In this episode of the Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast, host Chris McLoone sits down with Whelen’s Technology Sales Manager, Chris Watkins, to explore how intelligent lighting control is changing the way fire apparatus operate. From automated adjustments based on speed and braking to scene-specific lighting that enhances safety, this conversation breaks down what “smart” lighting really means—and why it matters.
Watch the full episode to see how connected systems are helping departments respond safer, faster, and more efficiently.
Click below to listen in!
Key Moments
- 0:10 – Introduction to intelligent lighting control
- 1:37 – What “intelligent control” actually means
- 2:47 – How vehicle data drives automated lighting
- 4:20 – Evolution from lights & sirens to connected systems
- 6:25 – How geofencing works on fire apparatus
- 7:06 – Intersection automation and driver focus
- 12:27 – Automating scene safety and traffic advisor use
- 14:25 – Over-the-air updates and remote configuration
- 16:31 – Diagnostics and future remote troubleshooting
- 18:02 – Compatibility with non-multiplexed trucks
- 20:24 – What’s next for intelligent lighting technology
- 22:42 – Backward compatibility and upgrading existing rigs
- 23:45 – Why demos are critical for understanding value
- 25:54 – Final takeaway: do your homework
Transcript
Chris McLoone: Hi, Chris McLoone here with Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment. Welcome to this episode of our podcast.
Today, we’re talking about lighting—specifically intelligently controlled lighting. Joining me is Whelen’s Technology Sales Manager, Chris Watkins. We’re going to break this topic down from a few different angles.
Traditionally, we think of emergency lighting as simple: flip a switch, the lights come on, and eventually they turn off. But we don’t always think about what’s actually happening behind the scenes to control that lighting.
I’ll give you an example. My fire company recently formed a truck committee to spec a new rescue. They’re evaluating all the options out there—and with today’s long lead times, what’s available now could change by the time the truck is built.
If I walked into that room and said, “We should consider intelligent lighting control,” I’m not even sure I could fully explain what that means. So that feels like a good place to start—what is intelligent control?
Chris Watkins: That’s a great question—and one we hear a lot from truck committees.
Traditionally, you had a lighthead set to a specific flash pattern. It was either on or off. With intelligent control, you now have much more flexibility and precision.
You can control each lighthead independently—its color, intensity, and flash pattern. With single-, dual-, or even tri-color lights, you can make the lighting do exactly what you want, when you want.
But it goes beyond just operator input. Yes, the driver can turn lighting on or select modes—but now the system can also respond to inputs from the vehicle itself.
We can factor in things like:
- Vehicle speed
- Braking or acceleration
- Whether the air brake is engaged
- Daytime vs. nighttime conditions
From there, the system can automatically adjust lighting behavior.
For example, during response, you want aggressive lighting to get attention. But once you arrive on scene, the system can slow flash patterns or adjust intensity. At night, it can dim the lights to reduce glare and make the scene safer for responders.
So the operator flips a switch—and the system handles the rest.
Chris McLoone: That really shows how far we’ve come. Lighting used to be just lights and sirens—but now it’s part of a connected system.
How does that evolution impact firefighter safety?
Chris Watkins: It’s had a huge impact.
We went from halogen to LEDs, which dramatically increased brightness and allowed us to put more lighting on vehicles. But we also learned that too much light—especially at night—can actually create hazards.
That’s where intelligent control comes in. It lets us tailor lighting to the situation:
- Bright and aggressive when needed
- Controlled and reduced when appropriate
This improves visibility for approaching drivers while also making the scene safer for firefighters working around the apparatus.
Chris McLoone: One feature I never would’ve thought about with lighting is geofencing. How does that work on a fire truck?
Chris Watkins: Geofencing is a great example of how automation enhances safety.
You can define specific geographic zones—like dangerous intersections. When a vehicle enters that zone, the system automatically changes behavior.
For example, it can activate a more aggressive lighting and siren pattern to help clear the intersection. That allows the driver to focus on driving, instead of managing controls.
Chris McLoone: Does that require coordination with the municipality?
Chris Watkins: Not necessarily. Geofences can be set up easily within the system—often in seconds. Agencies can do it themselves or get support from us.
And importantly, geofencing doesn’t control the traffic lights—it enhances the emergency vehicle’s visibility and warning capabilities.
Chris McLoone: Beyond response, how does automation help once crews arrive on scene?
Chris Watkins: Automation can handle scene setup as well.
For example, depending on where the truck is positioned—like the shoulder of a highway—you can automatically activate the appropriate traffic advisor.
This allows firefighters to focus on the job at hand. They arrive, set the brake, and get to work—while the system manages lighting in the background.
Chris McLoone: What about setup and customization? How complex is it to program these systems?
Chris Watkins: Traditionally, you’d use a laptop and cables. But now, with cloud-based systems, we have over-the-air programming.
Updates and configuration changes can be made remotely in seconds—without taking the vehicle out of service.
Agencies can manage this themselves, or we can assist.
Chris McLoone: That must also help with maintenance and diagnostics.
Chris Watkins: Absolutely. Diagnostics started with basic indicators, then moved to laptop-based tools.
Now, with connected systems, remote diagnostics are becoming possible—allowing technicians to troubleshoot issues without being physically present.
Chris McLoone: Do these systems require multiplexed vehicles?
Chris Watkins: No—they can be used on both traditional hardwired and multiplexed trucks.
Chris McLoone: We’ve seen lighting evolve rapidly—from halogen to strobes to LEDs. What excites you most about what’s next?
Chris Watkins: What excites me most is seeing this technology become the norm.
It may feel advanced today, but it’s very accessible. Over time, I expect intelligent control to be standard on all emergency vehicles.
Chris McLoone: What about departments with existing apparatus? Is this technology backward compatible?
Chris Watkins: In many cases, yes.
We’ve been developing intelligent control systems for decades, and many existing lightheads can integrate with newer systems. You may not get every feature, but you can still gain significant functionality.
Chris McLoone: That’s important, especially since these trucks stay in service for 10+ years.
Chris Watkins: Exactly. That’s why planning for future technology is critical. And honestly, this is the kind of technology that’s best seen in action. Once people experience it, it really clicks.
Chris McLoone: And that helps justify the investment, too—especially when communicating value to decision-makers.
Chris Watkins: Absolutely. This isn’t just “nice-to-have” technology. It improves safety, efficiency, and long-term performance.
Chris McLoone: Before we wrap up—what’s your biggest takeaway for listeners?
Chris Watkins: Do your homework.
This technology is already powerful—and it’s only going to expand. With over-the-air updates and continuous improvements, it’s an investment that keeps evolving.
Take the time to explore it, get a demo, and consider it for your next apparatus.
Chris McLoone: Great advice. Chris, thanks for joining me.
If you have questions or topics you’d like us to cover, feel free to reach out. You can find all of our podcast episodes on our website.
Thanks for listening—and stay safe.