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LION Connects Blog

A comprehensive resource for our community, firefighters and families that discuss fire safety, training, and PPE care and maintenance.

Blog Feature

FDIC 2024 Press Release

LION Expands presence at fdic 2024 FEEL THE HEAT with LION’s interactive live demonstrations April 15, 2024 | Press Release INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 15, 2024) – LION, the largest family-owned manufacturer of first responder personal protective equipment (PPE), uniforms, training products, and care and maintenance services in the United States, will attend FDIC International 2024 with an expanded presence and several new products. Across three different locations at FDIC, LION will showcase its industry-leading PPE and uniforms, live fire and digital training products, and PPE care and maintenance solutions.

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Step Into the LION Launch Zone at FDIC 2024

Discover The Future of First Responder Gear at the LION Launch Zone at FDIC April 11, 2024 | ANNA LONES, MARKETING DIRECTOR, PPE LION's product offering is about to take a leap forward with the unveiling of our latest advancements in protective gear! The new products featured in the LION Launch Zone will redefine safety, comfort, and performance standards for our heroes on the front lines. As industry leaders, LION is set to showcase a suite of products designed to meet the unique needs of firefighting and emergency response professionals. Here's a glimpse into what attendees can expect and why the LION Launch Zone is a must-visit at FDIC 2024!

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Blog Feature

LION Salutes Our Volunteer Firefighters

LION Salutes our Volunteer Firefighters April 8, 2024 | STEVE SCHWARTZ, CEO As anyone who’s served as a firefighter can tell you, volunteers play a critical role in the fire service. Today, nearly 70% of firefighters in the United States are volunteers. These everyday heroes sacrifice their free time to run into burning buildings, respond to car accidents, and train the community on fire safety—risking their lives to save others. Since April is National Volunteer Month, I thought it was appropriate to write this blog saluting our nation’s volunteer firefighters for their service. I also wanted to highlight just a few of the many ways LION serves volunteer firefighters, so they can continue serving their communities.

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Training Instructors: Protecting Our Protectors with LION TotalCare

Live Fire Training Instructors: Protecting Our Protectors with LION TotalCare March 28, 2024 | KINDRA BECK, MARKETING MANAGER, TOTALCARE In the demanding world of firefighting, live fire training instructors stand on the frontlines, not just battling flames but also confronting an invisible adversary: exposure to hazardous chemicals. Recent studies, including those spearheaded by the Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study (FFCCS), have illuminated the heightened risks faced by these dedicated professionals. With a commitment to safeguarding our trainers, LION TotalCare offers innovative solutions to mitigate these risks.

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Blog Feature

Train Anytime, Anywhere! - Digital Fire Tools

DIGITAL FIRE TOOLS ENABLE TRAINING IN ANY LOCATION MARCH 25, 2024 | MATT GARDNER Digital fire training tools have revolutionized how firefighters prepare for real-life emergencies. The innovation in this field is spearheaded by tools such as the LION’s Attack Panels, HyperFire Controller, Digital Nozzle, and Weighted Hoseline. Let's dive into how these state-of-the-art technologies are changing the landscape of fire training.

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Blog Feature

“It’s Amazing to be a Woman in the Fire Service”

"IT'S AMAZING TO BE A WOMAN IN THE FIRE SERVICE" March 20, 2024 | HAYLEY TINCU, VP, MARKETING & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE March is Women’s History Month, and we wanted to take this opportunity to spotlight the past, present, and future of women in America’s fire service. From the first women firefighters of the 19th century to the nearly 90,000 women protecting their communities today, there’s no history of firefighting without the history of women in the fire service. And what better way to tell the continuing story of these courageous women than through a conversation with a current firefighter serving her community in Texas. Meet Shantel Lund. She’s a firefighter for the Port of Houston, a competitive CrossFit athlete, and a 2023 Firefighter Challenge winner.

