Video Review: Best New Products of 2011

We're always getting new products around here, and this year we thought it'd be nice to hear about a few of the best selling NEW items for 2011.

Since the year is coming to a close, it's a good chance to look back at a few of the hot-selling items and tell you about them. Our CEO, Jim Witmer does just that in the video below.

Interested in checking out any of the products featured?

Here they are:

FDNY Style 3D Hats

Channellock 87 

Fat Ivan

Polytac 90

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Have a Happy & Safe New Year!!

Best Seller: The Boston Leather Radio Strap

Every once in a while we like to feature some of our best selling products because it gives you a great idea of products other firefighters have come to use and love. One of those best sellers is the simple, yet efficient, Boston Leather Radio Strap.

Features:
*Heavy Leather Construction
*Adjustable Length
*Reversible For Left Or Right hand Use
*Rust Free Nickel Hardware
*Leather Loop for attaching your speaker mike.
*Leather Loop for attaching a cell phone or flashlight.

Advantages:
*Protects Your Radio from Heat and Water Damage
*Reduces Portable Radio Losses On The Fireground
*Keeps Your Speaker Mike Easily Accessible For Instant Communications
*Works With All Types Of Portable Radio Cases and Holders.

You just simply can't go wrong with the Boston Leather Radio Strap, and the many accessories that are available with it. 

If you don't own one of these, why not? Check out the details and information for purchase, here. 

What Was Your Favorite Gift?

Our offices and showroom are still off taking a break and enjoying this wonderful holiday season. Don't worry, we'll be back in the swing of things again on Wednesday.

But for now, we're wondering something...

What was your favorite gift you received this year?

Merry Christmas Wishes from our CEO

This year has been a success thanks to all of you! Some highlights from the year are as follows:

-The success of our Mobile website. We're the first in the industry to do it, and thank you for taking the opportunity to browse and shop from your cell phone with us.

-The launch of this blog. It's just another great way to connect with you, our readers and customers in a better and unique way.

-Our Facebook page. With well over 100,000 fans, we're able to connect with you, answer your questions fast, and keep you up to date on the hottest deals.

-The addition of our new warehouse. This has been key in the growth of our company and enabling us to better perform in getting your packages out to you fast and efficiently.

Thank you for another successful year, and we wish you the Merriest of Christmases.

-Jim Witmer-

CEO, Witmer Public Safety Group

On Location: TheFireStore takes a break for a party!

Every year here at TheFireStore and OfficerStore we take a short break and all gather together as a company for a few hours to celebrate the holidays together at our annual Christmas party. 

It's a great time where our CEO & President, Jim & Ruth Witmer like to take some time to reflect on the highlights of the last year, thank the wonderful employees that make this business tick, give away raffle prizes, and eat great food!

Everyone looks forward to the time to just take a break, catch up with their co-workers, win some prizes, and celebrate the holidays! 

This year they even threw in a bonus prize, where all employees were put into a drawing to win an iPad!  

Overall, it was a great time celebrating Christmas, our fabulous employees, and all the highlights of the last year!

Last minute gifts for the non-Firefighters in your life, we've got them, too!

I realize most of you reading are likely Firefighters, many of you who have family members who aren't necessarily in the fire industry that you're looking for great gifts for!

There's still time to find gifts for them, too---and even here at TheFireStore.com, we can help!

Supportive Jewelry

The FireFighter's Wife necklace shown above would be a great gift for the supportive woman in your life. She can show with a brilliant symbol around her neck just how proud she is of her husband. This is a gold plated brass, with a beautiful deep red background. To shop our jewelry, click here. 

POWERDECALS: Professional Sports Logo's

What about one of our POWERDECALS, but featuring their favorite professional sports team logo? We have those available, too! However, those are available by showroom purchase only or calling into our Customer Service line! Call today to order: 1-800-852-6088

Survival Straps

Any friend or family member would love the Survival Straps we have available. Unraveling one of these could potentially save a life, and within minutes provide you with 15 feet of military spec paracord! Purchasing specifically the stylish pink one (shown above) will help support breast cancer awareness, too. To shop many other colors, click here!

