The following are excerpts from the June 2009 Issue of Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Magazine.Observations From FDICKeeping It SafeBy Robert Tutterow; Safety Director of NCAn item of interest that was not being exhibited, but was found on two or three rigs (including Phoenix) was the installation of Xenon HID (high intensity discharge) headlight kits. These are the lights that have a blue tint that have been available on high-end automobiles such as Mercedes and BMW. Kits are now available for most any vehicle, including fire apparatus. The manufacturer claims the lights produce three times more light, greatly increased peripheral vision, use 40 percent less amps and last three to five times as long as regular lights. Most importantly, they claim visibility in inclement weather is its biggest advantage because it does not create road glare (bounce back) on wet roads.Xenon HID IncentivesThe Phoenix Fire Department is equipping all new apparatus with the lights and already has 65 of the units in service. The feedback from the field has been very positive, according to Division Chief John Simmons. At about $1,000 a truck, many departments may be reluctant to consider them. However, the manufacturer has incentives for departments to give them a try. Information about the lights can be found at http://www.brightheadlights-hid.com/Xenon-HID-Fire-Trucks.htm. This is definitely a product in the category of "seeing is believing."