March 28, 2024, Dover, NH – Air Vacuum Corporation was established to help protect first responders by reducing their exposure to hazardous gases and particulate. Now, 30 years later, the team continues this proud tradition that began when the first AIRVAC® 911 Engine Exhaust System was installed in 1994.
“As I reflect on our history and look ahead to our future, I’m proud to know that we’ve helped create a cleaner and safer work environment for first responders across the world,” said Tom Vitko, President and Co-Founder of Air Vacuum Corporation. “First responders knowingly risk their health every day yet they continue to serve their community with deliberate dedication. This is what motivates everyone here at Air Vacuum Corporation. We are honored to collaborate with so many amazing individuals as we collectively work to counter the contaminants that lurk in their stations. At the end of the day, there is nothing more rewarding than hearing someone say that they feel a noticeable difference in the quality of air and that as a result they feel better.”
AIRVAC® 911 is a hose-free, ceiling-hung system that was deliberately designed to not require any ducting or outside exhausting, making it easy to add to existing stations, incorporate in renovations and build into new station designs. The AIRVAC® 911 system is made in the U.S.A. and has a sophisticated 4-stage air filtration process that includes a MERV-16 rated filter for removing contaminant particles as small as 0.3 microns. Every time a vehicle enters or leaves, the AIRVAC® 911 system automatically activates so that first responders can feel confident that they are breathing clean air.
“Over the years we’ve met some amazing individuals and made lasting friendships,” added Tom. “We are grateful to be able to make a difference.”
Here's what people are saying…
“The wellness of personnel is paramount and the reduction in carcinogens throughout the station is an obvious benefit. Being able to utilize an exhaust system without the need for hoses increases personnel safety while working and training in the apparatus bays. It eliminates the need for personnel to be in direct contact with the exhaust system when hooking up hoses as with some other systems. Due to the system working as well as it has, we are comfortable utilizing a mezzanine for training. Air quality has been above acceptable levels while several apparatus have responded at the same time.”
– Assistant Fire Chief, Auburn Fire Department, Auburn, NY
“We did a lot of research on the AIRVAC® 911 System as well as other units on the market. We realized that for the construction of our new building, the AIRVAC® 911 System was our best choice. Besides the cleaner air, we like that we didn’t have to retrofit vehicles to fit hoses. It was nice being able to find a product that could be placed into the construction of a new facility and knowing that the air is better to breath because it’s filtered through an innovative system. The system seems to work flawlessly when activated. Also, you can notice the difference when it’s activated as there is no smell from the starting of the trucks to small equipment.”
– Chief, Cleveland Twp Fire Department, Elkhart, IN
“Air Vacuum Corporation is a great company to work with. The overall smell from equipment returning after a fire is gone. We have noticed cleaner walls and the office staff also notice that the smell is gone. The installation took less than 3 days, the system is easy to maintain and its overall cost is low.”
– Chief, Resort Bear Creek Fire Department, Petoskey, MI
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Learn more about the AIRVAC 911® System and request a free proposal.
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About Air Vacuum Corporation
Founded in 1994, Air Vacuum Corporation designed the AIRVAC 911® Engine Exhaust Removal System to provide a self-contained, affordable, attachment-free, fully automatic system for removing hazardous gases and particulate from fire station and EMS station work environments. It features a proprietary multi-directional airflow design that maximizes the particulate and gas removal from the breathing zone of the apparatus area. AIRVAC 911® is the only system to eliminate “exhaust backwash” – the exhaust fumes that re-enter the building as vehicles leave and return from their calls. This energy-efficient system is manufactured in the U.S.A. and meets NFPA 1500, OSHA, IBOCA, EPA and GSA standards. www.airvac911.com
Firehouse.com News
Content curated and written by Firehouse editorial staff, including Susan Nicol, Steven Shaw, Peter Matthews, Ryan Baker and Rich Dzierwa.
