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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

Celebrating LION’s Roots and Ohio’s Legacy

A HISTORIC BEGINNING IN OHIO November 15, 2024 | CORPORATE MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS In early November, the nation celebrated #NationalOhioDay, a time to recognize the significant contributions and unique history of the Buckeye State. For LION, this celebration holds particular importance, as Ohio is where our journey began over 125 years ago. In 1898, LION was founded by William Lapedes, who started his business by selling dry goods from a horse-drawn wagon. Based in the Dayton area, William traveled to rural families, providing them with essential products until he was able to establish a permanent storefront in downtown Dayton in 1911. Since then, LION has remained rooted in Ohio, making it an integral part of our company’s legacy. Today, LION’s headquarters and manufacturing operations are still firmly based in Dayton, Ohio, where we proudly carry forward the tradition of excellence and innovation. Our Dayton headquarters serve as the heart of LION’s shared services, while the Dayton Manufacturing Plant stands as a critical hub of production, serving military and fire service clients around the world.

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Blog Feature

LION TotalCare Expands into Seattle

LION TotalCare Expands Into Seattle with Acquisition of Northwest Safety Clean Inc. Strategic Growth Enhances PPE Maintenance Services for Fire Departments Across the U.S. DAYTON, OH [November 1, 2024] – LION Safety Solutions, a business unit of LION Group, Inc., is excited to announce its acquisition of Northwest Safety Clean Inc., effective November 1, 2024. This acquisition marks LION TotalCare's entry into the Pacific Northwest, adding a new facility at 8320 S 208th St, Ste H111, Kent, WA 98032. It further strengthens LION TotalCare’s commitment to exceeding PPE care standards for fire departments and first responders across the country.

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Blog Feature

Press Release - LION INTRODUCES VERSAFLEX™ RESCUE WEAR FROM STARFIELD

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Blog Feature

Chicago Fire Department Evolves PPE Care with LION RedZone CO2 Cleaning

PROTECTING FIREFIGHTER HEALTH, IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY KEY FACTORS IN PROGRESSIVE STEP FORWARD DAYTON, OH [October 7, 2024] – LION Safety Solutions, a business unit of LION Group Inc., is excited to announce today the next progression in its long partnership with the Chicago Fire Department, the second largest fire department in the United States.

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Blog Feature

National Fire Pup Day

celebrating our firefighting four-legged friends Here at LION, we celebrate an extra special holiday at the start of October – National Fire Pup Day! Four-legged furry friends have played an important role in the history of firefighting. Working alongside firefighters, they’ve helped to save lives and have become synonymous with the firefighting profession, symbolizing teamwork, motivation, and bravery.

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Press Release - LION Creates New Business Units

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Dayton Manufacturing Facility Celebrates Five Years

Dayton Manufacturing Facility Celebrates Five Years August 28, 2024 | By Mike Renfro, Director of Operations and CI at LION Dayton, Ohio has a special place in LION’s heart: over 125 years ago, our operations began there as a dry goods store. We still have roots there today, which is why we’re thrilled to be celebrating five years since the opening of LION’s manufacturing facility in the Gem City.

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Blog Feature

Women of LION: Leading the Way in Female Firefighter Gear Development

meet the women of lion dedicated to ensuring the best gear fit for female firefighters July 17, 2024 | ANNA LONES, MARKETING DIRECTOR, PPE In the firefighting industry, the development of turnout gear, uniforms, and essentials specifically tailored for women marks a significant advancement. This progress is driven by the dedication and expertise of women at LION. LION has made strides in creating female-specific patterns and products, such as shorter coat lengths and increased coat sweeps, as well as options in other categories like firefighter essentials. For example, LION offers gloves with cadet sizing for shorter fingers and helmets that fit a broader range of head sizes. These innovations ensure that female firefighters have gear that fits well, functions effectively, and enhances their safety and confidence. Let's meet the dynamic women leading LION's product development and management teams, paving the way to provide female first responders with firefighter PPE and uniform solutions designed to meet their specific fit and comfort needs.

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Blog Feature

We’ve Got Your Back: Before. During. After.

We’ve Got Your Back: Before. During. After. July 11, 2024 | By Steve Schwartz, CEO At LION, our fourth-generation, family-owned business has been answering the call for first responders for more than half a century. That long-term commitment has given us a deep appreciation and respect for the firefighting community. That’s why the largest, most progressive, and most respected fire departments in the world trust us to keep them safe and ready for action.

