Rig Recon Live

Elkhart Brass, FRC, FoamPro, ROM

Obsessed with Fire Trucks? We are too! Join us on Rig Recon Live as co-hosts Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier discuss the industry's hottest topics. Featuring the industry's top names, this podcast covers everything apparatus related including new products, spec designs, fire truck tactics, industry headlines, and much more. Make sure you sign up for notifications as new episodes release monthly.

  1. 8 MAY

    Fire Truck Refurbs with Bulldog Fire Apparatus

    On Rig Recon Live, hosts Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier talk with Jason Davis of Bulldog about fire apparatus refurbishments and how “refurb” can range from repainting and reconfiguring compartments to new chassis, rebuilt engines/transmissions, aerial teardown/inspection, and even replacing frame rails. Davis explains Bulldog’s process involving sales, in-house engineering, fabrication, and paint, noting that refurbs often reveal hidden issues like corrosion only found after disassembly, requiring clear upfront communication. They discuss re-chassis projects, typically using Spartan, with raw chassis lead times around six months to a year, plus complications from modern emissions packaging and multiplex electrical systems that may not interface with older body controls. Savings versus new can be roughly 20–40% depending on scope, and they close with top considerations: budget, trusted vendor capability, and timeline. Chapter Markers: 00:00 Refurb Demand Rising 01:30 Rig Recon Live Intro 01:54 Meet Jason Davis 03:20 What Refurb Really Means 05:33 Common Refurb Types 07:03 Rechassis Process 07:59 Hidden Surprises Found 09:43 Chassis Lead Times 10:43 Cost Versus New Rig 13:38 Codes Emissions Wiring 17:58 Paint Matching Pitfalls 20:21 Fabrication Capabilities 23:35 Facilities Storage Workflow 25:31 Misconceptions Frame Rails 28:47 Top Three Takeaways 32:34 Final Thoughts Wrap Up More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/ Send us Fan Mail

    34 min

  2. 17 ABR

    Fire Apparatus Suspensions 101 with Bob Albano

    On Rig Recon Live, hosts Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier interview Bob Albano of Hendrickson Fire about fire apparatus suspension and why it matters beyond comfort; protecting firefighters, electronics, cab/chassis, and keeping trucks in service over long lifecycles. Bob outlines front options (beam/straight axle with multi-leaf or parabolic springs, and independent front suspension via air or mechanical torsion) and rear options (multi-leaf/parabolic, rubber ride, and air ride), emphasizing how front and rear should work as a system and how wheel travel affects handling and stopping by keeping tires in contact with the road. He discusses durability issues driven by corrosion and “rust jacking” in long-leaf springs, benefits of parabolic springs and zinc-rich coatings, air-ride stigma and serviceability, load-leveling advantages, and how tire pressure and maintenance capability influence ride complaints and spec decisions. Chapter Markers: 00:00 Tradition vs Innovation 01:14 Show Intro and Sponsor 01:59 Meet Bob OB Bono 03:44 Why Suspension Matters 05:07 Front Suspension Options 06:23 Rear Suspension and Air Ride 07:50 Handling and Stopping 09:20 Corrosion and Spring Failures 11:13 Parabolic Springs Upgrade 12:14 Rear Setup and Matching 14:23 Air Ride Myths and Maintenance 17:56 Dumping Air and Ride Height 19:06 Preventing Corrosion 20:30 PM Schedules and Costs 23:12 Spec Advice and Wrap Up 25:04 Final Takeaways and Outro More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/ Send us Fan Mail

    27 min

  3. 13 MAR

    Engineering Expertise for Modern Fires with Jerry Herbst

    On Rig Recon Live, hosts Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier talk with the Godfather of Brass Tacks Hard Facts, Jerry Herbst, about how fire apparatus should be viewed. Small mistakes in pressure and flow can get firefighters hurt, burned, or killed. Herbst explains how “Know Your Flow” training emphasizes accuracy over guesswork, validates real-world friction and plumbing losses, and builds rig-specific pump charts. They discuss how mixed fleets, presets, and nozzle designs can hide inadequate flow. The conversation also covers standpipe operations, valve types and standards, common installation and vandalism issues, and critical high-rise bag equipment. Chapter Markers: 00:00 Fire Engine Plumbing Basics 01:29 Show Intro and Housekeeping 02:12 Meet Jerry Herbst 03:14 Fire Service Origins 05:05 Know Your Flow Overview 07:03 Accuracy Over Pressure 09:59 Classroom to Field Setup 12:35 Rig Flow Testing Method 13:45 Pump House Plumbing Loss 19:37 Flow Meters and Standards 21:17 DIY Pump Charts 22:10 Target Flows and Presets 24:27 Small Errors Add Up 25:28 Flow Meter Reality Check 26:48 Nozzle Design Tradeoffs 27:31 Go No Go Stream Test 29:28 Confidence To Pursue Reality 29:54 Standpipe Basics And Risks 31:48 Valve Types And Standards 33:37 Common Standpipe Mistakes 38:18 Standpipe Bag Essentials 41:50 Drain Elbow Origin Story 45:27 Top Three Takeaways 48:09 Final Thoughts And Wrap More - https://rigrecon.com/ Socials - https://rigrecon.com/apparatus-trends/social-media/ Send us Fan Mail