Leatherman Tools

I probably don't have to tell you how practical a Leatherman tool is for almost anyone on your Christmas list, but I will anyway. You cannot go wrong with a Leatherman for anyone who's into having a handy tool around. Shop our selection of Leatherman tools here. 

Surefire 9/11 Flashlight

You don't have to be a firefighter to appreciate the commemorative aspect to this amazing Surefire Exclusive 6PX Pro 9.11 Commemorative flashlight! Everyone needs a good flashlight around their home, and why not grab this one-of-a-kind beauty that also sends $5 from every purchase to the National Fallen Firefighters Association? Click here to check out the intricate details of this great flashlight!

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There you go! A few items you can purchase in time for your non-firefighter family and friends, with just a click of a button from TheFireStore.com. Don't forget, our Free Shipping Promotion is back on orders over $100! 

Please note our special shipping schedule when purchasing gifts!

To receive your order by or before 12/23, please note the following order deadlines (for in-stock items only): Ground: Sun. 12/18 by 11:59PM. 3-Day: Tue. 12/20 by 3:00PM. 2-Day: Wed. 12/21 by 1:00PM. 1-Day: Thur. 12/22 by 1:00PM.

On Scene: Shop with a Cop Recap

Last Saturday morning, 100 children from our local city gathered for breakfast at an elementary school, got handed their official Shop with a Cop t-shirt, met with a handful of police officers who volunteered their time, and then loaded up to head to the local Walmart.

Of course, they rode in style, as they had a parade, wailing with sirens and all on the 10 minute drive. All eyes were on them as they pulled into the shopping center that morning!

Within a few minutes, after a group picture, all the children and volunteers were in a private back room at the Walmart, eating snacks, coloring, and waiting for their number and name to be called for their turn to shop!

Pretty soon, the children with their partner (a local police officer) were off, with calculators in hand, $100 bucks, and the chance to Christmas shop for their friends and family. A few elves, and Santa, of course, even joined in on the shopping fun!

Overall, the event went off without a hitch! 100 children were given the opportunity to shop with a police officer, on a friendly basis, cultivating a good relationship between the police and the community. The kids were able to purchase gifts for their family, be part of a fun parade & breakfast, and be part of something they'll likely not ever forget.

With the help of donations from our employees for Jeans Friday's here at TheFireStore and OfficerStore, and the amount being matched, more children were able to participate this year.

We consider this event a success and a fun way to give back to our community!

Great Gift Alerts: Monopoly, Firefighters Edition

One of the perfect gifty-type items we have for Firefighters right now that would be perfect for the holidays is our Monopoly: Firefighters Edition.  

As you buy, sell and trade your favorite properties, you’ll need to use all of your fire and rescue skills to take command of the firehouses and headquarters on the board. If you succeed, not only will lives be saved and heroism rewarded, but you’ll get an instant promotion to Fire Chief!

This game is designed for firefighters, their friends and family, too. So be sure to have one of these under the tree for that special firefighter in your life.

Heck, once all the presents are opened, you can break out the game and get a little friendly family competition going.

As you can see from the picture above, our showroom is stocked with plenty of Monopoly's under the tree! So come on in and grab yours today or check it out online, here.

(Also available in EMS Edition and Law Enforcement Edition!)

On Scene Reviews: Streamlight Polytac 90 LED

-Our blog, On Scene with TheFireStore & The FireGeezer Blog are working together doing a review program of products we think you'll benefit from hearing an inside perspective. -

This review of the Polytac 90 light was completed by Engine 9; Lieutenant Bart Lace and (pictured) Technician Justin Doyle.

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The compact design and excellent illumination offered by the Streamlight Polytac 90 LED make it a respectable alternative to many hand-held flashlights currently on the market. 

We tried it out and used it for over two weeks in a variety of conditions, but always with the protective gear on.

The light can be worn in a variety of places to include a turnout coat, SCBA strap, and reflective clothing. 

It was always secure and did not present a problem with coming loose or shifting.

However, utilizing the lower clip on pliable or softer material (station uniform and some reflective vests) results in the top heavy bulb pointing downwards slightly. This was not an issue, though, for turnout gear, SCBA or when utilizing the top clip. 

