August 13, 2004

Ferrara Proudly Introduces the "Complete Air Bag Protection System"

NEW ORLEANS, LA IAFC-Chris Ferrara, President and CEO of Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc. in Holden, LA proudly introduces the new Ferrara "Complete Air Bag Protection System ", or C.A.P., the industry's safest, most-reliable occupant retention system.

In keeping with our 20 year commitment, Ferrara Fire Apparatus has consistently focused on designing and manufacturing Emergency Fire and Rescue Vehicles with one key factor always at the forefront, FIREFIGHTER SAFETY! , "We have always strived to engineer and design our complete line of apparatus utilizing the latest technology available combined with innovative ideas and premium materials to insure maximum firefighter safety", said Chris Ferrara, President and CEO. "We make every effort to consider all variables that you, the firefighters, may encounter in the dangerous conditions and adverse environments as you unselfishly protect the lives and property of others".

In 2003, Ferrara successfully completed months of testing on the Structural Integrity and Occupant Safety of our Inferno/Igniter Custom fire cabs. We used one of the worlds most comprehensive and rigorous safety standards, the Economic Commission for Europe Structural Standards also known as (ECE-R29) the benchmark for crash testing in the commercial trucking industry.

The test, conducted by certified aerospace engineers, placed weights weighing ten metric tons (22,000 pounds) on the roof of our cab to test the vertical load limits as required by ECE-R-29. Our 6061T-6 interlocking roof superstructure and extruded aluminum sub-frame supported the load without any damage or failure to the occupant compartment.

Next, we performed a frontal impact test to simulate the impact of a head-on collision. A 3736 pound pendulum subjected the front of the cab to forces 127% greater than that required by ECE-R29. To pass this rigorous test, the cab must not sustain damage beyond the point where the crew survival space is compromised. The robust design of our cabs and the precise manufacturing practices we insist on resulted in only minor damage to our cab and structural integrity was preserved.

Never being satisfied with only meeting the standards, we then placed 65, 979 pounds on the cab roof, 33 metric tons, three times and the ECE-R29 requirement, something no other fire apparatus manufacturer had ever attempted to insure we exceeded the standards. Once again the Ferrara Inferno/Igniter cab incredibly supported this massive load without sustaining any damage or failure of the crew area convincing us that we had achieved our goal of building the Strongest Cab in the Industry

Keenly focused on new ideas and Innovation, we strive to enhance our products day in and day out and after
months of research and development, we are proud to present our new Complete Airbag Protection System or C.A.P., the industry's safest, most reliable occupant retention system.

While others protect only the front occupants with inflatable devices, we offer complete protection for up to six firefighters with side rollover airbags and supplemental safety devices.

When rollover conditions occur, the C.A.P. system simultaneously deploys in a pre-calculated sequence, a multitude of occupant safety devices designed and engineered to insure maximum firefighter safety and minimize the opportunity for firefighter injury. Available to all occupants as additional protection by advanced seat belt restraints that automatically tighten the lap and shoulder belts when vehicle rollover is imminent.

The Complete Airbag Protection System is comprised of many technologically advanced occupant safety protection devices to provide a complete airbag protection system to provide superior safety and protection.

All seating positions, both forward and rear facing are completely protected during rollover conditions.
The C.A.P. side roll protection system shall activate and deploy when the side roll sensor detects an imminent rollover. The system features an Inflatable Head Curtain that will deploy at both the front occupant seating locations and the rear facing crew positions. An Inflatable Tubular Structure shall deploy at the forward facing outer jump seats in the crew area.

All seating positions can be equipped with integrated buckle pretensioners that automatically remove excess slack from the seat belts when rollover conditions are detected.

Ferrara continues to "Lead the Way" by providing innovative products and services to enhance firefighter safety. We accept our role as the industry's most progressive and innovative manufacturer. We embrace the opportunity to design safer more efficient emergency fire and rescue vehicles and we accept the challenge to be the best!

Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of fire and rescue apparatus. Located in Holden, LA and founded by Chris Ferrara in 1982, Ferrara builds a complete line of fire apparatus including Aerial Ladders and Platforms, Custom and Commercial Pumpers and Rescues, Haz-Mat and Quick Attack vehicles as well as Ferrara's own custom fire chassis' the Inferno and Igniter featuring IFS independent front suspensions and heavy duty 4- wheel drive.