Fire Ready Enterprise: Innovating Firefighter Tools for Efficiency and Safety
, by Melissa Cordle, 5 min reading time
Firefighters face countless challenges on the fireground, and one of them is efficiently carrying essential tools. That’s why I founded Fire Ready Enterprise LLC—to provide a hands-free method of carrying a Halligan tool. Throughout my career, I have witnessed numerous fire scenes where firefighters struggle to carry forcible entry tools while completing essential fire ground tasks. It is of utmost importance for firefighters to have these tools readily accessible. This led me to embark on a mission to find a solution that is both safer and more efficient. Unfortunately, my extensive search proved unsuccessful. However, after a year filled with designing and prototyping, I successfully developed the FRE Tool Shoulder Strap – the first-of-its-kind in the industry.
The Birth of the FRE Shoulder Strap
Based on the foundation of the FRE Tool Shoulder Strap Patent Pending design, several new straps evolved. The straps have proven to be a secure way to marry irons and carry either over the shoulder or by hand when needed. These straps are the most secure way to fit any sized Halligan or axe. The universal design tightly secures all brands and different styles of tools that marry together. The large Velcro straps allow for a quick, easy, and safe removal of the tools when needed.
Innovations in Firefighter Webbing
With a technical rescue background, we frequently use carabiners for quick attachment points. Most firefighters across the country carry some form of webbing in their gear. I set out to design a Firefighter Personal Webbing to be used with a carabiner. We developed a 15’ section of 1” tubular webbing with sewn-in 8” loops on either end. These loops were manufacturer-tested to hold 4,000 lbs to match the tensile strength of the webbing. The end loops allow the webbing to be quickly connected to form a 7’ loop or disconnected to use the full 15’ webbing.
We went even further to add a center loop marked with white reflective material. This webbing is meant to replace and improve upon any firefighter’s personal carry webbing. It is designed for hoisting, tying off equipment, leverage, securing doors or ladders, victim or firefighter drags, and securing hose for portable standpipes. No more having to tie knots with work rope! Even better, the webbing rolls up tight and comes with an elastic band to secure it in your pocket. The webbing will deploy the same way every time so there won’t be any knots or guessing when you need it most.
Continuous Product Improvements
Fire Ready Enterprise was built on the determination to improve upon ourselves and the equipment we use. That philosophy remains and is demonstrated through our continuous product improvement program. The FRE Irons Marrying Strap will now include an elastic band built in to remain secure to the axe when the tools are separated.
We are almost complete with the design of a Universal Hose Strap that is completely adjustable from 23” to about 36” to accommodate any size hose load. There is also a 5’ Universal Hose Strap backbone piece designed to hold all the hose straps together. This backbone piece was designed to be used with any brand 2” hose strap on the market. Simply slide the hose straps in at any of the five locations within the 5’ strap.
Partnering with a Trusted Manufacturer
Fire Ready Enterprise has partnered with an American-based company that specializes in medical and fire rescue equipment. They are professional manufacturers for 3M products, including Scott Air-Pak straps and the Scott RIT-Pak. I believe it is essential to partner with a manufacturer who has proven they too have Pride In Performance.
Looking Ahead
At Fire Ready Enterprise, we remain committed to innovating and refining tools that improve efficiency, safety, and effectiveness for firefighters. Our goal is to continue developing products that help first responders operate at their best. Stay tuned for upcoming product enhancements that will further improve fireground operations.
About Dan Imhoff
My name is Dan Imhoff. I have been in the Fire Service since 2009. Currently, I hold the position of Lieutenant at Sarasota County Fire Department in Florida. Additionally, I’m a member of the Special Operations team, including HazMat technician and technician certified in high-angle rescue, confined space, trench rescue, Vehicle and Machinery Rescue (VMR), and operations-level structural collapse. I am also a state-certified paramedic. I have achieved my Incident Safety Officer certification to aid in safety on scene and at training. Lastly, I am a state-certified instructor and actively teach within the department. Iron sharpens iron, so we must continue to improve ourselves and others around us.