We were very impressed with the intensity and carry of the light beam coming from such a small and lightweight unit.  These two photos taken inside the engine bay under near-darkness and with slight lighting show how well the beam travels and illuminates at a distance of about 35 feet.

The manufacturer's description says that it weighs 4 oz. and the batteries will last for 30 continuous hours in low-mode.  There is also a higher-intensity strength and a flashing setting.  We didn't run the batteries down, so we cannot verify the life span.  The light comes with the required two lithium batteries.  The LED bulb lasts virtully forever, 50,000 hours, so never needs replacing. 

Overall, we were quite impressed with the light and recommend it.

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To check out the Streamlight Polytac 90's on our website, click here.

Shop With a Cop, a video explanation & how we give back.

One of the things TheFireStore & OfficerStore feel very strongly about is giving back. It's important to our President & Vice President, Jim and Ruth Witmer to do so.

This particular program, Shop with a Cop is a really, really great one that Mr. Witmer tells you about in more detail on this video. It's one where he and his wife not only help financially, but also attend and help with the day's events. None of this would be possible without the help of contributions from our own employees, too!

So take a look at this short video to learn about a great program!

How are you giving back this holiday season?

Your #1 WishList Item, what is it?

Last week on our Facebook page we asked all of you what your #1 item on your Christmas Wishlist is this year. We got a really great response from you, and all sorts of great answers ranging from world peace to globe boots.

I decided to go through and tally all the comments to truly see which was the #1 item at the top of the majority of your Christmas Wishlists.

And that item was...

The N5A, NEW YORKER LEATHER HELMET!

I have to admit, the results weren't surprising. Being wow'ed with a leather helmet on Christmas morning would definitely be an amazing day for any Firefighter! 

It's your lucky day, though--because we're currently offering some of our N5A's for 15% off!! You do not want to miss this sale!

TO SHOP THE CAIRNS SALE, CLICK HERE.

So, if you didn't get the chance to weigh in on our Facebook post from last week, just what is the #1 item on YOUR wishlist? Or are you with the majority who would love to see the gift of Leather under the tree?

Click here to shop our Leather New Yorkers.

Your Gift Center Headquarters

TheFireStore likes to help make Christmas shopping as easy as can be on you. The talented people in our web department have made a really simple, easily navigable way for you to do your holiday shopping without missing a beat!

When you simply log into TheFireStore.com, just click on the very top, left link entitled ***gift center*** and you will see this image with clickable buttons that go directly to all sorts of great categories to help you get your shopping rolling, according to budget and all!

Looking for gifts for under $10? Right here is a good place to start.

What about those big, special, higher ticketed items? How about our over $150 section?

What about that breast cancer survivor in your life? Gifts for her, right here. 

Looking for stocking stuffers for the firefighter in your life? We got you covered.

So if you're ever struggling on where to start in selecting that perfect gift, our Gift Center is the place!

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Happy Shopping!

On Duty with Benn, Firefighter.

On Duty are posts in which we highlight employees of TheFireStore who are not only committed to serving our customers throughout the workday, but also spend their free time serving in the industry they love. 

What is your job at TheFireStore and what does it entail?


Quoting and preparing bids for federal fire, police and military organizations.
I have frequent contact with representatives of these organizations. I suggest products and answer their question about the goods they are looking to purchase.



In what line of service are you and for how long have you been serving?


I have been in the fire service for 27 years, I started as a Junior Fireman when I was 16 with the Penn Wynne Fire Company in Lower Merion Township. I am also an active fireman in the Brookline Fire Company in Delaware County.



What do you love most about being a Firefighter?


First and foremost I enjoy serving my community. I also enjoy the camaraderie and the brotherhood of the fire service. I have met many outstanding people and have maintained friendship through the fire service. My fire company works with special needs adults, I am always amazed at their excitement in seeing the fire equipment up close.



Do you enjoy working in the fire service in both your professional and personal life? Why?


I do because firefighting is one of my passions and I am lucky to be able to work my passion into my career. 



How have you felt your experience has helped you better aid our customers?


I feel my fire service experience has helped me tremendously because I use the equipment I sell. When customers have questions I am usually able to answer them based on my own experiences.