In this Rig Recon Live episode, Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier discuss fire apparatus camera systems, starting with code requirements: backup cameras moved from an NFPA 1901 appendix recommendation to a requirement in NFPA 1900 effective January 2024, while older rigs aren’t required to be updated unless certain refurbishments apply. They explain retrofit options, especially wireless systems, and common issues like incorrect power taps, signal interference, and glitches at high speeds. The hosts compare single, two-, three-, and four-camera setups and explain 360-degree and six-camera systems that blend images for better corner visibility, including an “outrigger view” feature for aerials. They cover recording capabilities, storage, cloud/upload challenges, local retention laws, and argue recording can protect departments, noting video/ambulance use and HIPAA concerns.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Why Cameras Matter

01:24 Show Intro Housekeeping

01:52 NFPA Backup Camera Rules

04:11 Retrofit Older Apparatus

06:49 Wireless Setup Pitfalls

09:31 Choosing Camera Configs

12:55 360 Birdseye Systems

16:39 Recording Basics Storage

19:12 Why Record Liability Proof

20:24 Cloud Upload Live View

24:38 Legal HIPAA Concerns

26:58 Top Takeaways Wrap Up

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Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier discuss hose bed storage and hose retention systems on fire apparatus, focusing on attack and supply hose and what NFPA requires. They explain how incidents—including a crosslay launching and damaging vehicles and a fatal case where a five-inch coupling killed a child—drove NFPA to add mid-cycle retention requirements, later broadened, and how hose storage moved from minimum hose amounts to minimum cubic footage. They cover practical design and deployment considerations such as varying true hose diameters by manufacturer, packing methods affecting storage space and nozzle placement, securing bumper wells and crosslays, slide-out trays, and simple retention options like Velcro straps versus tarps, lids, or doors. For supply hose, they emphasize coupling clearance, heavier retention needs, and cover/door tradeoffs. Key takeaways: plan for future hose changes, don’t remove retention, and design systems that reduce climbing and work.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Tragedy Sparks Change

01:21 Show Intro and Housekeeping

02:06 Hose Beds Overview

02:53 NFPA Rules and History

06:43 Sizing Hose Storage Right

09:06 Attack Hose Wells and Lids

10:47 Loading Crosslays Safely

14:42 Retention Systems That Deploy Fast

18:42 Nozzle Fit and Crosslay Design

19:30 Supply Hose Storage Basics

21:23 Supply Hose Retention and Covers

25:19 Top Three Takeaways and Wrap

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Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier discuss why fire apparatus weight matters beyond OEM specs, emphasizing liability after crashes, vehicle longevity, and handling safety. They explain how NFPA requires OEMs to weigh the finished truck with full fluids and account for fixed items, personnel (250 lbs per seat), and estimated equipment by storage volume, but not the real-world variability of loaded compartments and hose choices. They highlight how exceeding planned hose loads—especially five-inch supply hose—can quickly add hundreds of pounds, and why users must communicate actual intended loads to the OEM. They recommend using FEMA’s Apparatus Cube Calculator to estimate equipment weight/volume and plan distribution left-to-right and front-to-back to avoid skating, longer stopping distances, and rollover risk, especially on aerials, rescues, tankers, and mini pumpers. They note ROM roll-up doors can reduce overall weight, warn that being underweight can hurt ride/braking, and close with takeaways: be transparent with OEMs, weigh trucks in service (and recheck over time), and replace tires after seven years per date code.

Chapter Markers: 

00:00 Liability When Overweight

01:30 Show Intro Housekeeping

02:13 Why Apparatus Weight Matters

04:27 NFPA Weighing Basics

07:46 Hose Loads Can Surprise

09:49 Planning Tools Cube Calculator

13:22 Balancing Weight For Safety

15:57 Which Rigs Are Most At Risk

18:13 Roll Up Doors Weight Savings

20:04 Underweight And Mini Pumpers

23:22 Three Takeaways And Wrap Up

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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