Resource Room

Captain Kirk McKinzie’s featured Fire Apparatus article explores firefighting’s evolution with smart tools and connected technology.

Every second counts in firefighting. The SAM Waterflow System automates pump operations, speeds up hydrant connections, and reduces human error—helping crews get water on the fire faster. With SAM, firefighters focus more on saving lives and less on manual tasks. Discover how automation is transforming emergency response.

IDEX Fire & Safety partners with Catapult XR to modernize firefighter training and inspire future leaders in emergency response.

Firefighters will play a critical role in supporting city leaders as they work to advance technology and innovation.

This piece highlights the dangers of overpressurized hose lines during structure fires, showing how pressure surges can lead to firefighter injuries, delays, and miscommunication. Using real-world scenarios and NFPA data, it emphasizes the physical toll on crews and the challenges faced by pump operators. It also demonstrates how SAM helps reduce risk and improve safety by automating pressure control during critical moments.

Fire service leaders are urged to embrace technology—from AI to wearables—to enhance safety, efficiency, and service. True transformation starts with empowered people and strong leadership.

Part 3 is about solutions. It's about turning vision into action and ideas into impact. Fire service technology isn't just about buying a tool—it's about creating a support structure where people, process, and equipment work together. It's about providing your crews with systems that help—not hinder—when every second counts. 

This section provides a grounded examination of the friction points, such as budget, legacy mindset, and talent, that departments across the country have encountered when integrating emerging technology into fireground operations, training programs, and administrative systems. From limited funds and steep learning curves to cybersecurity risks and cultural pushback, these challenges are real—but they're not insurmountable. 

Welcome to Part 1 of our three-part series on leading fire departments through change and embracing technology adoption. In this opening installment, we set the stage by addressing a crucial truth: technology alone doesn't transform the fire service; tech leadership does.

Leading Fire Departments to Tech Adoption: A Four-Part Journey

The firefighting industry isn’t typically recognized for its ability to develop disruptive technology. However, as technology becomes increasingly critical across nearly every sector, firefighting is no different. As the industry continues to evolve, innovative technologies will be essential to driving progress, recruiting the next generation, and improving safety and efficiency.