Firefighter Safety and Comfort Among Emerging Trends Expected at FDIC 2014

By Chris Mc Loone

When you attend the FDIC exhibition, it’s hard to miss the fire apparatus on display. It seems that around every corner there’s a new apparatus with features never seen before. The breadth of the exhibition and the number of innovations to be seen is what makes every spring in Indianapolis special.

One apparatus manufacturer that always has a large presence at the show is Rosenbauer America. It wasn’t that long ago that the company debuted its Commander Chassis at a special media event, followed by its display at FDIC. This year Rosenbauer America will be showcasing new technology as well as new apparatus enhancements.

“This year we are showing some new technology features,” says Harold Boer, president, Rosenbauer America.” One example, according to Boer, is “an enhanced driver vision system that was adapted from the ARRF units so drivers can continue to drive in zero visibility conditions like fog, smoke, or whiteouts,” Boer says. He adds that the company will display some new enhancements to its aerial line at the show as well.

In terms of emerging trends from this year’s show, Boer says, “I think we will see more focus on firefighter safety and comfort.”

Boer states that at FDIC, attendees “get to see the cutting-edge features from all the manufacturers in one place for a reasonable price.” He adds, “If you can only attend one show, this is the one.”

Boer was also instrumental in organizing this year’s “The Future of Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment” roundtable presented by FDIC and the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association. More information on the roundtable is available at http://www.fireapparatusmagazine.com/future-of-fire-apparatus.html.