Pierce Manufacturing Co. - Experts & Thought Leaders

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, is proud to announce the kickoff of the 2025 Pierce Road Rally, a cross country event featuring a rotating lineup of six advanced fire apparatus, hands-on experiences, one-on-one discussion with Pierce factory and dealer representatives, and an in-depth overview of the latest in fire service innovation. Beginning Monday, April 14, in St. Charles, Missouri, with Pierce dealer MacQueen Emergency, the Road Rally will make stops nationwide before concluding at the Fire-Rescue International 2025 conference in Orlando, Florida, this August. Pierce apparatus and technology up close The Pierce Road Rally provides an immersive opportunity for firefighters and department decision-makers to experience Pierce apparatus and technology up close, offering valuable insights to help departments meet their community’s evolving emergency response needs. “The Road Rally is more than a showcase—it’s a mobile experience designed to bring innovation directly to those who need it most,” said Bob Schulz, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “We’re excited to continue this tradition of engagement and education, supporting the fire service with access to cutting-edge equipment and hands-on learning across the country.” Featured Fire Apparatus Attendees can confirm which fire device will be featured at each location by viewing the up-to-date tour Featured apparatus includes a variety of Pierce heavy-duty aerial ladder and tower trucks, heavy-duty rescue and PUC™ pumpers, and a Pierce Volterra™ electric pumper. Attendees can confirm which fire apparatus will be featured at each location by viewing the most up-to-date tour schedule details. Spotlight on Advanced Technology Pierce Road Rally attendees will have the opportunity to explore and discuss directly with Pierce factory and dealer representatives a wide array of innovative fire apparatus technology, including: TAK-4 T3™ Independent Rear Suspension with Tight Turning Technology: Now available with aluminum wheels and disc brakes, offering tire-chain clearance and outstanding maneuverability. Heavy-Duty HVAC System: Designed to cool the crew cab quickly, ideal for departments operating in hot temperatures by incorporating a roof-mounted condenser with electric fans. Pierce Volterra Electric Pumper: Learn more about the patented technology and key components of Pierce’s electric fire truck. PACCAR MX-13 Big Block Engine: Exclusively available on Pierce Enforcer, Saber and Velocity® chassis, this diesel engine offers durability and industry-pioneering performance. ClearSky Intelligence™ Connectivity Solution: Offers remote access to vehicle diagnostics, operational data, and maintenance insights from any location. HiViz Connect Warning Light System: Seamlessly integrates with the Pierce Command Zone™ system for advanced emergency warning lighting control. Each Road Rally event is hosted in partnership with authorized Pierce dealers and tailored to give departments across the country access to meaningful conversations with product experts, Pierce team members, and industry peers.

Frontline Communications, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, is proud to announce the upcoming delivery of a new Saber® C-40X-4 mobile command vehicle to the Hunterdon County Department of Public Safety in Flemington, New Jersey. This next-generation command vehicle, delivered through Frontline Communications and Pierce Manufacturing dealer Fire and Safety Services, marks a significant milestone in Hunterdon County’s emergency response capabilities and will be prominently displayed at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Pierce Manufacturing’s booth #5337. New mobile command vehicle The new mobile command vehicle is tailored to support emergency management, on-scene operations Designed as a county-wide asset, the new mobile command vehicle is tailored to support emergency management, on-scene operations, SWAT teams, and major disaster response.  The unit enhances communication capabilities, providing a mobile dispatch center that supports the workload of Hunterdon County’s communications division during high-demand incidents. Effective emergency response services “This Mobile Command Vehicle is a game-changer for Hunterdon County,” said Brayden Fahey, Public Safety Director/County OEM Coordinator with Hunterdon County Department of Public Safety. “The technology upgrades, additional space, and overall versatility will allow us to provide more efficient and effective emergency response services." "This investment ensures that we are better equipped to handle incidents of any scale, supporting not only our first responders but also the safety of our residents.” Features of Command Zone™ Advanced Electronics System  Built on a tandem axle Saber chassis, the command vehicle is powered by a Cummins L9, 450 hp engine and features a Command Zone™ Advanced Electronics System to ensure seamless operational control. At 41’ 3” in length and 13’ 3” in height, the vehicle provides ample space for critical response operations, with advanced technology integration, including: Enhanced communications: A fully integrated dispatch area with upgraded technology, providing real-time coordination for emergency responders. Surveillance and visibility: A Will-Burt Night Scan Light Tower mounted on the roof and a 42’ heavy-duty mast system with IC Realtime HD PTZ camera for extended visibility and intelligence gathering at the rear of the apparatus. Powerful and efficient operation: A Harrison