Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast

Talking Trucks: Heavy Rescues

In this episode of Talking Trucks, Chris Mc Loone sits down with Ricky Riley to break down the complexities of heavy rescue truck design. They explore fundamental decisions that fire departments face—crew cab configurations, walk-in versus walk-through bodies, and single versus tandem axles—highlighting how equipment types and mission requirements shape these choices. The conversation delves into customization of compartments, weighing the benefits of tailored tool storage against the risks of over-specialization, especially given the evolving nature of rescue gear. They also tackle modern trends like battery-powered cordless tools and question the necessity of traditional generators. Drawing on real-world experience and on-the-ground insights, Ricky offers practical advice for departments aiming to build durable, mission-focused rigs that balance innovation with adaptability.

Lighting Specification with SoundOff Signal

In the realm of fire apparatus specification, one of the most important things to get right, yet one of the most difficult to understand sometimes, is lighting. Firefighters are well accustomed to understanding gallons per minute and pounds per square inch, but lux and lumens are not always terms easily understood, nor is understanding the nuances of getting a scene light, for example, to shine light where you think it will. Along the way there are numerous types of lights, among them silicone lighting; National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliance; and writing the specs themselves. But, companies like SoundOff Signal offer support when specifying the lighting on your next rig. 

View this Podcast at: https://youtu.be/b19uCcyGISI.

EPA 2027 Engines: What to Ask Your Manufacturer

The engine and apparatus manufacturers can offer more information on what to expect for EPA-compliant engines scheduled for 2027. Every apparatus manufacturer could have different approaches to working around new engine configurations. Here's information you should ask your manufacturers for.

Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech and TheFireStore.

Inside the Safe Fleet Education Platform

In a recent episode of the Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment podcast, Chris Mc Loone sat down with Safe Fleet’s Director of Education and Technology, Jason Witmier, to discuss the educational resources Safe Fleet provides for the fire service. The program includes tools and programs designed to improve firefighter knowledge and operational safety. The goal is education first—helping firefighters understand how nozzles, pumps, foam systems, lighting, and other apparatus components actually function in real fireground scenarios.

Talking Trucks: the Shift Toward Practical Rigs

During this episode of Talking Trucks, the conversation between Chris Mc Loone and Ricky Riley focused on whether or not there has been a shift toward building more practical fire apparatus in recent years, even before the current apparatus purchasing atmosphere.

Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech and The Fire Store.

The Role of Modern Cleaning Technology to Reduce Toxin Exposure

In this episode of the Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment Podcast, Chris Mc Loone sat down with Jamie Little, director of market development at Rescue Intellitech. Their discussion covered the company’s approach to firefighter gear cleaning and decontamination, the health risks firefighters face, and the role of modern cleaning technology in reducing exposure to toxins.

While technology is critical, Little emphasized that firefighter behavior remains the biggest challenge to exposure reduction. He admitted firefighters often delay cleaning their gear due to turnaround time or underestimating contamination extent—especially after seemingly minor calls. But he warned that even kitchen fires can produce the dirtiest chemical residues.

Learn about Rescue Intellitech and the cleaning technology available to reduce your firefighters' exposure to contaminants in this episode of our Podcast.

FEMSA Focus: What's Happening in D.C.?

In this episode of FEMSA Focus, David Durstine and Dave Russell, both on the joint FAMA/FEMSA Government Affairs Committee (GAC), provide an update on how the Government shutdown will impact programs like the AFG program and entities like the USFA and NFA. They both express the importance of engaging with your Congressional representatives and senators as well as provide ways firefighters can get involved and how to speak with one, unified voice.

Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech and The FireStore.

The Apparatus Workshop: ISO Ratings and Your Specs

Fire departments across the country constantly balance operational needs, community safety, and budget realities. One critical factor often influencing these decisions is the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating. This episode covers ISO criteria, its relationship with fire apparatus specifications, and practical guidance to help fire chiefs and apparatus officers make informed decisions that optimize both ISO scores and operational effectiveness.

Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech and The FireStore.