Brandon Beeson at MES Life Safety

08/20/2026

Here is a heads up for those that have been asking

Governor DeWine and Ohio EPA Director John Logue announced today that Ohio will expand its program to destroy firefighting foam made with dangerous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Governor DeWine is directing more than $13 million from Ohio's recent DuPont settlement to Ohio's Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Takeback Program. Since launching in 2024, this first-of-its-kind initiative has destroyed more than 13,500 gallons of toxic foam submitted by 118 fire departments and two airports in Ohio.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, exposure to PFAS has been found to affect the immune system, increase the risk of certain cancers, impact fertility, and affect the growth and behavior of infants and children. Fire departments across the country primarily used AFFF to smother flammable liquid fires, but many switched to PFAS-free alternatives after studies found that PFAS compounds also cause long-term contamination of water, soil, and air.

Ohio EPA estimates at least 60,000 gallons of toxic AFFF remain in storage across the state. Eligible fire departments, emergency management agencies, and airports can register foam for destruction through September 4, 2026.

The first round of the AFFF Takeback Program was funded with $3 million in settlement funds that Ohio received as part of the state’s polychlorinated biphenyl enforcement case against Monsanto, initiated by then-Attorney General DeWine in 2018. Ohio EPA awarded the funding to Revive Environmental to permanently destroy the material using Battelle’s PFAS Annihilator technology.

The AFFF Takeback Program is part of Governor DeWine's overall strategy to reduce PFAS exposure in Ohio. In 2019, Governor DeWine ordered the development of a PFAS Action Plan to sample Ohio's public drinking water systems for specific PFAS compounds. He also launched a statewide survey to assess PFAS prevalence in Ohio’s large rivers. Governor DeWine signed a bill banning the use of AFFF in firefighter training exercises in 2022.

08/13/2026

There is a reason Hurst doesn’t use Big Box batteries. There are many reasons why Hurst eDraulics outperform the competition. Contact your local MES representative to experience the Hurst difference for yourself

Behind every cut and spread is a system built to respond when conditions get tough.

HURST Jaws of Life proprietary batteries are designed with advanced firmware that controls how the battery protects itself; helping guard against overheating, over-discharge, and system stress during high-demand extrications.

Because we control that firmware, we can continue improving how our batteries perform as technology evolves.

It’s smart design that holds up when it matters in the field.
👉 Learn more about our batteries!
🔗 https://ow.ly/uclY50ZznGj

08/07/2026

I’m proud to work with both of these departments! It doesn’t matter if you’re career, part-time or volunteer, we are here to save lives when they are on the line!

Fire Fighters are called to perform in the most challenging moments, and this rescue is a powerful reminder of that commitment in the service of our communities.

Great job by Canton Firefighters IAFF Local 249 , Kyle Gallagher, and the rest of Canton Fire for their efforts in this dramatic rescue.

Special recognition to Bolivar Fire Department members Sarah Valentine and Ashley Curtner, who were first on scene and whose immediate actions made a difference in the outcome.



International Association of Fire Fighters

🔗for article: https://tinyurl.com/yc3y3cnm

08/07/2026

Are your department’s EMS bags worn out or not designed for modern EMS? Check out the MERETline of EMS bags available through MES. https://meretusa.com

07/29/2026

Thank you to Liberty Twp. FD (Trumbull County) for trusting MES and Hurst Jaws of Life with your extrication tool needs! If your department is in the market for new tools, contact your local MES representative to see the Hurst difference firsthand.

07/24/2026

It’s a gorgeous day to support the Shiloh Fire Department at their annual Ox Roast if you’re in the area (and worth the drive if you’re not!). I think the crowd at 11:30 already surpassed the 619 population of Shiloh.

07/19/2026

Thank you to Washington Twp. Volunteer Fire Department and the Homeworth Fire Department for continuing to trust MES and 3M Scott Safety! Contact MES for all of your department’s SCBA needs!

Washington Twp. Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce the receipt of a $157,000 federal grant dedicated to upgrading our SCBA’s and RIT Pack. This grant was used to purchase 16 brand new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs and all-new masks, and RIT pack, ensuring the highest level of safety for our firefighters.
SCBA are a crucial piece of firefighting equipment and safety. These new packs have approximately 45 minutes of clean, breathable air, allowing firefighters to safely do their jobs in searching for victims, fire extinguishment, ventilation, overhaul, HAZMAT situations, and confined space rescue scenarios. A RIT pack is used in a situation of needs for a Rapid Intervention Team, to recuse a downed, or lost firefighter. A RIT pack contains its own air bottle, with approximately 60 minutes of air, as well as face piece in the event that a firefighters SCBA fails, or a downed victim needs fresh air.
With firefighter safety top of mind, the $157,000 award also provides immense financial relief to the local community. With the funding of this grant, previous, current and future levy money, graciously voted on by our fantastic supporters, can be allocated towards other needs by the department, such as structural firefighting gear, tools, truck and equipment maintenance and other necessities, without putting strain on our current levy money.
We appreciate the hard work by those who put together the request for the grant. Without their hard work, research, knowledge and efforts, the acceptance of this grant would not have been possible. These SCBA’s and RIT pack will be a great piece of safety equipment, not only to the residents of Washington Township, but the other communities we provide mutual aid to. As always, we appreciate your continued support!

07/15/2026

Day 2 of ! Stop by from 10:00-2:00 to see the latest products from MES!

07/14/2026

Your Ohio MES representatives are all set up for the 2026 Ohio Officer Development Conference in Columbus!