Épisodes

  • Tanker Operations with Henry Lovett
    Feb 13 2026

    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 a text

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    53 min
  • The Art of the War Wagon with Kyle Romagus
    Jan 30 2026

    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 a text

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    46 min
  • In the Field with Andy Plofkin: Education, Innovation, and Fire Service Solutions
    Dec 19 2025

    In this episode of Rig Recon Live, Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier host Andy Plofkin, Director of North American Regional Sales at Elkhart Brass, to delve into the extensive experience and services offered by the FEI team. Andy shares insights from his 42 years in the fire service and discusses the critical aspects of fire apparatus maintenance, including Know Your Flow classes, LED lighting upgrades, and roll-up door troubleshooting. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to upgrade or maintain their fire service equipment. Follow us on social media @RigRecon, and visit rigrecon.com for all the latest apparatus information.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 Introduction and Social Media Shoutout
    01:36 Meet the Guest: Andy Plotkin
    01:54 Andy Plotkin's Fire Service Journey
    02:55 Defining Moments in Andy's Career
    04:17 Elkhart Brass and Field Team Overview
    05:30 Regional Managers and Their Roles
    06:38 Equipment and Capabilities of the Field Team
    16:46 Know Your Flow: Importance and Execution
    24:55 Understanding Hose Pressure and Performance
    25:38 LED Lighting Upgrades for Aging Rigs
    32:31 Maintenance Tips for Roll-Up Doors
    37:01 Foam System Maintenance and Sizing
    42:12 Success Stories and Final Thoughts

    More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/

    Send us a text

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    49 min
  • Hose Loads and Fire Attack Strategies with Brian Brush
    Dec 5 2025

    Join Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier in an exciting episode of Rig Recon Live as they discuss the intricacies of fire apparatus specifications with industry legend Brian Brush. This episode covers the importance of rig specs, hose loads, cross lays, and effective deployment strategies. Listen to Brian's insights on the exponential engine model, quick attack high flow lines, and the significance of detailed planning in apparatus design. Perfect for anyone involved in fire service operations, training, and apparatus committee work.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 Introduction and Social Media Shoutout
    00:27 Introducing the Guest: Brian Brush
    00:52 Brian Brush's Background and Experience
    02:23 Brass Tacks Hard Facts: Recording Challenges
    02:47 Modified Minuteman Load and Cross Lays
    03:35 Single Stack vs Double Stack Hose Loads
    09:26 Cross Lay Height and Pump House Design
    12:18 Plumbing and Hose Load Considerations
    16:58 Cheater Hose and Deployment Strategies
    21:26 Slide Out Trays and Hose Repacking
    24:39 Final Thoughts on Specifying Trucks
    26:10 Pistol Grip and Hose Specifications
    26:57 Introduction to the Exponential Engine
    27:28 Fire Attack Model and Equipment
    29:46 Supply Line Strategies
    31:57 Quick Attack High Flow Line
    32:33 Smooth Bore vs. Fog Nozzles
    34:12 Portable Master Streams
    42:10 Hose Load and Pre-Connect Package Considerations
    46:41 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

    More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/

    Send us a text

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    51 min
  • Firetruck Maintenance & Upgrades with Ricky Riley
    Nov 14 2025

    Join Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier on this episode of Rig Recon Live as they chat with Ricky Riley, a veteran firefighter with extensive knowledge in fire apparatus. Ricky shares his insights from decades of experience, discussing the importance of apparatus maintenance, the challenges of aging equipment, and the benefits of retrofitting older rigs. The conversation covers various key points, including brake system checks, cooling system care, the implementation of camera systems, and the significance of understanding and maintaining the main components of fire apparatus. Ricky emphasizes the role of daily care for new trucks, the impact of up-to-date lighting and electrical systems, and the necessity for keeping the fleet operational amid long lead times and rising costs. This episode is packed with practical advice for both emergency service veterans and newcomers looking to extend the operational life of their fire apparatus.

    Chapter Markers:

    00:00 Introduction and Social Media Shoutout

    01:16 Meet Ricky Riley: A Career in Firefighting

    02:36 Challenges in the Fire Apparatus Industry

    03:16 NFPA Standards and Their Impact

    06:39 Maintaining and Upgrading Older Apparatus

    13:04 Parts and Vendor Relationships

    17:01 Software and Tracking Maintenance

    26:21 Accidents and Safety Concerns

    26:43 Technological Innovations in Fire Apparatus

    28:07 Scene Lighting Challenges and Solutions

    32:38 Importance of Apparatus Maintenance

    38:42 Camera Systems in Fire Apparatus

    47:01 Key Maintenance and Retrofitting Tips

    50:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/

    Send us a text

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    52 min
  • Waterous Wisdom: Navigating Pump Performance and Maintenance
    Oct 31 2025

