel, joystick control, and pedals. Advanced configurations (such as the one at Chicago’s O'Hare International) include actual Striker cockpit components and a complete 180-degree view ahead—featuring up to three 70-inch widescreen HD monitors—and a fourth overhead monitor showing the Snozzle high reach extendable turret (HRET) in action.
“While a traditional ARFF firefighter may typically participate in real-world training once every year or every other year, the Striker Simulator virtual reality training can be ongoing and on a regular schedule,” added Resch. "The Striker Simulator system enables more realistic, more varied and more intensive training opportunities.”
For more information, visit the Striker Simulator web page at oshkoshairport.com/Striker-Simulator.aspx.
Lighting the Way to Support the NFFF
Paladin announced that it will donate $100 to the NFFF for each 10,000 lumen case light with a battery and charger sold. They’ll also donate $80 for every case light and $25 for every charger sold.
“We are very excited about this new partnership with Paladin. Their support reinforces how important good, dependable lighting on an incident is to firefighter safety,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF.
“Paladin’s goal is to make a difference for those who serve us. We want to make their jobs easier and safer, so they can save more lives and always go home safely themselves,” explained Brocke Addison, business development manager of Paladin. “We provide the most advanced lighting technology designed especially to suit the needs of law enforcement, fire services and construction professionals.”
For more information or to order your new 10,000 lumen case light, battery and charger, go to www.paladinprotect.com.
Globe, 3M Donate to Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund
Globe Manufacturing Company and its supplier partner 3M have donated $28,080 to the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund. The proceeds are from an event held at FDIC International 2015 in Indianapolis in which attendees were invited to try Globe’s new G-XTREME 3.0 turnout gear on the Globe Virtual Firefighter Athletic Circuit. The company committed to make a donation to the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund in each firefighter’s name, and had firefighters spin a wheel to determine the donation—$10, $20, $50, or $100.
“We believe in the mission of the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund and are delighted that we’ve helped them make a difference in the lives of firefighters, their families, and departments over the past year,” said Rob Freese, senior vice president of marketing at Globe Manufacturing Company. “Globe has always given back to the fire service and we are proud to partner with this worthy cause and hard working group of volunteers.”
Terry Farrell lost his life on September 11, 2001, during the World Trade Center attack. A decorated member of Rescue 4/FDNY and chief of the Dix Hills Volunteer Fire Department, Farrell was a devoted firefighter who embodied the spirit of courage and giving. The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund was established in his memory to assist firefighters and families across the nation with financial, educational and medical support, and to provide equipment donations for fire departments in need.
This Month in Fire History
July 5, 1973, Kingman AZ – Doxol Gas Co. fire kills 12 firefighters
July 6, 1944, Hartford, CT – Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus tent fire kills 168
July 7, 1975, Portland, OR – Pomona Hotel fire kills 12
July 9, 1953, Mendocino National Forest, CA – Forest fire kills 15 firefighters
July 23, 1984, Romeoville, IL – Union Oil refinery fire kills 17; losses worth $177 million
July 24, 1931, Pittsburgh, PA – Little Sisters of the Poor home for the aged fire kills 48
July 26, 1990 – Americans with Disabilities Act passes, greatly affecting safety codes
July 28, 1945, New York, NY – Fire after B-25 crash into Empire State Building kills 14
July 29, 1956, Sun Ray, TX – Shamrock Oil & Gas corp. refinery fire kills 19 firefighters
—Courtesy of NFPA
Firehouse Staff
Content written and created by Firehouse Magazine editors.