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Blog Feature

NEW TRAINING FACILITIES AND RECRUITING

Innovating Firefighter Training: Rensselaer County's Advanced Approach MARCH 18, 2024 | MATT GARDNER In the world of firefighting, training is an ongoing process that can make the difference between life and death when battling blazes. However, conducting realistic training can be challenging, costly, and sometimes hazardous. Enter Rensselaer County, New York, which found itself in a predicament when its aging training facility was condemned in 2017, leaving numerous fire departments without a place to train. In response, they embarked on an ambitious journey to create a cutting-edge training ground that prioritizes both safety and efficiency. Let's delve into this case study and explore how Rensselaer County is revolutionizing firefighter training.

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A Bold Step Forward

THE EVOLUTION OF ELBECO WITHIN THE LION FAMILY As we celebrate the Elbeco brand's second anniversary, as a part of the LION family, we are thrilled to announce a significant transformation that promises to redefine our identity and strengthen our position in the market. This rebranding initiative goes beyond mere cosmetic changes; it signifies a comprehensive overhaul of the Elbeco brand to more accurately embody our values, mission, and the innovative trajectory we are setting for the future.

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Blog Feature

MEET A SMART DUMMY

THE SMART SIDE OF BEING A DUMMY MARCH 11, 2024 | MATT GARDNER The Challenge of Realistic Firefighter Training Training for firefighting scenarios is crucial, but it's not without its challenges. Simulating real-life rescue scenarios accurately can be difficult, especially when it comes to the weight and feel of human bodies. Traditional training methods often involve using cumbersome manikins or other substitutes that don't fully replicate the challenges firefighters face during rescues.

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Blog Feature

Empowering the Frontline

A RECAP OF LION UNIVERSITY-FEBRUARY 2024 MARCH 8, 2024 | ANNA LONES The week of February 26-March 1, 2024 marked a significant milestone for LION and a portion of its network of Distribution Sales Representatives from across the country. Held at LION's corporate office in Dayton, Ohio, this session of LION University was more than just a training event; it was a comprehensive learning and networking experience designed to empower those at the forefront of safety equipment distribution.

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Blog Feature

FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING

TRAIN YOUR WAY...THE WAY THAT WORKS MARCH 1, 2024 | MATT GARDNER Fire safety is paramount in ensuring workplace and community safety. Effective fire extinguisher training can be the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic disaster. However, traditional training methods often fall short in terms of engagement, effectiveness, and practicality. In this blog post, we will explore the national standards for fire extinguisher training, traditional training methods, the drawbacks of conventional approaches, and the exciting advancements in Fire Extinguisher Training (FET) technology that are transforming how industries and communities prepare for fire emergencies.

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Blog Feature

ENGAGING YOUR COMMUNITY WITH FIRE SAFETY

MAKE THE RIGHT IMPRESSION Engaging with your community is an essential aspect of fire safety education, and there are several ways to make this experience both meaningful and enjoyable. At LION, we understand the importance of fostering a strong connection with your community, which is why we've developed a range of tools and resources to assist you in this endeavor. In this blog post, we'll explore some of these innovative solutions, including Fire Safety Trailers, Digital Fire Simulations with our Smart Digital Training Ready Units, and fire extinguisher training tools like the Bullseye™ and R.A.C.E Station.

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Blog Feature

The Maintenance Journey of Gear

The Maintenance Journey of Firefighter Gear at LION TotalCare February 26, 2024 | KINDRA BECK, MARKETING MANAGER, TOTALCARE Welcome to LION TotalCare, where the PPE gear of firefighters undergoes maintenance and cleaning. In this blog, we journey through the processes and cutting-edge technology that define LION TotalCare's operations. From the moment firefighting equipment enters our facility, it is handled with care and expertise, ensuring that every piece meets the rigorous standards of NFPA 1851. Join us as we tour LION TotalCare, a space where firefighter gear is not just restored, but reborn, reinforcing our commitment to safety, durability, and the well-being of heroes who protect us.

