Partnering with Ottawa Fire Services on a Forward-Thinking Fleet Upgrade

August 18, 2025

By LESLIE AND ASSOCIATES

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It’s been a pleasure working alongside Ottawa Fire Services on their latest fleet upgrade — a forward-thinking investment in advanced lighting and control technology designed to enhance safety, visibility, and scene awareness. At the heart of this upgrade is the Whelen CenCom CORE-R system, representing just 1–2% of the total apparatus cost.

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When paired with a complete Whelen Advanced Lighting System, this small percentage becomes one of the most valuable investments a department can make — delivering cutting-edge safety capabilities, lifetime product protection, and a measurable return on operational readiness.

‍The Advanced Lighting System Advantage

Smart Control with CenCom CORE-R & CV2V: Integrated into the truck’s multiplex system, the CORE-R controller — enhanced with CV2V vehicle-to-vehicle synchronization — allows every equipped vehicle in the fleet to operate in perfect harmony, maximizing scene safety and traffic awareness.

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NFPA-Compliant, Multi-Mode Operation: Designed to meet the most current NFPA 1901 standards, Ottawa Fire’s system delivers three specialized lighting modes:
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Clearing Right of Way: High power for maximum presence.
Day Blocking of Way: High power with Dynamic Variable Intensity.
Night Blocking of Way: Low power with Dynamic Variable Intensity, triggered automatically by the LCPHOTO photocell.

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Collaboration from Spec to Delivery

This project is the result of close collaboration between Leslie & Associates, local dealers, and OEM partners. Our team works directly with OEM engineering to:
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Integrate lighting systems seamlessly into OEM-specific products and multiplex networks.
Align control functions with the OEM’s operational design for a factory-level fit and finish.
Ensure apparatus dealers have the training and documentation needed for consistent, NFPA-compliant builds.
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By partnering from the design phase to final delivery, we ensure Ottawa Fire’s apparatus meet the highest standards for safety, performance, and reliability.

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Expert Support from Leslie & Associates

Our territory representatives help departments design NFPA-compliant lighting packages that perform in both high-power and low-power environments. This ensures:
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Optimal scene illumination without glare or wasted energy.
Mode-specific output tailored for clearing, blocking, and nighttime operations.
Standardized performance across the fleet for easier training and maintenance.

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Lifetime Warranty on Core Components

Every key component — Mini Freedom Duo WCX, M Series, M-V Series, Pioneer Plus, and Rotabeam — is backed by Whelen’s lifetime warranty, eliminating replacement costs and ensuring uninterrupted service life.

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The Value in Numbers

1-2% of Apparatus Cost → Delivers advanced control, compliance, and safety.
Fleet-Wide Standardization → Simplified training and consistent operations.
Lifetime Warranty → Zero lighting replacement costs for the life of the truck.
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See Ottawa Fire’s Advanced Lighting System in action — Watch the fleet demonstrate synchronized lighting, advanced control, and scene management.

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