In this episode of Talking Trucks, Chris Mc Loone sits down with Ricky Riley to break down the complexities of heavy rescue truck design. They explore fundamental decisions that fire departments face—crew cab configurations, walk-in versus walk-through bodies, and single versus tandem axles—highlighting how equipment types and mission requirements shape these choices. The conversation delves into customization of compartments, weighing the benefits of tailored tool storage against the risks of over-specialization, especially given the evolving nature of rescue gear. They also tackle modern trends like battery-powered cordless tools and question the necessity of traditional generators. Drawing on real-world experience and on-the-ground insights, Ricky offers practical advice for departments aiming to build durable, mission-focused rigs that balance innovation with adaptability.

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What was once a strong recommendation is now a mandatory requirement. The BarriAire Carbon Shield™ Elite Pro and Elite Pro Short hoods are UL Certified to meet the new groundbreaking NFPA 1970 particulate-blocking firefighting hood standard.

These hoods deliver 99.9% particulate efficiency using the industry’s most flame-resistant fiber. They provide advanced defense against heat, toxic particulates, and carcinogens. Plus, they’re softer, more breathable, and made without intentionally added PFAS.

BarriAire Carbon Shield™ hoods set the new standard in firefighter safety.

www.barriaire.com // 800-558-8290.

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The Woodstock (VA) Fire Department, joined by the Town of Woodstock, announced it has been awarded a $13,780 grant from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs Mini-Grant Program to purchase turnout gear, the department said in a Facebook post Oct. 30, 2025.

The announcement was made at a gathering attended by Brad Creasy, Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, Gerry Maiatico, Virginia Fire Services Board Member, Keith Johnson, Virginia Fire Services Board Chair, and Woodstock Town Manager Aaron Grisdale.

WFD used the grant dollars to purchase four sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) for four new volunteer firefighters who finished their fire academy training in 2025. This is the first time the Department of Fire Programs has been able to offer this program to support the Commonwealth’s Fire Service Community.

“We appreciate the support of our government officials as we seek to keep our volunteers safe while they protect the Woodstock community,” WFD Chief Zachary Hottel said. “The Virginia Department of Fire Programs Mini-Grant helps us reduce the economic burden our volunteer organization places on the community, especially in these economically challenging times.”

In 2024, the 100% volunteer members of the WFD donated more than 7,500 hours of volunteer time to the citizens of Woodstock and Shenandoah County. They did this while responding to 510 incidents, participating in 155 training classes, conducting 53 public education classes and standby events, and hosting 11 fundraisers. This dedicated effort has allowed the Woodstock Fire Department to provide high quality, professional emergency services to the citizens of Woodstock.

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delivery of the month

KME— Orange County Fire Authority, Irvine, CA, three pumpers. KME Severe Service cabs and chassis; Cummins X12 500-hp engines; Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm pumps; 500-gallon tanks; Telma driveline retarders; Hendrickson Steer Tek front axles; Hendrickson Firemaxx rear air suspension systems. Dealer: Brandon Gomez, Fire Apparatus Solutions, Rialton, CA.

 

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ROSENBAUER—Mount Hope Fire Co. 2, Rockaway Township, NJ, quint. Rosenbauer Commander cab and chassis; Cummins X15 500-hp engine; Rosenbauer N110 1 2,250-gpm pump; 500-gallon UPF Poly tank; 101-foot aerial platform; ROM rollup doors; Akron Brass Stream Master II platform monitor. Dealer: Defender Emergency Products Sales and Service, Howell Township, NJ. (Photo by John M. Malecky)

 

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E-ONE—Heritage Volunteer Fire Company, Lewistown, PA. Cyclone CR100 100-foot tandem-axle quint. E-ONE Cyclone long cab with flat roof; Cummins X15 605-hp engine; Hale Qflo 1,250-gpm pump; 300-gallon polypropylene tank; Harrison 8-kW generator; Whelen warning lights; HiViz FireTech scene lights. Dealer: Matt Yohn, Fire Line Equipment, New Holland, PA.

 

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PIERCE—Monticello (IN) Fire Department 107-foot aerial. Enforcer cab and chassis; PACCAR MX-13 510-hp engine; PUC 2,000-gpm pump; 500-gallon polypropylene tank; 20-gallon foam cell; Husky 3 foam system; HAAS collision avoidance system. Dealer: Dave Polkow, MacQueen Emergency, Whitestown, IN.

 

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FERRARA—Trenton (NJ) Fire Department custom pumper. Inferno cab and chassis with 8-inch raised roof; Cummins X12 500-hp engine; Hale Qmax 1,750-gpm pump; 750-gallon tank; ultra-low hosebed; full-height, split-depth compartments on both sides; Whelen M Series warning lights; Akron Brass scene lights. Dealer: Firefighter One, Sparta, NJ.

 

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SUTPHEN—Brunswick Fire Company No. 1, Troy, NY, 70-foot platform aerial. Monarch 73-inch cab and chassis with 10- inch raised roof; Cummins X15 505-hp engine; Waterous CSU 1,500- gpm pump; 500-gallon polypropylene tank; 20-gallon foam cell; Akron 125-gpm eductor foam system; TFT Monsoon monitors. Dealer: Phil Vander Molen, Vander Molen Fire Apparatus Sales and Service, Syracuse, NY.

 

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SPARTAN—Forney (TX) Fire Department S-180 pumper. Spartan Metro Star EMFD cab and chassis with 10-inch raised roof; Cummins X12 500-hp engine; Wate

A vehicle struck a fire truck and then a tow truck, both of which had arrived at the scene of a previous accident and had their emergency lights on and activated, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Early on Nov. 2, 2025, a Montgomery County (Texas) Health District medic unit observed a Chevy pickup strike a barrier on US Highway 59, the report said. Fire units, EMS, and a tow truck unit responded to the scene immediately. While awaiting law enforcement to arrive, a passing driver struck the fire truck and then the tow truck.

The sheriff’s office and Texas Department of Public Safety responded to the scene. The sheriff’s office is investigating the initial crash. The secondary crash, involving the emergency vehicles, is being investigated by Texas DPS. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office is consulting with both agencies.

There were no injuries to firefighters on scene. The tow truck driver was injured in the crash and was transported to a local hospital, where he is expected to recover from his injuries.

Initial investigations indicate that both drivers, of the first and second crash, were intoxicated, the sheriff’s office said. Pending the results of a conclusive blood alcohol content, charges for DWI and DWI Intoxicated Assault may be filed at a later time.

No further information is currently available for release.

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