Hydraulic 25 kW generator ensuring reliability in the most demanding environments. Comfort and efficiency: A 20’ 12VDC electric awning for exterior operations and field coordination. Level of service across widespread emergencies Replacing a 24-year-old command unit that previously responded to major incidents—including 9/11 incident response—this new vehicle represents a significant upgrade for the Hunterdon County Department of Public Safety. The unit provides first responders with increased space, versatility, and a higher level of service across widespread emergencies such as natural disasters, multi-agency responses, and tactical law enforcement operations. Modern emergency response The Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners played a vital role in the asset of this new vehicle The Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners played a crucial role in the acquisition of this new vehicle, and a dedicated plaque will be placed on the unit to recognize their contributions and commitment to public safety. FDIC 2025 attendees will have the opportunity to see the Hunterdon County mobile command vehicle firsthand in Pierce Manufacturing’s booth #5337. Frontline Communications and Fire and Safety Services representatives will be available to discuss the vehicle’s capabilities and its impact on modern emergency response. Importance of public safety challenges "This command unit will bring groundbreaking innovation to the region," said Chris Vallat from Fire and Safety Services. “Hunterdon County’s investment in this state-of-the-art command vehicle highlights the importance of staying ahead of evolving public safety challenges. We’re honored to play a part in delivering this critical asset.”

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, is set to feature its latest innovations in fire apparatus and advanced technology at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) 2025, taking place April 9-11 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore Pierce’s comprehensive exhibit in booth #5337 near the Capital Corridor, featuring 12 fire apparatus and industry-leading technology designed to enhance firefighter safety, efficiency, and performance. Innovative fire apparatus and technology "At Pierce Manufacturing, we are driven by a single mission: to create innovative fire apparatus and technology that empower firefighters to perform at their best,” said Bob Schulz, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “Our exhibit at FDIC 2025 will highlight this dedication with a showcase of new fire apparatus, cutting-edge safety advancements, and the latest developments in our fully integrated systems—all engineered to work as a unified force to support the fire service.” Featured Fire Apparatus Pierce’s FDIC 2025 display will include a lineup of fire apparatus designed to optimize performance, safety, and operational capabilities, including: Enforcer™ Volterra™ Pumper Enforcer Top Mount PUC™ Pumper Enforcer PUC Pumper Enforcer Heavy-Duty Rescue Pumper with Collision Avoidance Mitigation System (CAMS) Enforcer Pumper Impel® Top Mount Pumper Enforcer Ascendant® 100' Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower with TAK-4 T3™ Enforcer Low Profile Cab 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder Enforcer Ascendant 107’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder – Single Rear Axle Enforcer 100' Heavy-Duty Tractor Drawn Aerial Velocity® 100' Aerial Platform Frontline™ Communications’ C-40X-4 Saber® Command Unit Innovative Fire Apparatus Technology Pierce will also highlight the latest technology that enhances firefighter safety and operational effectiveness, including: Collision Avoidance Mitigation System (CAMS): AI-driven, radar-based technology providing crucial seconds of advance warning to help mitigate collision risks on emergency scenes. TAK-4 T3™ Independent Rear Suspension with Tight Turning Technology: Now available with aluminum wheels and disc brakes, offering tire-chain clearance and outstanding maneuverability. Low Profile Cab: A newly designed Enforcer chassis cab that sits 3.5” lower. Coupled with the 100’ Heavy-Duty Steel Aerial Ladder, this reduces the overall height to 10’8” without a waterway and 10’10” with a waterway. Top Mount Control PUC Pumper: Featuring a redesigned pump panel area, adding a transverse walkway allowing firefighters to operate from an elevated position, while maintaining the traditional features of simple operation, safety, serviceability, and maneuverability. PACCAR MX-13 Big Block Engine: Exclusively available on Pierce Enforcer, Saber and Velocity chassis, this advanced diesel engine will be on display with experts providing insights into its industry-leading performance. ClearSky Intelligence™ Connectivity Solution: Offers remote access to vehicle diagnostics, operational data, and maintenance insights from any location. HiViz Connect Warning Light System: Seamlessly integrates with the Pierce Command Zone™ system for advanced emergency warning lighting control. Pierce’s FDIC 2025 A key highlight of Pierce’s presence at FDIC 2025 will be live recordings of the Pierce™ Dispatch Podcast, where industry experts and fire service professionals will discuss fire apparatus design, emerging technology, and real-world firefighting challenges. The podcast schedule includes customer interviews, expert discussions on new innovations, and special announcements throughout the show. To stay updated on Pierce’s FDIC 2025 exhibit, featured apparatus, live event coverage, and the Pierce Dispatch Podcast schedule.