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LION TotalCare awarded PPE care and maintenance contract for FDNY

LION TotalCare awarded PPE care and maintenance contract for FDNY July 9th, 2024 | Press Release

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Dragon's Police night Presented by LION

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GRANTS 101: A Quick Start Guide to funding

Grant Funding 101 June 21 | MATT GARDNER Unlock Funding for Fire Department Excellence: Explore the top grants available to help your fire department secure essential training and public safety equipment. From the Bullseye™ Fire Extinguisher Trainer to comprehensive Fire Safety Trailers, our blog details how to leverage grants for acquiring cutting-edge tools that enhance firefighter training and community safety. Equip your team, educate your community, and elevate your fire department’s capabilities with these valuable funding opportunities.

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Blog Feature

What's the latest in turnout gear materials technology?

Posted by: Hayley Tincu | June 15,2024 As new textile and material technologies become available to manufacturers of structural firefighting gear, LION strives to remain at the cutting edge of bringing the newest innovations to the market. We’d like to provide an update on some important facts regarding the array of materials we use in our turnout gear, specifically concerning PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which has been an ongoing topic of interest, as well as point out areas of consideration for fire departments considering evaluating these new technologies and materials for their firefighters. We encourage interested fire departments to wear-test all new products before purchase to evaluate breathability, durability, and other performance criteria required by each department’s risk assessment.

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Ensuring Firefighter Safety: A Guide to NFPA 1851 and Compliant PPE Care

Posted by: Kindra Beck | June 10, 2024 Understanding NFPA 1851 NFPA 1851 is a vital standard designed to aid fire departments in maintaining the integrity and safety of their personal protective equipment (PPE). This standard outlines comprehensive requirements for the selection, inspection, cleaning, repair, maintenance, and eventual disposition of structural and proximity firefighting PPE. Additionally, it mandates the necessary documentation and record-keeping to support these activities, ensuring that gear remains fit for use and reducing risks to firefighters.

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Blog Feature

Why We Do What We Do

Why We do what we do by Andy Schwartz, Co-owner, Corporate Counsel, and Chief Procurement Officer People. In a word, that’s the focus of all our work here at LION. People are why we do what we do, why we love what we do, and why we’ve endured as a family-owned business for generations. We create industry-leading turnout gear, uniforms, training equipment, and care and maintenance programs so firefighters and other first responders are as prepared as possible and ready to do their jobs every day. But our focus on people extends beyond our products and services. These past few months, the LION team has flown across the country to meet first responders, advocate for firefighters, honor the memory of the fallen, and pay tribute to our law enforcement officers. Here’s what we’ve done:

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Blog Feature

LION CEO NAMED TO NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

LION CEO Named to National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Advisory Committee May 30, 2024 | Press Release DAYTON, OH – Building on a decades-long partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), LION – the largest family-owned manufacturer of first responder personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniforms in the United States – is proud to announce that Steve Schwartz, CEO & President, will join NFFF’s Advisory Committee.

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Blog Feature

Maximizando la Inversión: Un Enfoque Integral (4 of 4)

BIENVENIDO A LA CUARTA ENTREGA DE NUESTRA SERIE DE BLOGS ENFOCADAS EN ESTRATEGIAS PARA LA INVERSIÓN SOSTENIBLE: PLANIFICACIÓN PARA LA ESCALABILIDAD, INTEGRACIÓN DE TECNOLOGÍAS FLEXIBLES Y MANTENER LA EFICIENCIA DE COSTOS CONTINUA. May 31, 2024 | Ray Pérez-Pearson, Director Sénior de Marketing – Mercados Internacionales Concluyendo nuestra serie sobre consideraciones estratégicas para nuevas instalaciones de entrenamiento para bomberos en América Latina, este cuarto artículo del blog enfatiza la maximización de la inversión en estos ecosistemas educativos cruciales. Para leer nuestros primeros tres blogs de la serie, visita- Parte 1, Parte 2 y Parte 3. Más allá de la configuración inicial, el foco aquí está en asegurar que las instalaciones de entrenamiento permanezcan adaptables y eficientes ante futuros avances y necesidades comunitarias. Discutiremos estrategias para una inversión sostenible, incluyendo la planificación para la escalabilidad, la integración de tecnologías flexibles y el mantenimiento de la eficiencia de costos continuos. Este enfoque garantiza que las instalaciones continúen satisfaciendo las demandas cambiantes de los servicios de bomberos y emergencias, proporcionando beneficios duraderos a las regiones que sirven.

