In this episode, host Chris Mc Loone welcomes Kevin Sofen, who shared his profound insights on the evolving landscape of the fire service, particularly in the realm of technology. With both having attended the FDIC International 2025 event, Sofen’s observations shed light on how the fire service is not only open to change but is also actively seeking innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

Technology has undeniably transformed many industries, and the fire service is no exception. At FDIC 2025, events such as the Next Gen Fire Rescue Tech Summit showcased the latest advancements aimed at improving firefighting operations. Sofen played a pivotal role in facilitating important discussions and bringing various forms of technology into the spotlight, emphasizing that the fire service’s readiness to adopt new methodologies is more pronounced than ever.

One of the key takeaways from Sofen’s discussion was the importance of simplicity in adopting new technology. He articulated that any technological solution must not only be efficient but also user-friendly. Firefighters operate in high-pressure environments; thus, technology introduced during emergencies needs to be intuitive and reliable.

The discussions at FDIC International 2025 highlighted the fire service’s growing eagerness to adopt new technologies, moving beyond resistance to a more action-oriented approach in response to contemporary challenges. From integrating advanced drones and wearable tech to harnessing the power of AI, the conversations reflect a foundational shift in how technological innovations are shaping the future of firefighting.

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The Forest (VA) Volunteer Fire Department introduced its new $2 million Tower Five ladder truck Sunday, May 4, 2025, the department said in a Facebook post.

The new rig is a Seagrave aerialscope.

This $2 million project was deemed necessary to accommodate the growing needs of the Forest community, wset.com reported.

The new ladder truck has 264 feet of ladders, increased equipment storage, and improved braking capabilities, the report said.

Half of the project’s funding, $1 million, was provided by the county, according to the report. However, the Forest Volunteer Fire Department is seeking community support to raise the remaining funds.

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BRASELTON, Georgia (May 1, 2025) — The West Jackson Fire Department (WJFD) is excited to announce a significant enhancement to its emergency response capabilities. Starting Sunday, May 4, 2025, Engine 31 will be fully staffed with a dedicated crew of three Firefighter/EMTs, bringing the department’s frontline apparatus to two engines and one ladder truck. This crucial addition will allow WJFD to better serve the growing needs of the district, which includes Braselton and Hoschton in western Jackson County.

Engine 31, a 2023 Toyne, was initially purchased in 2023 as part of the department’s proactive fleet replacement program. It has served as a valuable backup apparatus at Station 1. Thanks to the recent hiring of three additional firefighter positions, WJFD is now equipped to fully staff this vital piece of equipment.

Last month marked another record high in emergency calls for the West Jackson Fire District, according to Chief Ben Stephens. Call volume is 13% higher than the previous year, a trend that continues to climb month after month. Since this time in 2020, emergency calls have increased 41%.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Fire Board for their continued support and for providing us with the resources necessary to keep pace with the increasing demand for our services. Staffing Engine 31 is a direct result of their commitment to excellent public safety,” Chief Stephens said.

Engine 31: A Strategic Addition to Station 1

Engine 31 is a “sister” engine to the existing Engine 32. Until now, it has been utilized on an alternating basis as the department awaited funding necessary to support its full-time staffing at Station 1. This strategic deployment at Station 1 will immediately enhance response times and firefighting capabilities within the district.

Looking toward the future, Engine 31 is also slated to become a key component of the planned future Station 3. This forward-thinking approach ensures that resources are strategically positioned to meet the evolving needs of the Braselton and Hoschton community as western Jackson County continues to grow.

The addition of a fully staffed Engine 31 represents a significant step forward for WJFD in its ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of emergency services to the residents and businesses of the West Jackson Fire District. We are proud to welcome the additional firefighters to our ranks and look forward to the enhanced protection this new staffing will provide.

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The Blucher Aberdeen Volunteer Fire Department has a new custom-built wildland fire truck designed to combat grass fires, paherald.sk.ca reported. Nutrien donated $50,000 toward the $350,000 truck. Another $25,000 was contributed by KPCL Dirt Movers.

The rig can go off road and was designed for a Canadian environment, a fire official said.

“The Blucher Aberdeen Volunteer Fire Department plays a crucial role in supporting emergency response and preparedness across the rural communities surrounding Patience Lake potash operation, as well as nearby Nutrien retail locations,” Nutrien said in a Facebook post. “To strengthen their emergency response efforts, we’ve supported the department with a new wildland fire truck, reinforcing safety and support across the community.”

Nutrien is a leading global provider of crop inputs and services, according to its Web site. It operates a world-class network of production, distribution, and ag retail facilities that positions the company to efficiently serve the needs of farmers.

“Nutrien Ag Solutions and KPCL Dirt Movers and all our donors have done a great service to our community,” Blucher Abderdeen VFD said in a Facebook post.

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MERRILLVILLE — A Merrillville repairman faces felony theft charges after an Indiana State Police investigation revealed he allegedly attempted to scam the Merrillville Fire Department out of tens of thousands of dollars on repairs to a fire engine.

David Shepard-Hambrick was formally charged in Lake Criminal Court Thursday with theft, a Level 6 felony, online court records show.

In March 2024, the Merrillville Fire Department took one of its trucks to Merrillville-based Hoosier Diesel & Off-Road, a repair shop that specializes in diesel and off-road vehicle maintenance. Shepard-Hambrick is the company’s owner.

Shepard-Hambrick allegedly told the fire department that pieces of metal were in the trucks oil and that it required “extensive repair.” He requested an advance payment of more than $43,700, which the Town of Merrillville paid in check on March 22, 2024. Shepard-Hambrick allegedly set the estimated total cost for repairs at approximately $60,000, including the cost of a completely new engine for the truck.

By February, the repair company still didn’t have a new engine for the truck after months of the owner telling the department there were issues with the engine being made — and the fire department then allegedly learned that Shepard-Hambrick had never ordered one.

“(The Merrillville Fire Department) then made arrangements to pick up the fire truck and had it towed to another repair shop,” ISP said in a news release. “That repair shop was able to determine that the fire truck did not actually need a new engine whatsoever.”

That repair shop, J&M Equipment Service and Repair in Schererville, quoted the needed repairs at approximately $10,000, according to a probable cause affidavit filed Thursday.

“Further investigation revealed that the engine’s oil pan had never been removed, and the factory seal was still attached,” ISP said. “The oil filters were also inspected, and no metal was located in any of the filters or oil and the engine showed normal wear and tear, noting no damage that needed major engine replacement.”

As of Thursday evening, Shepard-Hambrick is not in custody. A judge has issued a warrant for his arrest, online court records show.

Merrillville Fire Department chief Edward Yerga told investigators that prior to the incident, Shepard-Hambrick had done “quality work” on his department’s vehicles.

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Hoosier Diesel and Shepard-Hambrick could not be reached for comment Thursday evening.

Shepard-Hambrick was in January charged with theft of a motor vehicle and has a hearing set for May 14 in that case, online records show.

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