The adoption of electric fire apparatus is accelerating their footprint in the industry. Fire departments from Los Angeles to Madison, Wis., from Portland, Ore., to Mesa, Ariz., have embraced the technology of electric and hybrid vehicles in the fire industry and are demonstrating the practical capabilities of this new generation of technology for the fire service. Sustainable commitment More municipalities worldwide are committing to sustainability and climate goals. Furthermore, truck producers in general are converting to electric drive systems. In the future, there will be fewer chassis available with conventional drivelines, making it necessary for fire trucks to go electric. Electric fire apparatus An electric fire engine is an innovative tool that will help reduce noise and harmful diesel emissions Electric fire apparatus made a big splash at recent trade shows, notably FDIC International in the United States and INTERSCHUTZ in Germany. An electric fire engine is an innovative tool that will help reduce noise and harmful diesel emissions and provide a flexible tool for firefighting and rescue operations from a technologically advanced platform. At INTERSCHUTZ, Rosenbauer presented a complete range of electric emergency vehicles, from municipal fire trucks including fully electric aerial ladders to Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles. fully electric fire truck A fully electric fire truck currently going into service in Los Angeles is the result of 10 years of research and development, with the Los Angeles City Fire Department working closely with Rosenbauer America to address the challenges and obstacles of deploying the truck within the city’s system. Two more Rosenbauer electric trucks are being demonstrated in fire departments in the U.S. and Canada, and another truck is coming next year. Rosenbauer projects that half of all vehicles they deliver to fire departments should be electrified by 2030. Addressing the issues with an electric truck Training and operations must be considered when replacing a traditional apparatus with a new electric truck Issues such as training and operations must be considered when replacing a traditional apparatus with a new electric truck. One change is more space available on the electric truck for equipment storage, says Rosenbauer. The City of Madison, Wis., Fire Department is deploying an Enforcer Volterra Pumper from Pierce Manufacturing Inc. The apparatus uses an “electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission” that can switch imperceptibly between the electric and diesel modes. Fine-tuning the design The Volterra pumper will work on the front lines at Station 8, the city’s busiest fire station. Madison Fire Department worked with Pierce to “fine-tune” the design. The department seeks to have their electric trucks “mimic” the operation of the older trucks. In Madison, the city’s fleet manager is driving a push toward electrification throughout the vehicles used by the city; the Pierce apparatus enables the fire department to deliver on that expectation. The city anticipates buying two or three additional electric fire trucks in the next year or so. E-One Vector fire truck Additional features include a battery storage solution that offers a safer, lower center of gravity and regenerative braking EV Fire Group announced the all-electric E-One Vector fire truck last August and debuted it in multiple presentations on the FDIC International show floor in April 2022. The customizable Vector features a long electric pumping duration that allows four hose lines to be used for four hours on a single charge. Additional features include a battery storage solution that offers a safer, lower center of gravity and regenerative braking. cost-savings and efficiency Mesa, Ariz., is the first city to order the Vector, with delivery expected this year. The rig supports the City of Mesa’s Climate Action Plan, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. They expect the new rig will demonstrate potential cost-savings and efficiency of electric vehicles throughout city operations. In developing Vector, REV Fire Group worked closely with customers to identify their needs and fine-tune the product based on feedback. Volterra platform Oshkosh provides a Volterra platform for a hybrid ARFF vehicle, which is debuting at airports Pierce Manufacturing and Oshkosh Airport combined efforts to introduce the Volterra platform of vehicles for the fire and emergency market. Oshkosh provides a Volterra platform for a hybrid Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle, which is debuting at airports across the United States. Innovative fire suppression technology The hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) meets the emergency response needs among airports. The first Striker ARFF deployment is at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Available on 4x4 and 6x6 chassis platforms, the Striker Volterra delivers superior chassis performance, advanced safety systems, innovative fire suppression technology, reliability, and durability.