    50 min

  4. 27 FEB

    Ask Why: Smarter Fire Apparatus Choices with Bruce Griffin

    Rig Recon Live hosts Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier are joined by retired Ottawa Fire Captain and Apparatus Consultant Bruce Griffin to discuss why fire departments should challenge apparatus decisions with a clear “why” rather than “that’s how we’ve always done it.” Griffin shares experience designing Ottawa’s fleet, including studies on reflective striping (highlighting wheel wells for vehicle recognition), ergonomics improvements like flip-down cab steps, and compartment lighting choices to preserve night vision. The conversation covers how customization beyond common manufacturer options increases engineering time, cost, and delivery impacts, with an example of an overly customized blitz line compartment that could have been done more simply. Griffin explains how copying features from other departments can fail across different manufacturers and designs, citing issues like recessed handrails, mirror choices, and a medical compartment positioned too high due to chassis venting. They discuss operational tradeoffs such as large tip-mounted aerial floodlights creating dangerous gaps and snag hazards, programming lighting to avoid blinding drivers in fog/snow, disabling backup alarms for neighborhood impact, and situational use of sirens versus “liability” misconceptions. Griffin also explains why “Made in Canada” claims require 51% Canadian content and how Canadian apparatus depends heavily on U.S. components. The episode examines rising apparatus costs through examples like blackout packages costing more on fire trucks due to prep, paint, and warranty, and emphasizes weighing morale/pride benefits against nonessential spend. Griffin closes with top considerations for specifying apparatus: right-sizing the rig for local conditions and water needs, prioritizing parts availability and maintenance support over lowest bid, and ensuring the truck supports efficient fire attack, with an Ottawa firefighter survey example showing how a few negatives can overshadow many improvements. Chapter Markers: 00:00 Blackout Package Costs 01:51 Show Intro Housekeeping 02:43 Meet Bruce Griffin 03:55 Asking Why Matters 05:36 Ottawa Build Lessons 07:14 Visibility Ergonomics Tweaks 09:19 Customization vs Stock 10:22 Night Vision Lighting 11:55 Blitz Line Compartment 15:08 LinkedIn Design Pitfalls 17:21 Recessed Handrail Example 19:40 Spec the Why 20:42 Aerial Tip Light Hazards 22:53 Situational Awareness Codes 23:56 Lighting and Backup Alarms 25:09 Liability Story Setup 25:29 Siren Liability Debate 27:28 Warning Devices Done Right 29:04 Made in Canada Rules 31:18 Why Fire Trucks Cost More 32:21 Blackout Package Costs 35:57 Tank Gauge Spec Choices 37:30 Hose Bed Design Lessons 39:54 Top Three Spec Priorities 45:00 Final Wrap and Thanks More Content - https://rigrecon.com/ Send us Fan Mail

    47 min

  5. 13 FEB

    Tanker Operations with Henry Lovett

    Join hosts Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier on this episode of Rig Recon Live as they discuss efficient tanker operations with water flow expert Henry Lovett. Delve into the challenges and best practices of rural water supply, including optimal setup for dump sites and fill sites, the advantages of utilizing turbo draft devices, and effective ways to maintain continuous water flow during fire operations. Henry shares his insights from decades of experience in both volunteer fire service and the manufacturing side, offering valuable tips on tanker specifications, hose connections, and strategic planning. Don't miss this in-depth conversation aimed at improving your department's water shuttle efficiency. Subscribe and hit the post notifications to stay updated on future episodes! Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping 01:44 Meet Henry Lovett: Water Supply Expert 03:26 Understanding Tanker Shuttles and Water Flow Efficiency 04:36 The Evolution of Tankers: From Milk Trucks to Purpose-Built Vehicles 07:34 Dump Systems: Round vs. Square Dumps 21:34 Optimizing Fill Sites and Mutual Aid Coordination 28:57 Tank Fills and Valve Options 29:52 Ergonomics and Safety in Firefighting 32:23 Efficient Water Shuttle Operations 33:37 Realistic Training for Rural Water Supply 36:02 The Rural Hitch: A Game Changer 45:42 Turbo Draft and High Lift Operations 49:42 Top Three Tips for Efficient Water Shuttle Setup 51:00 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/ Send us Fan Mail

