By Alan M. Petrillo Fall River (MA) Fire Department wanted to replace a 14-year old, 81-foot midmount aerial platform and needed a truck with a narrow body, the shortest wheelbase possible, and the smallest...
By Alan M. Petrillo Fire apparatus are getting smarter, easier to operate, and safer for firefighters thanks largely to electronic technology being incorporated into the veins of the trucks. AXIS™ Smart Truck Technology is one such system that connects to various...
By Bill Peters The first step in acquiring new fire apparatus is to determine the operational needs of the department. This is not always as simple and straightforward as it seems. Often the apparatus that is...
By Alan M. Petrillo The design of industrial fire apparatus usually centers around one main attribute, that of putting maximum amounts of water through the rig to protect industrial facilities such as refineries, chemical plants, and other large manufacturing...
By Mike Murphy Have you ever looked behind the pump panel, into the pump house, and seen how much grime and dirt collects in there? It seems like every particle of dirt gets in there and a good majority of it takes up residence. If you are experiencing issues with...
By Alan M. Petrillo The Miami-Dade (FL) Fire Rescue Department is taking delivery of six E-ONE clean cab concept rescue-pumpers designed to prevent particulates on contaminated turnout gear and SCBA from...
By Ricky Riley In past Rig articles and Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment articles, I have championed having numerous options for receiving water to your engine company. Making sure you have all the tools in the tool box to be able to supply the engine with...
By Bill Adams During the apparatus purchasing process, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, is the accepted “bible” for fire departments and apparatus manufacturers (OEMs). Unfortunately, both can interpret it...
By Bill Adams After cruising several apparatus manufacturers’ Web sites and attending local and regional fire service trade shows, I’ve noticed many apparatus manufacturers are making modifications in the various ways they address the marketplace. Some are quite...
By Ricky Riley Recently I have been posting a number of pictures on Twitter that show great ideas and designs for storing equipment on fire apparatus. The finished products look great, but what is not taken...
By Alan M. Petrillo The Pioneer (CA) Fire Protection district covers 296 square miles in Eldorado County between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, largely consisting of rural and agricultural territory that includes...
By Alan M. Petrillo The Shreveport (LA) Fire Department has been a longtime customer of Ferrara Fire Apparatus, so it was no surprise that Shreveport turned to Ferrara when it needed a new aerial. "We've been...
Clarion Events Fire & Rescue Group provides Fire and EMS leadership the critical training and educational information they need to do their job as effectively and safely as possible. Through our industry-leading publications, digital media and events, we cover the latest developments, innovations, and standards in apparatus and equipment, clinical breakthroughs, and training for Fire & EMS personnel.