Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast

What sets the Fire Apparatus Design Symposium apart from other fire service conferences and trade shows is its focus on deep education and open dialogue with industry experts. Unlike typical trade shows that primarily emphasize product sales, the Fire Apparatus Design Symposium dives into technical and practical aspects of apparatus design, helping attendees navigate complexities like engine chang...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Ferrara, founder of US Fire Pump, to discuss how the company has evolved far beyond manufacturing fire pumps into becoming a global leader in industrial firefighting solutions. From engineering some of the world’s largest mobile fire pumps to deploying industrial firefighting teams capable of flowing tens of thousands of gallons per minute, US Fire Pump is r...

Chris Mc Loone and Halen Kirby, Whelen's European regional sales manager, discuss the nuanced differences between North American and European fire apparatus, how certification standards and operational requirements influence vehicle lighting designs across continents, and how things like V2V and DVI are influencing the European market.

In this episode of Moving Water, Chris Mc Loone, Andy Soccodato, and Bill Adkins go back to back to the basics of moving water. Is there really that big a difference between 4 inch and 5 inch hose? Booster backup opinion? How do you make sure you "have enough water" for what you're trying to do? Check in on the discussion in this month's episode of Moving Water.

In this episode of The Apparatus Workshop, Lieutenant Matt Cardozo (PGFD) joins Nick Wilbur and Win Slauch to cover engine specifications from the nozzle all the way back to the pump. The discussion covers nozzle tips, hose sizing, pump considerations, and the balance between volume and maneuverability on the fireground.

Chris Mc Loone sits down with Chief Les Stephens of the San Marcos (TX) Fire Department to discuss Blocker 4, the department's repurposed fire apparatus specifically for blocking the road at roadway incidents. While many departments choose to go with pumpers, San Marcos decided to repurpose an aerial truck, which is staffed 24/7.

In this episode of Moving Water, Andy Soccodato and Bill Adkins share there experiences teaching a HOT class at FDIC International. They learned quickly that flexibility was key, and lessons learned include those from the attendees themselves.

Derek Zaremba, fire and EMS account manager, Whelen, joined Chris Mc Loone in this recent Podcast episode to discuss aspects of scene and warning lighting for fire apparatus. The discussion starts around the concept of dynamic variable intensity (DVI), which is a lighting pattern designed to adjust the flash intensity and rate depending on the situation. Zaremba explains that how DVI uses a smooth...

In this episode of the Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast, Editor in Chief Chris Mc Loone discusses what he learned about the impact of 2027 engines on apparatus design, stock rigs, and how AI is starting to be used in the fire service to help with generating reports. Brought to you by our friends at https://www.thefirestore.com/ .

In this episode of Talking Trucks, Chris Mc Loone and Ricky Riley tackle two topics: the importance of factory or dealer training when taking delivery of a new fire apparatus, the pros and cons of using social media to research your next rig, and what each is looking to learn at FDIC International 2026 .

This episode of Moving Water addresses what is the reality for many fire departments across the United State: the necessity of keeping rigs 30-40 years old in front-line service. Andy Soccodato and Bill Adkins sit down with Chris Mc Loone to talk about factors these fire departments need to consider as their fire apparatus ages. Not everyone can afford NFPA compliance.

In this episode of the Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast, Chris Mc Loone discusses how FDIC education continues after the last classroom light is shut off and discusses some best practices for navigating the trade show floor. Brought to you by our friends at TheFireStore.com .

**Contribute by visiting https://www.firehero.org/whelen-challenge/** Partnering with the NFFF has emerged as a natural extension of Whelen’s mission. The foundation honors fallen firefighters and supports their families while promoting safety initiatives to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. Guertin points out that the NFFF’s work—such as distributing over $500,000 annually in scholarships f...

In this Episode of The Apparatus Workshop, Deputy Chief Zach Smith with the Syracuse (NY) Fire Department joins Nick Wilbur and Win Slauch to review NFPA 1900, the new apparatus standard that has been in effect since 2024, and with which fire apparatus coming off the line are now complying. Their talk highlights technical complexities, committee involvement, and practical advice for departments na...

In this episode of the FAMA Forum, industry leaders Jason Witmier (FAMA president), Larry Daniels (director at large), and Adam Graves (marketing committee chair) joined Chris McLoone to provide an update on fire apparatus production conditions, supply chain challenges, labor issues, and upcoming events, including FDIC International and the Fire Apparatus Symposium.

New EPA engine rules for 2027 are forcing changes for fire apparatus. Apparatus builders are scrambling to fit additional aftertreatment components and bigger alternators into tight cab real estate. In this episode Chris Mc Loone and Ricky Riley walk listeners through practical steps departments should take now: put engines on order to avoid disappearing pre‑2027 inventory; demand granular CAD det...

Electric vehicle (EV) fires have reshaped firefighting tactics and challenged departments nationwide. This Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast featuring Buddy Hayes and Matt Faden of Turtle Fire dives into these challenges with insights from frontline firefighters from the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department. Their invention—the Turtle Low-Profile Nozzle—addresses the unique hazards EV f...

In the latest episode of Moving Water, with Andy Soccodato and Bill Adkins discuss water tank specifications, sharing insights relevant for both urban and rural departments. Whether urban or rural, careful consideration of tank size relative to tactics, rig design, driver skill, and local infrastructure makes all the difference between arriving ill-equipped or ready for action.

There are a number of lawsuits that are getting attention from the press with at least one being a class action. But, before you jump on board, look at what the end game is and if that end game will actually get you your rig faster. Try to connect the dots. It might not be that easy.

Chris Mc Loone recently sat down with Chris Watkins, technology sales manager for Whelen, to discuss the evolution and impact of intelligently controlled emergency vehicle lighting. The conversation offers a look at how modern technology is transforming the way emergency responders use lighting—not just for visibility, but also for safety and efficiency. Here are three key takeaways from their det...

In this episode of the Apparatus Workshop, hosts Nick Wilbur and Win Slauch discuss setting the stage for the preengineering and the final inspection. This means requesting very specific information from your chosen manufacturer like turning radius reports as well as being very specific about angles of approach and departure. They also discuss how customization does not necessarily mean increased...

Leadership and culture are discussed in many fire service circles today, and understandably so. Every fire department has its own challenges recruiting and retaining, but they often go beyond leadership and culture. If the desire to be a firefighter is not there, then leadership and culture don't matter. And while leadership and culture are critical, what often creates great culture is the pride w...

Purchasing modular fire apparatus allows fire departments to acquire new fire apparatus quicker and often at a lower cost than taking the custom route. In this Podcast episode, Deputy Chief Adam Chiles, White Cloud (MI) Area Fire-Rescue; Chief Dan Munsey, San Bernadino (CA) County Fire; and Chief of Training William Andrews, Chattanooga (TN) Fire Department share their recent experiences purchasin...

Chris Mc Loone and Ricky Riley have talked about how to navigate the current apparatus purchasing environment, how to spec rigs, etc. But in this episode, they discuss what's on their wishlists for fire apparatus.

This episode of Moving Water covers cold weather challenges that require foresight, solid apparatus design, and deliberate training. Andy Soccodato and Bill Adkins make it clear that keeping water moving, protecting vulnerable components, and understanding vehicle mobility in winter conditions are the pillars of reliable firefighting when temperatures drop below freezing.