Back in Indianapolis for the first time since 2019, FDIC International 2021 offered a full slate of conference sessions, hands-on training and equipment exhibitions. Attendance was down, but everyone appeared happy to be back at the show, after cancellations and delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Masking compliance was low, despite continuing concerns about COVID-19 and the Delta variant. There was little social distancing. In many respects, the show seemed back to normal. A highlight of the event was the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s (NFFF) 9/11 Stair Climb. It’s a way for attendees to honor and remember those in the fire service community, who gave their lives in the 9/11 tragedy. Hundreds of FDIC participants paid tribute by climbing or walking the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. MSA’s LUNAR hand-held device on display As always, safety was a huge theme at the FDIC exhibition, including development in hand-held tools As always, safety was a huge theme at the FDIC exhibition, including development in hand-held tools. MSA Safety displayed the new LUNAR hand-held device that helps keep firefighting teams connected, combining direction and distance information with thermal imaging to help find separated teammates and decrease response time. LUNAR uses cloud technology to increase fire-scene management capabilities for incident commanders. LUNAR can be used as a stand-alone device or as part of an MSA SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) system. Thermal imaging with edge detection identifies hot spots and ventilation points, so as to simplify navigation through low-visibility environments. Tethered drone and Reveal FirePRO X thermal camera FotoKite (Perspective Robotics AG), which has a joint development agreement with MSA Safety, featured a tethered drone that hovers over the site of an emergency, in order to provide networking capabilities through the tether for better connectivity. Seek Thermal offers the ‘smallest and lightest’ thermal imaging camera, available for US$ 799 and seeks to bring the benefits of thermal technology to every position on the fire team. The Reveal FirePRO X can now be charged using a four-station charging dock priced at US$ 399. The compact size makes the FirePRO X easy to carry and manage, while its high resolution and fast frame rate ensure superior images. Teledyne gas detection systems exhibited Teledyne displayed a range of gas detection systems, starting with the simple Protégé ZM carbon monoxide meter that can clip onto pockets, helmets, and EMS bags. A new product is the Gas Laser, a hand-held device that can quickly scan common venting points from a safe distance, in order to identify the presence of dangerous explosive gas. Teledyne recently acquired FLIR and the combined companies will provide a spectrum of imaging technologies and products spanning X-ray through infrared and from components to complete imaging systems. FDIC International’s Innovation Hub focused on new technologies coming to the fire service Innovation Hub FDIC International’s Innovation Hub focused on new technologies coming to the fire service, featured in a presentation theater on the show floor. Leading the initiative was SafeTech, a College Station, Texas-based non-profit organization, whose mission is to bring new technologies to first responders and armed forces. One featured company was Tracks North America, which provides unmanned vehicles with fork-lift capabilities. Another was Infysort, which makes superabsorbent pellets – ‘hyper-blown polypropylene sorbent nanomaterial’ that can absorb 50 to 60 times its weight in oil. Hale Products SAM control system HURST Jaws of Life demonstrated eDRAULIC 3.0, a new underwater power extrication tool The SAM control system, by Hale Products, is gaining in popularity, offering computerized/integrated water flow controls that manage a fire truck’s pump, tank, intakes and discharges using touch-screen display for simplified interface. The new SAM Smart Nozzle allows firemen to control flow from the end of the fire hose. HURST Jaws of Life demonstrated eDRAULIC 3.0, a new underwater power extrication tool that can withstand salt water. The Lifeline Firehose provides a source of continuous breathable air coming from the nozzle of a fire hose. The patented coupler design enables the continuous air supply, which can also be used to power air tools. Seeking to help small and medium fire departments replace paper documentation, incident management systems offer low-cost digitization. Environmental awareness From Rosenbauer A topic among fire apparatus companies is idle reduction systems designed to shut off the main engine in a fire apparatus when not needed, eliminating loud diesel engine noise and exhaust, while maintaining power for lighting and air conditioning, for example. It is a reflection of growing environmental concerns among fire manufacturers. For example, Rosenbauer’s Green Star system makes idle reduction easy, using electronic controls to shut down the chassis engine on-scene (if the fire pump is not engaged or no aerial operations under way), and starting a diesel-driven Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). Pierce Volterra zero-emissions pumpers The first Pierce Volterra zero-emissions pumper has been placed in service in Madison Pierce launched their Volterra platform of electric vehicles. The first Pierce Volterra zero-emissions pumper has been placed in service in Madison, Wisconsin. At FDIC International 2021, the Pierce booth included an electric vehicle technology kiosk and took attendees through the electric fire truck’s attributes. CMC Rescue Rope and Harness Systems CMC Rescue Inc. demonstrated rope and harness systems for rescue operations, including special duffle bags and access packs for easy transport of harnesses. The CMC Clutch is now available in 13 mm and 11 mm models, for hauling, lowering, ascending, descending, belaying and deploying twin-tension rope systems. The CMC Triskelion 10-foot tripod features rapid deployment, for example, over a hole where a rescue is taking place and is certified to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards.

