Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment

Fire departments need strong relationships with both elected officials and equipment manufacturers to protect funding, make informed purchasing decisions, and meet operational needs.Chris Mc Loone shares key takeaways from the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA) annual meeting, covering two issues that matter to fire departments: advocating for federal funding and building stronger relationships with equipment manufacturers.Chris discusses the importance of educating elected officials about the SAFER and Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) programs, particularly as new members of Congress take office. He also explores why successful equipment purchases depend on more than price and product specifications.Drawing on his own experience, Chris explains how trust, flexibility, and an understanding of local operating conditions can help departments and manufacturers work together to find solutions. From purchasing PPE and SCBA to specifying fire apparatus and providing feedback on new products, the goal is a lasting partnership that benefits both the fire service and the industry.The message is simple: Be a partner, not a customer.Subscribe to Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment for more discussions on apparatus, equipment, technology, and fire service operations.This episode is brought to you by RESCUE Intellitech: https://www.rescueintellitech.com/en-us/products/solo-rescue/?utm_source=clarion-fire-apparatus-emer...This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: TheFireStore.com

As fire apparatus manufacturers continue reducing backlogs, departments are beginning to see shorter lead times and more delivery capacity across the industry. In this episode of the FAMA Forum, FAMA President Jason Witmier and Marketing Committee Co-Chair Adam Graves join Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Editor-in-Chief Chris Mc Loone to discuss 2026 fire apparatus ordering and delivery trends, program truck options, refurbishment strategies, and what departments should expect heading into 2027.The discussion also examines upcoming EPA 2027 emissions standards, how new engine requirements could affect apparatus design, potential impacts on compartment space and vehicle packaging, and why manufacturers and engine suppliers are still working through implementation timelines.Topics include fire truck lead times, apparatus purchasing trends, program trucks, apparatus refurbishments, factory expansions, engine updates, and planning for future fleet replacement needs.

Modern fire departments face massive challenges. Chris Mc Loone explores the importance of EVTs, how manufacturers are working to bring lead times down while offering options to get fire departments their rigs faster and how technology is playing a role in fleet maintenance.He highlights historical resilience—such as FDNY mechanics piecing together damaged rigs to maintain city coverage after 9/11—and modern solutions, like regional EVT networking and mobile repair units used during California wildfires. On the manufacturing front, companies are investing hundreds of millions into plant expansions, automated processes, and stock programs to shave months off delivery schedules. Looking ahead to upcoming technology shifts, McLoone examines how predictive maintenance tools, connected vehicle diagnostics, and data collection are transforming fleet management.

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.

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.