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Maximizing the Investment: A Comprehensive Approach (Part 4 of 4)

Welcome to the Fourth installment of our blog series Focusing ON strategies for sustainable investment: planning for scalability, integrating flexible technologies, and maintaining ongoing cost efficiency. May 31, 2024 | Ray Pérez-Pearson, Sr. Director, Marketing – International Markets Concluding our series on strategic considerations for new firefighter training facilities in Latin America, this fourth blog post emphasizes maximizing the investment in these crucial educational ecosystems. To read our first three blogs in the series, visit- Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Beyond the initial setup, the focus here is on ensuring that training facilities remain adaptable and efficient in the face of future advancements and community needs. We will discuss strategies for sustainable investment, including planning for scalability, integrating flexible technologies, and maintaining ongoing cost efficiency. This approach guarantees that facilities continue to meet the evolving demands of fire and emergency services, providing lasting benefits to the regions they serve.

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Blog Feature

Seguridad: Priorizando el Bienestar de Nuestra Gente (3 of 4)

BIENVENIDOS AL SEGUNDO ARTÍCULO DE NUESTRA SERIE DE BLOGS SOBRE los estándares de seguridad críticos y las prácticas innovadoras recomendadas para las instalaciones de entrenamiento en América Central y del Sur. May 22, 2024 | Director Sénior de Marketing – Mercados Internacionales La seguridad es la piedra angular de un entrenamiento efectivo para bomberos, un tema que es el foco de la tercera entrada en nuestra serie de blogs. Para leer nuestros primeros dos blogs de la serie, visita - Parte 1 y Parte 2. En el exigente y a menudo peligroso mundo de la lucha contra incendios, el terreno de entrenamiento no es solo un lugar para aprender, sino también para garantizar el bienestar de los aprendices. Este artículo discute los estándares de seguridad críticos y las prácticas innovadoras recomendadas para las instalaciones de entrenamiento en América Central y del Sur. Exploraremos cómo estas medidas no solo cumplen con los protocolos de seguridad existentes, sino que los superan, protegiendo a los héroes que se dedican a proteger nuestras comunidades.

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Safety: Prioritizing the Well-being of Our People (3 of 4)

Welcome to the Third installment of our blog series on the critical safety standards and innovative practices recommended for training facilities across Central and South America May 22, 2024 | Ray Pérez-Pearson, Sr. Director, Marketing – International Markets Safety is the cornerstone of effective firefighter training, a theme that is the focus of the third entry in our blog series. To read our first two blogs in the series visit- Part 1 and Part 2. In the demanding and often hazardous world of firefighting, the training ground is not just a place for learning but also for ensuring the well-being of trainees. This post discusses the critical safety standards and innovative practices recommended for training facilities across Central and South America. We will explore how these measures not only comply with but exceed existing safety protocols, safeguarding the heroes who dedicate themselves to protecting our communities.

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Blog Feature

Tecnología: Aprovechando la Innovación para el Entrenamiento Avanzado de Bomberos (2 of 4)

Bienvenidos al segundo artículo de nuestra serie de blogs sobre las consideraciones estratégicas para la construcción de instalaciones de entrenamiento para bomberos en América Latina. May 15, 2024 | Ray Pérez-Pearson, Director Sénior de Marketing – Mercados Internacionales Este segundo blog se centra en el papel de los avances tecnológicos en la configuración de las modernas instalaciones de entrenamiento de bomberos a través de América Latina. Para leer nuestra primera entrada en la serie, visite CONSIDERACIONES ESTRATÉGICAS PARA NUEVAS INSTALACIONES DE FORMACIÓN DE BOMBEROS EN AMÉRICA LATINA (1 of 4) (lionprotects.com). A medida que los bomberos enfrentan riesgos complejos y en evolución, la integración de tecnología de vanguardia en su entrenamiento se vuelve indispensable. Este post destacará cómo las simulaciones digitales y los avances en accesorios de fuego real están mejorando los programas de entrenamiento, haciéndolos más realistas y efectivos. Al incorporar estas tecnologías, las instalaciones de entrenamiento pueden preparar mejor a los bomberos para enfrentar escenarios del mundo real, reflejando los diversos paisajes culturales y ambientales de la región. Estén atentos a nuestros próximos blogs que se enfocarán en la seguridad de los bomberos y la maximización de su inversión.

