Chris Mc Loone shares some thoughts on the start to 2025, including the rig vs. train story that went viral just as 2024 ended.

In this episode of The Apparatus Workshop, Nick Wilbur and Win Slauch are joined by Tim Kern and John Morris of the Baltimore (MD) Fire Department to tackle tiller truck training and operations.

Rescue Squad 820 was delivered to the Prince Georges County (MD) Fire/EMS Department in August 2024. With tool mounting complete, personnel are now training to drive and operate the new rig. Chris Mc Loone and Ricky Riley discuss features of the rig, how it is designed to keep it in service, and the pride and craftsmanship that went into mounting the rig's equipment.

When it comes to purchasing in 2025, there are a few things to keep in mind especially starting early and being patient. Apparatus crashes continued to be prevalent during 2024, but of particular concern were the number of apparatus vs. apparatus crashes. Finally, don't forget the trades in 2025.

Brought to you by our friends at TheFireStore and USSC Group.

Andy Biron, frequent contributor to The Rig (www.rigspot.com), joins Chris Mc Loone to talk about pump maintenance from the perspective of the EVT and makes recommendations for what end users can do to keep their rigs out of the shop with pump issues as well as PM fire departments can and should perform and more.

Andy Soccodato and Bill Adkins take a look back at various training evolutions from 2024 through numerous photos and share teaching points from each one.

Brought to you by our friends at TheFireStore and USSC Group.

In Part 1 of this deep dive into Tiller Trucks, Nick Wilbur and Win Slauch speak with Chief AJ McCarthy, Longwood (PA) Fire Company and Assistant Chief AJ McCarthy, Arlington County (VA) Fire Department, about the how's and why's involved with getting a tiller truck into your station and navigating one through your first due.

Brought to you by our friends at TheFireStore and USSC.

As it turns out, the topic of blacked-out rigs can often become as emotional as rear- or mid-mount aerials or smooth bore vs. combination fog nozzles. Rest assured, our panel of Ricky Riley, Nick Wilbur, and Robert Tutterow stay calm as they discuss this trend.

Just a few words on the domino effect that can occur based on a single decision you make on your next rig that you might not have been aware about.  There are tradeoffs, as we've mentioned before, but you can also set off a chain reaction with decisions you make for the rig that could ultimately impact the price of your new fire apparatus. Also on this episode is what I'm thankful for down at the firehouse.

Brought to you by The Fire Store.

There's been a lot going on at Snap-tite Hose recently that you might not know about. Join Chris Mc Loone and Jim Novinsky, CEO, Snap-tite Hose, to learn more about the company's new leadership and culture, new business development and the how positive changes have affected the future of the business.

For more information, visit www.snaptitehose.com.