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Blog Feature

THE LION APPROACH TO TRAINING

The LION Approach to Training February 20, 2024 | MATT GARDNER, MARKETING DIRECTOR, TRAINING PRODUCTS The people who work in fire and emergency medical services (EMS) are acutely aware of the need for training prior to having to respond to an event. As a firefighter training officer, you are responsible for not only training new recruits but also ensuring that seasoned professionals are kept current with the latest tactics and technologies. At LION, we make training tools that are safe and effective for the full escalation of training, meaning that no matter what level your trainees are at, there is a LION training solution that can meet your needs.

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Blog Feature

Innovating New Products is the Elbeco Way

Innovating new UNIFORMS is the LION way February 14, 2024 | AMY POPLINSKI, MARKETING DIRECTOR, UNIFORMS LION Uniforms is committed to providing products that exceed expectations and enhance the performance and experience of public safety professionals. Much of LION's success with the Elbeco brand through the years has resulted from a love of discovering and inspiring new products, putting a new spin on reliable classics, and our passion for seeing all of them get to our end users. Innovation differentiates Elbeco products from the competition and the industry wants cutting-edge garments.

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Blog Feature

Our Commitment to Listening

Our Commitment to Listening February 7, 2024 | KAREN LEHTONEN, VP, INNOVATION AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT At LION, innovation underpins everything we do. In the 125 years we’ve been in operation, first responder safety gear has advanced significantly to become safer, more comfortable, more durable, and easier to wear and care for. And LION has proudly played a key role in many of those innovations for one main reason – we listen. Our ultimate goal is to design and manufacture protective gear that suits your needs.

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Blog Feature

TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY FOR TRAINING

TECHNOLOGY MEANS CONTROL - CONTROL MEANS SAFETY Feb 5, 2024 | MATT GARDNER LION has incorporated New Firefighting Training Technology (NFTT) into its products which in turn makes training cleaner, safer and more effective "Imagine a training environment where safety, effectiveness, and environmental responsibility converge seamlessly. LION, a leader in firefighting training solutions, has made this vision a reality with its innovative incorporation of New Firefighting Training Technology (NFTT). This transformative technology not only enhances the safety and effectiveness of firefighter training but also ushers in a new era of cleaner, greener practices. In this blog, we explore how NFTT has revolutionized training, making it cleaner, safer, and more effective than ever before."

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Blog Feature

DON'T WAIT FOR A DISASTER TO LEVEL UP YOUR TRAINING

GO BEYOND THE BASICS... BEAT THE STANDARD JANUARY 26, 2024 | MATT GARDNER When it comes to effective training vs. meeting the minimum standard some people learn the hard way that just doing the minimum to be compliant with OSHA or other training standards doesn't do enough to protect Life or Property. All too often people seek a pound of cure before an ounce of prevention. In a group discussion members of the LION Team met to discuss this topic and to explore what some organizations are doing to break the mould and take training to the next level.

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Blog Feature

HARNESSING DIGITAL FIRE

SAFE TRAINING WITH DIGITAL FIRE JANUARY 21, 2024 | MATT GARDNER Introduction: Firefighters are often called upon to battle blazes in some of the most challenging and unpredictable environments. To prepare them for these high-stress situations, training must be as realistic as possible. However, conducting live-fire training in certain locations can be costly, dangerous, or simply not feasible. That's where LION's Digital Fire Technology comes into play, offering an innovative solution to enhance firefighter training in any setting.

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Blog Feature

LION and IAFC Unite for INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

LION & IAFC UNITE FOR SAUDI ARAMCO COHORT 24 INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM January 10, 2024 | ANNA LONES, MARKETING DIRECTOR, PPE In a proud collaboration, LION has joined forces with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) for the momentous graduation ceremony of Saudi Aramco Cohort 24. This event marks a crucial milestone in the IAFC's International Fellowship Program and is set to unfold on January 10, 2024 in Columbus, GA.

