The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) is deploying an additional 1,100 state-of-the-art G1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) from Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety.
The contract was formally awarded in late 2016 and today’s deployment represents the completion of a one-year, multi-phase delivery and training process.
Chicago last deployed new SCBA technology on September 11, 2001.
(The MSA G1 SCBA is designed with technology to drive firefighting into the future. Bluetooth, RFID, Near Field Communications(NFC), and long-range radio capabilities allow for fast and easy integration of current and future technologies. MSA is proud to present the first SCBA with a Rechargeable Battery, Motorola Radio Bluetooth Connection, and our latest advancement, the MSA G1 with Integrated TIC. Courtesy of MSA Safety and YouTube)
“This latest rollout of new SCBA gear for our fire personnel features the latest technology that will help improve firefighter safety and performance and will in turn increase the safety of our citizens,” said Jose Santiago, Fire Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department.
“When we were designing and building our G1 SCBA – MSA’s most technologically advanced, balanced and customizable breathing apparatus ever – our engineers relied heavily on voice-of-customer feedback from thousands of firefighters in the field,” said Nish Vartanian, President and Chief Operating Officer.
“We are incredibly honored that fire departments like the Chicago Fire Department, the nation’s third-largest department and one of the world’s oldest and most well-respected, have taken note and entrusted MSA to protect the men and women that keep Chicagoans safe each and every day,” he continued.
The G1 SCBA platform, the single largest new product development effort in MSA’s 103-year history, was introduced in 2014 and features several breakthrough features designed to improve firefighter safety and effectiveness.
For instance, unlike conventional designs, the G1 SCBA has no electronics on its face-piece, making it easier for firefighters to use their full field of view.
(Highlighting the features and benefits of the MSA G1 SCBA facepiece. Courtesy of MSA Safety and YouTube)
The SCBA design includes darkness- and smoke-piercing “buddy lights,” which provide visible indicators of fellow firefighters and accompanying critical air supply data from any angle, and features improved voice amplification communications.
The unit’s unique ergonomic design, combined with an adjustable waist belt and wide shoulder straps, allows more SCBA weight to be carried on a firefighter’s hips.
Collectively, these features make the SCBA more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.
(Highlighting the features and benefits of the MSA G1 SCBA carrier and harness. Courtesy of MSA Safety and YouTube)
Additionally, the G1 SCBA includes a “Central Power” feature that powers the entire unit from a single, rechargeable battery compartment, eliminating the need for additional batteries.
Also available is an optional integrated thermal imaging camera (iTIC) that’s built right into the G1 SCBA’s control module.
“MSA’s commitment to the fire service, and the firefighters that make our cities safe, is more than just words,” Mr. Vartanian continued.
“In truth, it’s what drives our associates and fuels our passion to continually raise the bar to protect firefighters with the best and most advanced technology available today, like the G1 SCBA.”
“We’re happy that the Chicago Fire Department continues to put their trust in the MSA brand, and we’re excited to further strengthen our relationship with one of the most well-respected fire departments in the world.”
Additionally, the MSA Board of Directors recently elected Nishan Vartanian a director of the company.
His election is part of a planned management succession, and coincides with MSA’s Chairman and CEO, William M. Lambert’s retirement in May of 2018.
“The Board of Directors and I are very pleased to welcome Nish to the MSA Board at what is truly a dynamic time for our organization,” said Mr. Lambert.
“Nish’s election as a director and his appointment to President and Chief Operating Officer earlier this year are expressions of the Board’s and my confidence in his abilities to lead MSA, and they are important elements of our management succession plan that will help ensure strong and experienced leadership of the company moving forward.”
Mr. Vartanian joined MSA in 1985 as a sales representative, and over his 32-year career with the company has served in a variety of capacities.
(Learn More about MSA by checking out some hightlights from their 2017 A+A booth. Courtesy of MSA and YouTube. Posted on Oct 25, 2017)
“Nish is a proven leader who is ideally suited to lead MSA into its second century of business,” Mr. Lambert said.
“In addition to having the acumen and experience necessary for this role, Nish possesses great strategic vision, a growth-focused mindset, and the communication and leadership skills that I know will inspire and motivate our associates to achieve great things.”