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Blog Feature

Technology: Harnessing Innovation for Advanced Firefighter Training (2 of 4)

Welcome to the SECOND installment of our blog series on strategic considerations for building firefighter training facilities in Latin America. May 15, 2024 | Ray Pérez-Pearson, Sr. Director, Marketing – International Markets This second blog in our series focuses on the role of technological advancements in shaping modern firefighter training facilities across Latin America. To see our first blog in the series, visit https://www.lionprotects.com/blog/blueprint-for-bravery-part1. As firefighters confront complex and evolving risks, the integration of cutting-edge technology into their training becomes indispensable. This post will highlight how digital simulations and advancements in live-fire props are enhancing training programs, making them more realistic and effective. By incorporating these technologies, training facilities can better prepare firefighters to face real-world scenarios, reflecting the varied cultural and environmental landscapes of the region. Stay tuned for our upcoming blogs that will focus on firefighter safety and maximizing your investment.

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Blog Feature

STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR NEW FIREFIGHTER TRAINING FACILITIES IN LATIN AMERICA (1 of 4)

Welcome to the first installment of our blog series on strategic considerations for building firefighter training facilities in Latin America. May 1, 2024 | Ray Pérez-Pearson, Sr. Director, Marketing – International Markets As firefighting leadership embarks on this critical journey, several key considerations emerge that are essential for ensuring the facility not only meets current needs but also anticipates future advancements and unique challenges – like the logistical hurdles of reaching remote communities. In this 4-part series, we explore the strategic considerations for planning new training facilities that address these specific needs, focusing on budgeting, technology, safety, and maximizing the investment in a way that resonates with the realities of Latin American communities. Firefighters in every community are the first line of defense against disasters, relying heavily on their training to tackle the challenges they face. However, budget constraints can significantly impact the scope and quality of this training. This post delves into innovative budgeting strategies that ensure effective training facilities can be developed without compromising on the essential needs of fire and emergency services. We will explore cost-effective solutions that cater to the unique financial challenges faced in diverse Latin American communities, ensuring that investments are both practical and impactful.

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Blog Feature

CONSIDERACIONES ESTRATÉGICAS PARA NUEVAS INSTALACIONES DE FORMACIÓN DE BOMBEROS EN AMÉRICA LATINA (1 of 4)

Bienvenidos al primer artículo de nuestra serie de blogs sobre las consideraciones estratégicas para la construcción de instalaciones de entrenamiento para bomberos en América Latina. May 6, 2024 | Ray Pérez-Pearson, Director Sénior de Marketing – Mercados Internacionales A medida que los líderes en la lucha contra incendios emprenden este viaje crítico, emergen varias consideraciones clave que son esenciales para asegurar que la instalación no solo satisfaga las necesidades actuales, sino que también anticipe futuros avances y desafíos únicos, como los obstáculos logísticos para llegar a comunidades remotas. En esta serie de cuatro partes, exploraremos las consideraciones estratégicas para planificar nuevas instalaciones de entrenamiento que aborden estas necesidades específicas, centrándonos en la presupuestación, la tecnología, la seguridad y la maximización de la inversión de una manera que resuene con las realidades de las comunidades latinoamericanas. Los bomberos en cada comunidad son la primera línea de defensa contra los desastres, y dependen en gran medida de su entrenamiento para enfrentar los desafíos que se presentan. Sin embargo, las restricciones presupuestarias pueden afectar significativamente el alcance y la calidad de este entrenamiento. Este post se adentra en estrategias de presupuestación innovadoras que aseguran que se puedan desarrollar instalaciones de entrenamiento efectivas sin comprometer las necesidades esenciales de los servicios de emergencia y bomberos. Exploraremos soluciones costo-efectivas que se adaptan a los desafíos financieros únicos enfrentados en las diversas comunidades latinoamericanas, asegurando que las inversiones sean prácticas e impactantes.

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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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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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Blog Feature

protecting live fire Training Instructors with LION TotalCare

Live Fire Training Instructors 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 chemical carcinogens that are contained in smoke and other products of combustion. With a commitment to safeguarding our trainers, LION TotalCare offers innovative solutions to mitigate these risks.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Blog Feature

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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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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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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