Texas Fire Chief - Fall/Winter 2007 - (Page 27)

gin constructing this network will take place in the fall of 2008. The good news is that the initial reactions to the VII showcases and demonstrations have been positive and have even been impressive to VII enthusiasts. It seems as though there is a groundswell of support for VII among the various parties participating in its exposition. It appears that the benefits that VII will bring to our transportation system are being communicated, accepted and embraced by the transportation community. Initial indications are that the technology will showcase the valuable information needed to make the right decision – a dedicated transportation and public-safety communications network that will contribute to a better overall driving experience for everyone by making roads safer and less congested. The reason that public-safety involvement is so critical is that current VII supporters are more focused on transportation management than on the emergency-response facet of transportation. Most public officials have never participated in emergency response and are unaware of the simple needs capable of being addressed through future VII deployments. It is incumbent upon publicsafety officials to ensure the needs of public-safety responders are included in future demonstration projects and long-term deployment. It is also a good time to begin discussions with your emergency vehicle manufacturers to include development of the DSRC network as a part of their specifications. It’s not hard to imagine a day when an alarm is sounded and live data is integrated into the mobile data computer that suggests the quickest routes based on real-time traffic data and inserts that data on dynamic maps to assist the computer operator or driver. It’s not hard to imagine the mobile data computer operator beginning to receive streaming video from cameras near incidents, allowing better pre-assessments on emergency vehicle placements, response strategies and the deployment of appropriate resources. Getting involved now will help to ensure the value and importance of including these and many more public-safety applications in future VII planning and deployments. FirefighterCE "A Critical Service for Professional Firefighters" Get involved Many areas and agencies employ regional planning strategies, typically through the local area metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) and/or council of governments (COG) and state and local departments of transportation. These agencies are focused on improvements to region-wide issues that typically include water, transportation, air quality, transportation, data collection, tolling and much more. We urge you to ask questions of your agency representatives relative to VII planning. Bene ts of Choosing Fire ghterCE * Affordable * Accredited * Convenient Read. * Cost Effective * Administration Center Click. Get CE. Visit www.FirefighterCE.com for a test-drive today and earn 2 free firefighter continuing education credits. Questions? Give us a call toll-free at 1-888-447-1993 337250_CE_ad.indd 1 8/20/07 12:17:09 PM HOYT SCBA Sales & Service BREATHING AIR PRODUCTS 1-800-447-3385 • Fax: 903-447-3409 Sales & Service • Breathing Air Compressors • Cylinder Refill Systems TRI AIR TESTING INC. A Texas Research International Company AIHA Accredited Laboratory Since 1980 P.O. Box 653 • Quinlan, TX 75474 Serving Fire & Rescue Professionals Since 1992 www.hoytair.com HBAP • Self-Contained Trailers • Cascade Systems 27 TEXAS FIRE CHIEF Fall/Winter 2007 http://www.firefighterce.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Texas Fire Chief - Fall/Winter 2007

Contents Executive Director’s Report Fire Chief of the Year What is an Emergency Service District (ESD)? Tax-Exempt Financing 101 The Benefits of Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) Southwest Fire Rescue 2008 Preview Membership Application ‘Courage to be Safe’ Program Aims to Save Lives Red Truck, Green Building Index to Advertisers

Texas Fire Chief - Fall/Winter 2007

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