Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment

Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment
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  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

The latest news, trends, and real-world insight on fire apparatus and emergency equipment. From new apparatus and technology to purchasing decisions and what works on the fireground, this podcast brings you the people, products, and ideas shaping the modern fire service. From Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment magazine.

  1. 4h ago

    Talking Trucks — Maintaining Your Manufacturer's Sanity

    In this episode Chris McLoone and Ricky Riley lay out practical, frontline advice for fire departments to work smarter with apparatus manufacturers. They cover the true cost and operational impact of late change orders, when dealer vs OEM work makes sense, setting expectations early, building a contingency “bank” into your budget, and sticking to proven specs when speed matters. They also discuss the salesperson’s role as advocate and demo vs. custom builds.

  2. 3d ago

    Debunking Relay Pumping Myths

    The latest episode of the Moving Water podcast tackles persistent misconceptions surrounding relay pumping. Hosts Chris McLoone, Andy Soccodato, and Bill Adkins challenge the common myth that relay operations are strictly meant for rural departments or extreme long-distance lays. Instead, they reframe relay pumping as an adaptable solution for overcoming friction loss and elevation changes, even during short-distance lays or urban booster-backup operations.   The hosts analyze common operational challenges, such as communication gaps, over-pressurizing attack engines, and using relay valves versus direct engine hookups. They also address how water supply officers streamline command and optimize fire flows. Packed with practical field insights and real-world anecdotes, this discussion offers actionable advice for pump operators working in any fire service environment.

  3. Sep 2

    The Apparatus Workshop: Change the Mission or Refurbish? 

    With apparatus lead times still long, fire departments face two practical options: change a vehicle’s mission or rehab/refurb an existing unit. This episode walks through the operational, training, weight, and budget considerations every chief, mechanic, and fleet manager needs to weigh. Learn how to evaluate an apparatus (NFPA 1910 inspections, frames, pumps, engines, transmissions, fluid analysis, aerial and pump tests), estimate realistic timelines and costs (typical refurb ranges and potential hidden repairs), and avoid common pitfalls like obsolete parts, inadequate shop capacity, or “go-away” pricing. We cover mission-driven choices—rescue-engine vs engine-rescue, ground ladder needs, and mutual-aid coordination—and the personnel and training impacts of adding equipment. Practical alternatives include buying used apparatus to trial a new mission or remounting ambulances. Emphasis returns to routine preventive maintenance and accurate weight/carrying-capacity analysis as the best way to extend service life. Actionable guidance to help you make informed, fiscally responsible apparatus decisions confidently today.

  4. Aug 25

    Talking Trucks: Aerial Options

    In this Talking Trucks episode, Chris McLoone and Ricky Riley walk through practical choices departments face when specifying aerial apparatus. They cover legacy hydraulic controls vs. electronic/multiplexed systems (and tip-mounted controls), prepiped waterways vs. removable/electric nozzles, jack styles and spread, tip-load tradeoffs, weight/axle impacts, and the training and staffing consequences that follow each choice. Ricky stresses on-site familiarization, asking manufacturers for weight and turning-radius data, and planning for the long service life of ladders.

  5. Aug 21

    HiViz CEO Sam Massa Provides Supplier Update

    Hi‑Viz Lighting CEO Sam Massa lays out a developing supply‑chain dispute with a large supplier (Amotiv) that could affect delivery of lighting used by North American fire apparatus manufacturers.  For more information and updates, visit https://fightforamericaslight.com/.

  6. Aug 5

    Beyond Protection: What Firefighters Should Demand from Today's Helmet Designs

    For decades, helmets were evaluated primarily on protection. Today, departments should also evaluate balance, stability, cleanability, fit range, and operational performance. For more information, visit www.bullard.com.

  7. Jul 31

    Why Departments Are Choosing Fouts Rescues

    Discover what sets the Fouts Fire rescue line apart in today's fire apparatus market. In this episode, we discuss how Fouts Fire is helping departments get the rescue trucks they need faster without compromising quality, customization, or service. Learn about our approach to manufacturing, the features that matter most to first responders, and why more departments are choosing Fouts Fire for their next rescue. For more information, visit www.foutsfire.com.

  8. Jul 27

    From Uncertainty to Action: A New Tool for EV Rescue Operations

    Electric vehicles can appear completely silent and inactive while still being capable of movement. For firefighters operating around a damaged EV, that uncertainty creates a significant safety challenge. In this episode, Midtronics EV Safety expert Joshua Linton joins Brett Bigger of Noble IQ, a former firefighter, to discuss the unique challenges first responders face at EV incidents. They explore why verifying a vehicle's mobility status and safely immobilizing it are critical during rescue operations, and how the xIM-100 provides an added layer of protection by helping responders quickly confirm that an EV cannot move unexpectedly. If listeners would like to learn more about the product, visit: https://evimmobilizer.midtronics.com/fire/ Midtronics website: https://www.midtronics.com/ Noble IQ website: https://www.noble.com/nobleiq

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The latest news, trends, and real-world insight on fire apparatus and emergency equipment. From new apparatus and technology to purchasing decisions and what works on the fireground, this podcast brings you the people, products, and ideas shaping the modern fire service. From Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment magazine.

Information

  • Creator
    Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    184
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment
  • Show Website
    Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment

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