Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast

Talking Trucks: Rig Design with Maintenance in Mind

On this episode of Talking Trucks, Chris Mc Loone and Ricky Riley discuss maintenance considerations apparatus purchasing committees should take into account during the design process, maintenance tasks that can be done at the company level, mechanic participation on the apparatus committee, and more.

Moving Water: Equipping Reserve Rigs for Water Delivery

This episode of our Moving Water podcast discusses ways that fire departments can take reserve pumpers and turn them into units specifically used to move high volumes of water. Of course there are caveats. Learn all about it in this month's Moving Water episode.

TIC Talk: Using a Thermal Imager for Size-Up

TIC use for size-up has changed over time as technology has evolved. Learn about specific features of today’s TICs that can make size-up more effective and efficient, how to communicate what firefighters see on the screen, and more in this episode of TIC Talk.

FEMSA Focus: Technology? Maybe--Not No

In this episode of FEMSA Focus, Chris Mc Loone sits down with Kevin Sofen and David Eskew to discuss how FEMSA addresses technology changes in the market, overcoming the technology gap, technologies used outside the fire service they want to see adopted here, and more.

The Apparatus Workshop: Weight

This episode of The Apparatus Workshop features Nick Wilbur and Win Slauch discussing the myriad facets of apparatus specifying that tough on weight from the time it lands in your department, to the time it leaves, and everywhere in between.

Thoughts on Idaho and Not Losing Heart

The Idaho shootings on June 29, 2025 combined with losing  a firefighter to cancer the same week might lead some to become disheartened, but the whistle still blows, and we must remember why we do what we do, especially to keep the memories of those we've lost alive.

TIC Talk: Training Drills

The significance of rigorous and consistent training with thermal imagers cannot be overstated. While immersive drills involving simulated fires and technical rescues are crucial, there are numerous quick and effective training exercises that can be incorporated into the daily duties of firefighting personnel. The message is clear: fire departments do not always need elaborate setups to enhance their skills with TICs. Learn more about various training drills you can use today in this episode of TIC Talk.

Talking Trucks: Low Hosebeds

A recent YouTube Short by Ricky Riley on Low Hosebeds got a lot of attention and more than a few comments on social media. In this episode of Talking Trucks, Ricky Riley and Chris Mc Loone address a number of the responses to this video and share insights on designing pumpers to accommodate lower hosebeds, including overall length, compartment style, and tank size/configuration considerations.