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In this episode of Rig Recon Live, Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier focus on warning light technology and what to consider when speccing a new apparatus, including an announcement that FRC is entering the warning light market after decades in scene lighting and electronics. They review how NFPA 1900 breaks warning lights into upper/lower zones and four quadrants (A front, B officer side, C rear, D driver side), how colors and modes differ for calling vs blocking right-of-way, and why state laws may further restrict colors like blue. They discuss issues like overusing lights, avoiding cab glare, brightness and dimming strategies (hardwired vs multiplex), LED lens/optic advances, compliant flash rates and pattern risks, syncing patterns across vehicles via global clock or V2V, and emerging HINVI technology to enhance visibility of reflective gear in low-visibility conditions. Chapter Markers: 00:00 Why Specs Matter 01:09 Show Intro and Where to Follow 01:58 Warning Lights and FRC Teaser 02:47 FRC Approach and Light Basics 04:32 NFPA 1900 Zones and Colors 08:41 Too Many Lights and Cab Glare 10:16 Brightness and Dimming Options 12:43 LED Tech and Optics 14:40 Flash Patterns and Compliance 16:54 Syncing Lights and V2V 20:13 HINVI UV Safety Tech 23:51 Top Three Spec Tips and Wrap More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/ Send us Fan Mail

Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier welcome Jason Nickelson, Fleet Administrator for Mesa Fire and Medical, to discuss managing a large, diverse fleet and spec’ing apparatus for extreme Arizona conditions. Nickelson outlines Mesa’s fleet (about 250 total units, including 70 apparatus and 30 ambulances) and primary manufacturers (Pierce, E-One, Horton). He explains how Mesa standardizes key chassis components across brands to simplify maintenance, supported by a large parts room and regional service contracts. Emphasizing “we’re a preventative maintenance shop,” he describes Mesa’s OEM-focused PM model, long service-life expectations, and replacement timelines. The conversation covers heat-and-dust challenges, including HVAC importance, cooling-system maintenance, tint, and roll-up door considerations. Nickelson also shares early lessons from Mesa’s E-One Vector electric fire truck, focusing on cooling systems, noise/quiet operation, and clean-cab SCBA storage, then offers top spec priorities: maneuverability, support, ergonomics, and cab comfort. Send us Fan Mail

Rig Recon Live hosts Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier talk with Chief Poitras of the Limestone Fire Department in northern Maine about ordering the department’s first new fire truck in 30 years. Poitras shares his background as a third-generation chief and fleet mechanic, outlines Limestone’s rural coverage (including contracted service to Caswell) and reliance on water shuttle due to limited, low-flow hydrants, and explains how call trends drove them to design a rescue-style pumper. The committee gathered member input, studied neighboring rigs, and prioritized safety, efficiency, and “boots on the ground” features like speed lays, pull-out trays, accessible hard suction, a powered ladder rack, extensive LED scene lighting, roll-up doors, and a trash line. They chose a Metal Fab body on an International HV607 chassis, discussed technology upgrades (electronic governor, air primer, tank gauges, Fireman’s Friend fill valve, automatic transmission), budgeting to a $540,000 cash purchase, procurement/negotiation lessons, and plans to return to a long-term replacement rotation. Chapter Markers: 00:00 Used Truck Workarounds 01:13 Show Intro and Guest 01:54 Chief Poitras Background 04:37 Keeping Old Rigs Running 05:33 Department and Coverage Area 08:17 Why a New Truck Now 10:05 From Used to Custom Spec 11:55 Spec Process and Priorities 14:18 Safety and Efficiency Features 19:07 Learning New Tech 20:19 Big Tech Upgrades 21:47 Automatic Transmission Shift 22:51 Automatic Transmission Benefits 23:40 Tank Gauges Upgrade 24:28 Firemans Friend Valve 26:09 Chassis Builder Selection 28:29 Spec Revisions And Fitment 32:01 Bidding Versus Negotiation 35:28 Budget Cuts And Addons 40:31 Replacement Rotation Planning 45:00 Top Three Takeaways 47:43 Closing Remarks And Wrap More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/ Send us Fan Mail

Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier discuss fire apparatus pump panel design, emphasizing end-user specifications that improve usability, maintenance, and apparatus size. They compare manual push-pull valves, rack-and-sector, and handwheel controls, highlighting mechanical advantage, slow-close requirements, handle locking, and layout tradeoffs that can affect wheelbase. They address electric valves, explaining past reliability issues, modern redesigns for high-pressure wet environments, a 10-year electronics/gear warranty, added cost, cleaner/smaller panels, diagrammatic layouts, and advanced position/auto functions. The episode covers plumbing considerations such as realistic bend expectations, drain placement to prevent frozen gauges/sensors, and where pressure gauges are tapped to avoid misleading readings. They review crosslay swivel placement options and “cheater” hose sections, then explain flow meter benefits and requirements, including straight-run needs and multi-point calibration for accuracy. Final advice stresses standardization flexibility, realistic valve sizing/flow expectations, testing, and keeping panels intuitive for operators. Chapter Markers:  00:00 Electric Valves Evolution 01:12 Show Intro and Where to Listen 01:35 Pump Panel Design Overview 02:01 Why Specs Still Matter 03:09 Manual Valves and Water Hammer 04:41 Push Pull Setup Tips 07:00 Panel Layout vs Apparatus Size 08:32 Handwheel Controls Pros and Cons 10:30 Electric Valves Benefits 14:07 Diagrammatic Panels and Smart Controls 15:46 Plumbing Layout and Gauge Taps 19:53 Sponsor Break 20:17 Crosslay Swivel Placement Options 23:34 Flow Meters Benefits and Limits 28:21 New Tech and Display Features 31:37 Top Three Takeaways 35:08 Wrap Up and Final Plug More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/ Send us Fan Mail

On Rig Recon Live, Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier follow up their episode on rising apparatus costs by outlining practical ways departments can control the price of their next rig. They discuss using OEM “stock,” “retail,” or program units with common options instead of extensive customization, and emphasize that labor-intensive features can raise costs, using roll-up versus hinged compartment doors as an example. They note new technology isn’t always more expensive, citing FRC’s Radiant lighting redesign as brighter and less costly than Spectra. They recommend aligning body and pump house designs with OEM standard sizes and components, asking what is truly needed (including valve sizing and number of discharges), and communicating early with multiple OEMs. They warn that late spec changes and change orders can become very costly due to backlogs, engineering “stage gates,” and already-purchased parts. Chapter Markers: 00:00 Why Before You Spec 01:28 Show Intro and Setup 03:17 Program Units Explained 05:46 Saving on Doors 07:50 Tech That Lowers Cost 10:07 Standard Body Dimensions 11:56 Pump Panel Cost Choices 15:23 Sponsor Break 17:14 Avoid Change Orders 21:34 Top Three Takeaways 23:17 Design for 80 Percent 24:21 Wrap Up and Next Steps More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/ Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Rig Recon Live, Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier break down why fire apparatus costs have risen sharply in recent years and why comparisons to mass-produced cars miss the reality of highly customized, labor-intensive fire truck builds. Using real examples, they note a custom pumper that cost about $625,000 in 2015 versus a similar well-equipped stock unit around $925,000 today, with aerials now commonly $1.5M+ and tractor-drawn aerials nearing $2M. They attribute increases to higher labor and employer healthcare costs, specialized training demands, COVID-era workforce and parts shortages that created production backlogs amid record orders, and looming 2027 emissions changes expected to add about $100,000 plus costly redesigns. They also discuss NFPA safety-driven requirements and how Capitol Hill hearings and ongoing litigation may further pressure prices, previewing a future episode on cost-control options when speccing trucks. Chapter Markers: 00:00 Finding Common Ground 01:39 Show Intro and Where to Listen 02:05 Why Apparatus Costs Matter 03:06 Disclaimers and Dual Perspective 05:22 How Much Prices Rose 07:22 Why Trucks Aren’t Cars 11:11 Labor and Healthcare Costs 14:33 Skilled Labor Training Gap 15:20 COVID Boom and Supply Crunch 19:04 2027 Emissions Engine Changes 23:10 NFPA Rules and Safety Adders 26:33 Capitol Hill and Litigation 29:35 Wrap Up and Next Episode Teaser More - https://rigrecon.com/ Send us Fan Mail

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 More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/ Send us Fan Mail

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 More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/ Send us Fan Mail

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 Send us Fan Mail

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 More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/ Send us Fan Mail

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 More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/ Send us Fan Mail

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 More - https://rigrecon.com/ Socials - https://rigrecon.com/apparatus-trends/social-media/ Send us Fan Mail

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 More Content - https://rigrecon.com/ Send us Fan Mail

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 More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/ Send us Fan Mail

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 Send us Fan Mail