    53 min

  6. 30 ENE

    The Art of the War Wagon with Kyle Romagus

    In the Season 3 debut of Rig Recon Live, hosts Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier are joined by experienced firefighter Kyle Romagus. With 24 years in the fire service, Kyle shares insights on apparatus design, effective hose management, and the importance of pre-planning for unpredictable fireground conditions. The episode delves into the concept of 'War Wagons' – versatile and well-equipped engine companies ready to tackle any firefighting scenario. Tune in as Kyle discusses the benefits of different types of nozzle setups, the strategic placement of hand tools, and the critical aspects of specifying a fire apparatus. Sponsored by Elkhart Brass, this episode is a must-watch for anyone involved in firefighting and apparatus specification. Don't miss out on practical tips and expert advice to optimize your firefighting strategies. 00:00 Introduction and Pre-Planning Challenges 01:39 Welcome to Rig Recon Live 02:57 Guest Introduction: Kyle Ramus 03:36 Defining the War Wagon 06:18 Attack Lines and Pre-Connects 12:15 Nozzle Preferences and Considerations 16:15 Apparatus Design and Hose Bed Heights 21:43 Hand Tools and Equipment Layout 25:42 Ladder Racks and Equipment Storage 26:13 Balancing Rescue and Firefighting Capabilities 26:50 Challenges in Apparatus Design 27:31 Rapid Deployment and Fast Attack Lines 27:46 The Benefits of the RAM XD 30:14 Deck Guns and Their Operation 32:26 Electric Valves: Pros and Cons 33:26 Behind the Scenes of Brass Tacks Filming 37:56 Top Three Takeaways for Specifying a Vehicle 43:57 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Send us Fan Mail

    46 min

  7. 19/12/2025

    In the Field with Andy Plofkin: Education, Innovation, and Fire Service Solutions

    In this episode of Rig Recon Live, Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier host Andy Plofkin, Director of North American Regional Sales at Elkhart Brass, to delve into the extensive experience and services offered by the FEI team. Andy shares insights from his 42 years in the fire service and discusses the critical aspects of fire apparatus maintenance, including Know Your Flow classes, LED lighting upgrades, and roll-up door troubleshooting. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to upgrade or maintain their fire service equipment. Follow us on social media @RigRecon, and visit rigrecon.com for all the latest apparatus information. Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Social Media Shoutout 01:36 Meet the Guest: Andy Plotkin 01:54 Andy Plotkin's Fire Service Journey 02:55 Defining Moments in Andy's Career 04:17 Elkhart Brass and Field Team Overview 05:30 Regional Managers and Their Roles 06:38 Equipment and Capabilities of the Field Team 16:46 Know Your Flow: Importance and Execution 24:55 Understanding Hose Pressure and Performance 25:38 LED Lighting Upgrades for Aging Rigs 32:31 Maintenance Tips for Roll-Up Doors 37:01 Foam System Maintenance and Sizing 42:12 Success Stories and Final Thoughts More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/ Send us Fan Mail

    49 min

  8. 05/12/2025

    Hose Loads and Fire Attack Strategies with Brian Brush

    Join Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier in an exciting episode of Rig Recon Live as they discuss the intricacies of fire apparatus specifications with industry legend Brian Brush. This episode covers the importance of rig specs, hose loads, cross lays, and effective deployment strategies. Listen to Brian's insights on the exponential engine model, quick attack high flow lines, and the significance of detailed planning in apparatus design. Perfect for anyone involved in fire service operations, training, and apparatus committee work. Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Social Media Shoutout 00:27 Introducing the Guest: Brian Brush 00:52 Brian Brush's Background and Experience 02:23 Brass Tacks Hard Facts: Recording Challenges 02:47 Modified Minuteman Load and Cross Lays 03:35 Single Stack vs Double Stack Hose Loads 09:26 Cross Lay Height and Pump House Design 12:18 Plumbing and Hose Load Considerations 16:58 Cheater Hose and Deployment Strategies 21:26 Slide Out Trays and Hose Repacking 24:39 Final Thoughts on Specifying Trucks 26:10 Pistol Grip and Hose Specifications 26:57 Introduction to the Exponential Engine 27:28 Fire Attack Model and Equipment 29:46 Supply Line Strategies 31:57 Quick Attack High Flow Line 32:33 Smooth Bore vs. Fog Nozzles 34:12 Portable Master Streams 42:10 Hose Load and Pre-Connect Package Considerations 46:41 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/ Send us Fan Mail

    51 min
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Obsessed with Fire Trucks? We are too! Join us on Rig Recon Live as co-hosts Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier discuss the industry's hottest topics. Featuring the industry's top names, this podcast covers everything apparatus related including new products, spec designs, fire truck tactics, industry headlines, and much more. Make sure you sign up for notifications as new episodes release monthly.

Información

  • Creador
    Elkhart Brass, FRC, FoamPro, ROM
  • Años de actividad
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodios
    31
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rig Recon Live
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Rig Recon Live

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