Story originally published by Fire Apparatus Magazine

Sheffield Township VFD Fire Chief Shawn Alkire is pleased to announce that the volunteer fire department is installing new devices from HAAS Safety Cloud on the department’s apparatus to improve firefighter and motorist safety, according to a township news release.

Purdue University used grant funding to provide three HAAS Safety Cloud transponders for Sheffield Township Volunteer Fire Department trucks, and the department paid $1,400 for three more, meaning all six of the department’s trucks will be equipped with the devices.

The HAAS Safety Cloud transponders track the location of fire trucks and other emergency vehicles and alert nearby drivers whenever the trucks have their lights or sirens activated. The system can send warnings to the Waze traffic app, or directly to the infotainment screens in vehicles that participate in the program, meaning drivers will get advanced warnings if they are approaching an area where Sheffield Township firefighters are working.

The company says its technology can lead to a 90% reduction in collisions with emergency vehicles over just the use of lights and sirens.

The transponders will also enable the department to track the location of its vehicles and any traffic backups in the area, which can help first responders remain more aware of traffic issues as they respond to calls.

“This technology will be well worth it if it can help keep even one member of our department from getting hit, or help keep someone from causing a crash,” said Chief Alkire. “This is really an insurance policy to help us keep our firefighters and motorists safe. I’d like to thank Purdue University for their generosity, and for supporting our efforts.”

To learn more about the devices via a video from HAAS Safety Cloud, click here.