Local governments in the U.S. are embracing electric and hybrid vehicles in a big way, and many states have implemented incentives to promote adoption of the futuristic technologies. However, fire department vehicles and apparatus are yet to embrace the transition, largely because vehicles were not available that both meet the needs of firefighters and provide environmental advantages. However, fire vehicle technology is farther along the electric and hybrid path than some people realize. Electric and hybrid vehicles for the fire service are making their way into the market and may be deployed soon in a neighborhood near you. Zero-Emissions pumper Oshkosh Corp., which includes Pierce Manufacturing, has introduced the Volterra platform of electric vehicles for the fire and emergency market. The first Pierce Volterra zero-emissions pumper has been placed in service with the Madison, Wis., Fire Department, making it the first electric fire truck in service in North America. The Volterra pumper is serving front-line duty at Station 8, the City of Madison’s busiest fire station. The department is made up of 14 fire stations serving 100 square miles and a population of more than 250,000. The Volterra electric vehicle configuration weighs 42,000 lbs., seats six, has a 1500 GPM single-stage pump, 500-gallon water tank, 150 cu ft of compartmentation plus ladder storage, and a hose capacity of 1000 feet of 5-in hose. Pierce Manufacturing and Oshkosh Airport Products have introduced the Volterra™ platform of electric vehicles for the fire and emergency market Infinitely variable transmission An Oshkosh parallel-electric drivetrain with an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission allows zero-emissions operation when powered by onboard batteries. An internal combustion engine provides uninterrupted power to the pumping system or drive system. The first Striker ARFF will be delivered to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport Fire Department Oshkosh also provides a Volterra platform for a hybrid Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle, which is debuting at airports across the United States. The hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) meets the growing emergency response needs among airports of all sizes in an environmentally conscious way. Firefighters will be able to experience the technology first-hand. The first Striker ARFF will be delivered to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) Fire Department in late summer 2021. Advanced safety systems Available on a 4x4 and 6x6 chassis platforms, the Striker Volterra performance hybrid delivers superior chassis performance, advanced safety systems, innovative fire suppression technology, reliability and durability. In April, Rosenbauer America’s Revolutionary Technology (RT) concept truck made its national debut in Washington, D.C., displayed for members of the Senate and firefighters based on the district. The viewing was held as Congress considers an infrastructure and jobs plan. “The Rosenbauer RT is the fire truck of the future,” says John Slawson, CEO and President of Rosenbauer America. “Build from the ground up using advanced materials and technologies, the RT is the safest fire truck on the roads today – for firefighters, for communities and for the environment.” The fully electric apparatus features a high level of safety, excellent driving dynamics and maneuverability and is fully networked. Rosenbauer's Revolutionary Technology (RT) fully electric fire truck visits Engine 3 in Washington, D.C. Auxiliary equipment chargers The RT’s electric drive is powerful and noise emission-free. The electric drive train ensures that almost no fuel is combusted while driving. Lighting and auxiliary equipment chargers are also powered by the batteries. A local power grid can be created with up to 14 kW operated simultaneously via the power outlet. A built-in range extender (REX) comprises a small diesel engine powering a large generator Conceived as a multi-purpose vehicle, the RT is a pumper first and foremost, a connected mobile command unit, and a vehicle for assistance in wildland fires. A built-in range extender (REX) comprises a small diesel engine powering a large generator. Volvo Penta developed the electric driveline for Rosenbauer’s RT fire truck, which is also being tested in fire departments in Berlin, Amsterdam and Dubai. Pioneering electric drivelines “After many years of successful collaboration with Rosenbauer, we are proud to be pioneering electric drivelines and partnering with them on this revolutionary project,” says Paul Jansson, Chief Product Manager at Volvo Penta. “This is our first industrial OEM partnership in the area of electromobility, and it’s a big step toward creating a new product platform of the future.” The new fire truck aims to respond to global megatrends such as climate change, shifting demographics and urbanization – and their impact on the work of fire departments.  Firefighters responding to a call need a vehicle capable of high speed, rapid acceleration hard braking and maneuverability.