Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment

In this episode of Moving Water, Andy Soccodato and Bill Adkins share there experiences teaching a HOT class at FDIC International. They learned quickly that flexibility was key, and lessons learned include those from the attendees themselves.

Derek Zaremba, fire and EMS account manager, Whelen, joined Chris Mc Loone in this recent Podcast episode to discuss aspects of scene and warning lighting for fire apparatus.

The discussion starts around the concept of dynamic variable intensity (DVI), which is a lighting pattern designed to adjust the flash intensity and rate depending on the situation. Zaremba explains that how DVI uses a smooth ramp-up and ramp-down flash pattern rather to create a calmer environment on scene. At night, this means lowering intensity and slowing flash rates so responders can see clearly without overwhelming glare.

Regarding scene lighting, Zaremba explained the need for not only illuminating the entire fire scene, but also the area around the apparatus, including the front, sides, rear, and underneath—areas where firefighters exit, work, and retrieve equipment.

Zaremba also provides guidance for what fire departments should consider when spec’ing lighting for their next fire apparatus purchases. He focuses on budget, warranty and technological advances, considering the lifespan of a fire apparatus is 20 years or longer. He also stresses the importance of integrating with OEMs early in the build can streamline wiring and placement.

In this episode of the Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast, Editor in Chief Chris Mc Loone discusses what he learned about the impact of 2027 engines on apparatus design, stock rigs, and how AI is starting to be used in the fire service to help with generating reports.

Brought to you by our friends at https://www.thefirestore.com/.

In this episode of Talking Trucks, Chris Mc Loone and Ricky Riley tackle two topics: the importance of factory or dealer training when taking delivery of a new fire apparatus, the pros and cons of using social media to research your next rig, and what each is looking to learn at FDIC International 2026.

This episode of Moving Water addresses what is the reality for many fire departments across the United State: the necessity of keeping rigs 30-40 years old in front-line service. Andy Soccodato and Bill Adkins sit down with Chris Mc Loone to talk about factors these fire departments need to consider as their fire apparatus ages. Not everyone can afford NFPA compliance.

In this episode of the Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast, Chris Mc Loone discusses how FDIC education continues after the last classroom light is shut off and discusses some best practices for navigating the trade show floor.

Brought to you by our friends at TheFireStore.com.

**Contribute by visiting https://www.firehero.org/whelen-challenge/**

Partnering with the NFFF has emerged as a natural extension of Whelen’s mission. The foundation honors fallen firefighters and supports their families while promoting safety initiatives to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. Guertin points out that the NFFF’s work—such as distributing over $500,000 annually in scholarships for children of fallen firefighters—makes a tangible difference. Supporting this cause aligns with Whelen’s goal to make firefighting as safe as possible, recognizing that protecting responders also means standing with their families during difficult times.

Since late 2023, Whelen has run a giving initiative that donates $1 from every product sold to the NFFF and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). This program quietly channels consistent support from customers through their purchases. Whelen is using FDIC International as a focal point to significantly boost this effort. At FDIC International 2026, Whelen is matching all donations made via a specially designated QR code, up to $50,000, with the goal of raising $100,000 for the NFFF that week alone. This matching campaign doubles the impact of individual contributions and encourages wider participation.

If you cannot make it to FDIC International 2026, you can still contribute by visiting https://www.firehero.org/whelen-challenge/

If you’re at the show, look for the QR code at Whelen’s booth (3219) of the NFFF booth (8828) in Lucas Oil Stadium.

In this Episode of The Apparatus Workshop, Deputy Chief Zach Smith with the Syracuse (NY) Fire Department joins Nick Wilbur and Win Slauch to review NFPA 1900, the new apparatus standard that has been in effect since 2024, and with which fire apparatus coming off the line are now complying. Their talk highlights technical complexities, committee involvement, and practical advice for departments navigating these changes.

In this episode of the FAMA Forum, industry leaders Jason Witmier (FAMA president), Larry Daniels (director at large), and Adam Graves (marketing committee chair) joined Chris McLoone to provide an update on fire apparatus production conditions, supply chain challenges, labor issues, and upcoming events, including FDIC International and the Fire Apparatus Symposium.

New EPA engine rules for 2027 are forcing changes for fire apparatus. Apparatus builders are scrambling to fit additional aftertreatment components and bigger alternators into tight cab real estate. In this episode Chris Mc Loone and Ricky Riley walk listeners through practical steps departments should take now: put engines on order to avoid disappearing pre‑2027 inventory; demand granular CAD details from manufacturers (clear doghouse height/width, alternator voltage, under‑frame sit‑height, DEF canister placement); budget higher motor and parts costs into a maintenance “bank”; and expand parts inventories for multiple OEM DEF/alternator platforms to reduce out‑of‑service time.