About Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast
The latest news, trends, and real world insight on fire apparatus and emergency equipment. From new apparatus and technology to purchasing decisions, fleet operations, and what works on the fireground, this podcast brings you the people, products, and ideas shaping the modern fire service.
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Fire Apparatus Market Update 2026: Lead Times, Truck Orders & EPA 2027 Engine Changes
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.
21 Sept 2026
Commentary: The Importance of EVTs, Manufacturer Initiatives, and Fleet Technology
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.
14 Sept 2026
Talking Trucks — Maintaining Your Manufacturer's Sanity
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.
Who has been a guest on Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Wells Bullard
Bill Van Lent
Gabe Casucci
Andy Soccodato
Bill Adkins
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
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