Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast

San Marcos (TX) Blocker 4

Chris Mc Loone sits down with Chief Les Stephens of the San Marcos (TX) Fire Department to discuss Blocker 4, the department's repurposed fire apparatus specifically for blocking the road at roadway incidents. While many departments choose to go with pumpers, San Marcos decided to repurpose an aerial truck, which is staffed 24/7.

Moving Water: Lessons Learned At FDIC International

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.

Calming the Chaos: Scene Lighting, DVI, and Safer Fireground Operations

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.

FDIC 2026: What We Learned

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/ [https://www.thefirestore.com/].

Talking Trucks: Social Media, Factory Training, and FDIC

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 [http://www.fireapparatus.com/fdic].