Episodes

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
FDIC 2025 and the Broader Fire Apparatus Context
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
In this episode, Chris Mc Loone comments on FDIC International 2025 and how the rigs on display fit the broader context of the current fire apparatus purchasing environment. In addition, he questions whether we are designing rigs for today's younger operators given the host of technologies available to us, for example, electronic pump controls.

Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
The Apparatus Workshop: Tiller Trucks Part 3
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
In this episode of the Apparatus Workshop, Nick Wilbur, Win Slauch, and guest Steve Crothers of TractorDrawnAerial.com do a deeper dive into specifying tiller trucks including maneuverability and wheelbase, compartment design and access, technology integration, and training.

Monday Apr 14, 2025
Water Delivery at FDIC International 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Chris Mc Loone and Andy Soccodato discuss FDIC 2025, common threads that emerge at Andy's classes, heavy hookups for hydrants, the takeaway Andy wants all his students to have at the end of his classes, and more.

Monday Mar 31, 2025
Moving Water: Supply Lines
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
In this episode of our Water Delivery Podcast, Bill Adkins and Andy Soccodato join Chris Mc Loone to discuss getting the maximum flows to your fireground and how your supply line choice (5", 4", 3", etc.) can impact the gpm you receive at the scene of a fire. They'll discuss the topic from both rural and urban/suburban perspectives and will also delve into some of the designs behind the pump panel to consider to ensure you deliver maximum flows.
Brought to you by our friends at The Fire Store.

Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
FAMA Forum: Apparatus Industry Insights
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
FAMA representatives sit down with Chris Mc Loone to discuss the current state of fire apparatus purchasing, including a brief history of how we've gotten to where we are, lead time updates, solutions from apparatus manufacturers, and more.
Brought to you by our friends at The Fire Store.

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Talking Trucks: Overall Length and Tool-Equipped Bumpers
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Chris Mc Loone and Ricky Riley discuss how the PGFD was able to reduce the OAL of two of its newest tillers as well as front bumper considerations.
Brought to you by our friends at The Fire Store.

Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Prepping for FDIC International 2025, Stock Rigs, Apparatus Purchasing Planning
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Chris Mc Loone provides some pointers for navigating FDIC International, the potential emergence of stock rigs, and some tips for timing the planning for your next rig.
Brought to you by our fiends at The Fire Store.

Monday Mar 03, 2025
The Apparatus Workshop: Budgeting
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Apparatus Workshop hosts Nick Wilbur and Win Slauch discuss best practices for budgeting in today's apparatus purchasing environment. This podcast episode sheds light on best practices, safety requirements, budgeting challenges, and the often-overlooked long-term costs associated with fire truck procurement. Brought to you by our friends at The Fire Store.