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Blog Feature

Doubling Down in 2024

Doubling Down in 2024 January 4, 2024 | MARK SMITH, PRESIDENT, LION AMERICAS Many people treat the new year as a time to reinvent themselves, but here at LION, we’re going into 2024 prepared to double down on our core mission: protecting and equipping our firefighters. As a key part of that mission, we’ll spend the new year focusing on expanding firefighter education, improving training, and building/sharing knowledge about health and safety.

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Blog Feature

Hands-On Training

H.O.T - MORE EFFECTIVE THAN YOU MIGHT THINK When it comes to fire safety, the ability to use a fire extinguisher effectively can be a life-saving skill. While there are various methods of training people on fire extinguisher use, hands-on training stands out as the most effective way to ensure individuals remember how to operate one in a real emergency. In this blog post, we'll delve into the reasons why hands-on training is superior to other training methods, supported by numerical statistics and stories that underscore its effectiveness.

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Blog Feature

BEYOND THE BASICS

WHEN YOU WANT PEOPLE TO REMEMBER THEIR TRAINING JANUARY 1, 2024 | MATT GARDNER TRAIN WHERE AN EMERGENCY IS LIKELY TO OCCUR - WITH LION TECHNOLOGY When it comes to fire extinguisher training, it's crucial to go beyond the basics. Proper preparation can mean the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic disaster. Enter the RACE Station and Bullseye Panel, a dynamic duo of training tools that take fire extinguisher training to a whole new level.

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Blog Feature

Press Release

LION Closes out 125 Years with an eye toward the next 125 years December 5, 2023 | Press Release DAYTON, Ohio (December 5, 2023) – This year, LION—the largest family-owned manufacturer of first responder personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniforms in the United States– celebrated 125 years as a family-owned business. What began in 1898 as a dry goods store sold out of a horse-drawn wagon in Dayton has grown into a multi-million-dollar, multinational company. LION serves the PPE, uniform, and logistics needs for fire departments, law enforcement agencies, emergency services, and military markets around the globe. As a leader in the field of first responder training, they were the first company to develop digital training technology for firefighters.

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Blog Feature

‘Tis The Season For House Fires

It is that time of year where extra lights and candles are a must to make your house festive. However, holiday decorations can increase your risk of a house fire. Christmas is the number one day for candle fires, and a dry tree makes for an escalated situation. There is nothing wrong with decking the halls as long as you follow these safety precautions to avoid toasting your holiday plans.

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Blog Feature

FIREFIGHTERS, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY

“FIREFIGHTERS, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY” NOVEMBER 21, 2023 | STEVE SCHWARTZ, CEO 2023 marked LION’s 125th anniversary, and I’ve spent much of the past year looking back at our shared history. Remembering who we were, who we are, and why we do what we do. All these reminders instilled a deep sense of gratitude in me, and with Thanksgiving just around the corner, I wanted to share some of the things I’m thankful for with you.

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Partnership LION and Skyskol

The partnership between LION and Skyskol is one of our longest. Read here why SKYSKOL really liked the concept of "a company which was 100% focused on training for rescue services".

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Take Care of your Gear: Tips from LION TotalCare

Your gear takes care of you, so why not take care of your gear? This motto holds true for firefighters who rely on their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to keep them safe while battling fires and other hazardous situations. At LION TotalCare, we understand the importance of maintaining your PPE to ensure it performs at its best when you need it most. In this blog post, we'll share some valuable tips on how to keep your gear in top shape so you can continue to perform your duties safely and effectively.

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Blog Feature

Inspection and Repair of PPE

As an independent service provider (ISP) for firefighters to clean and maintain their gear per NFPA 1851 standards, LION TotalCare fields many questions from local departments. Today, we want to share the most common questions and answers on inspection and repair of PPE.

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