Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast

Moving Water: Cold Weather Operations

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.

Lighting Specification for Fire Apparatus

In this episode of the Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast, Chris Mc Loone sits down with John Sestrom, product manager at Whelen Engineering, to discuss getting more value out of the lighting you spec on your apparatus, how to measure visibility and what measurements really matter, and what Whelen is doing to address challenges that exist with “white lighting” for fire trucks. They’ll touch on how to put light where it matters and what departments should look for when selecting lights for their next rigs. Learn about how determining the application for the light actually drives lighting selection.

Thoughts As 2026 Gets Going

In this Podcast episode, Chris Mc Loone shares his thoughts for departments planning new fire apparatus orders during 2026. He highlights the upcoming 2027 EPA engine regulations requiring new aftertreatment systems that will affect the design of pumpers, aerials, and rescue trucks—specifically impacting compartments behind the pump panel and possibly the cab layout—urging fire departments to engage manufacturers early to understand these changes and avoid surprises during build. He also suggests reviewing NFPA 1900 requirements for seating and to be proactive in data collection.

 

Brought to you by our friends at the REV Fire Group.

Industrial Rigs: A Different Breed

From oversized pumps and foam capacity to aerial waterway innovations and collaborative mutual aid, industrial rigs represent a specialized firefighting approach tailored to high-hazard, large-scale incidents. Municipal departments that coexist with industrial targets can benefit immensely by understanding these capabilities and limitations. 

Brought to you by our friends at the REV Fire Group.

Firefighting Foam Technology and Its Advantages

Firefighting foam technology represents a key element of the evolving fire service toolkit—one poised for broader integration in coming years. Modern fluorine-free foams address critical environmental concerns while maintaining or even improving firefighting effectiveness. Their deployment promises not only tactical advantages on the fireground but greater protection of property and community health. Join Chris Mc Loone and Kurt Becker, chief operating officer, Solberg, the firefighting foam division of Perimeter Solutions, as they discuss firefighting foam technology, foam’s advantages for structural firefighting, and resources at Perimeter Solutions learn about foam.

The Apparatus Workshop: Compartments

This episode of the Apparatus Workshop serves as a primer on fire apparatus compartments. Whether building a new rescue engine, aerial, or squad, understanding compartment dimensions, equipment needs, and collaboration with stakeholders is critical to creating a functional and durable fire apparatus that serve the department well for years to come.

Brought to you by our friends at the REV Fire Group.

Talking Trucks: the Allison Hook & Ladder Co. No. 2

Antique rig and vintage fire station preservation collide in this episode of Talking Trucks with Chris Mc Loone, Ricky Riley, and Firefighter Jason Lloyd as they explore Harrisburg's (PA) Allison Hook & Ladder Co. No. 2 and its B-Model Mack tractor-drawn aerial.

Brought to you by our friends at The REV Group.

Caring for PPE According to NFPA 1850

In this Podcast episode, Chris Mc Loone speaks with Jesse Moy, Senior VP of Sales at Groves, Inc., discuss now NFPA 1850 is changing the way departments approach PPE cleaning and decon, how departments can design or upgrade their decon facilities, the importance of science-based decontamination products, and how technology and education will continue to shape firefighter health and wellness initiatives across departments.