    Welcome to another episode of Rig Recon Live! Hosts Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier dive deep into the world of fire pumps with guests Todd Rogers and Jason Nawrocki from Waterous. They discuss the importance of pump ratings, common issues like cavitation and overheating, and the difference between electric and air primers. The team also highlights the valuable educational tools available through Waterous University and offers practical tips for maintaining and extending the life of your fire pump. If you're involved in an apparatus committee or just keen on fire service tech, you won't want to miss this detailed discussion. Follow us on social media @RigRecon and visit rigrecon.com for more!

    Chapter Markers:

    00:00 Introduction and Social Media Shoutout

    01:37 Meet the Guests: Todd and Jason from Waters

    04:29 Understanding Pump Ratings

    08:01 Pump Performance and ISO Ratings

    10:12 Heat and Its Impact on Pumps

    17:31 Cavitation: The Silent Pump Killer

    22:20 Thermal Shock and Anode Protection

    27:28 Understanding Corrosion and Anode Placement

    28:40 Introduction to Priming Systems

    29:20 Electric vs. Air Primers: A Detailed Comparison

    35:07 Maintenance Tips for Priming Systems

    37:49 Educational Resources at Waters University

    43:33 Top Considerations for Purchasing a Pump

    47:32 Extending the Life of Your Pump

    48:47 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

    More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/


    Send us a text

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    54 min
  • Aerials: Mid-Mount vs. Rear-Mount with Eric Wheaton
    Oct 17 2025

    In this episode of Rig Recon Live, hosts Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier are joined by Eric Wheaton, an 18-year battalion chief from the City of Winter Park, Florida. The episode dives deep into the intricacies of aerial apparatus setup and operations, focusing on the differences between mid mount vs. rear mount and bucket vs. ladder configurations. Eric shares his vast experience and insights on compartment space, response models, ride heights, and various operational aspects. The discussion also includes valuable tips on apparatus drivability, short jacking, and the pros and cons of various features like dual monitors and lighting setups. Whether you're part of a suburban department or an urban fire company, this episode is packed with essential information for anyone involved in fire apparatus specifications and operations.

    Chapter Markers:

    00:00 Introduction and Social Media Reminder

    00:40 Guest Introduction: Eric Wheaton

    01:46 Discussion on Aerial Apparatus: Mid Mount vs Rear Mount

    06:01 Operational Considerations for Aerial Apparatus

    15:43 Compartment Space and Design Considerations

    18:01 Ladder vs Bucket: Weighing the Options

    23:07 Navigating Tree Coverage with Aerial Devices

    23:38 Monitor and Flow Limitations: Dual vs. Single

    26:37 Short Jacking and Jack Spread Explained

    28:16 Camera Systems and Outrigger Innovations

    30:01 Operational Considerations: Bucket vs. Ladder

    37:35 Lighting and Additional Features on Aerial Devices

    39:51 Final Insights and Summary

    More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/

    Send us a text

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    47 min
  • Quint Design and Operations: Insights from Rob Fisher
    Oct 3 2025

    Join Bruce Quick and Jason Witmier in this episode of Rig Recon Live as they sit down with retired Battalion Chief Rob Fisher to delve into the intricacies of Quint designs and operations. Rob shares his extensive experience in the fire service, discussing the evolution of Quint apparatus, key considerations for effective planning, and the tactical application of Quints in both suburban and urban settings. Learn about the importance of proper ground ladder packages, the pros and cons of electric and manual monitors, the debate over waterway pins, and other critical factors that influence Quint performance. Whether you're in charge of specifying a Quint or just fascinated by fire apparatus design, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Don't forget to follow Rig Recon on social media for the latest episodes and check out our website for up-to-date apparatus information and resources.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 Welcome to Rig Recon Live
    01:24 Introducing Our Guest: Rob Fisher
    01:41 Rob Fisher's Background and Experience
    01:59 The Evolution and Challenges of Quints
    08:23 Ground Ladder Considerations for Quints
    17:40 Pump Sizing and Water Tank Considerations
    25:34 Crossing Borders and Fire Department Exemptions
    26:18 Aquin's Elevated Waterways
    26:32 Smooth Bore vs. Fog Style Nozzles
    28:18 Electric vs. Manual Controls
    32:10 Pinned Waterways Explained
    35:46 Platform Style Operations
    42:09 Top Mistakes in Quint Design
    47:29 Final Thoughts and Training Insights

    More - https://rigrecon.com/podcast/

    Send us a text

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    51 min