Pierce Manufacturing Co. - Experts & Thought Leaders

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, is pleased to announce its authorized dealer, Safety Source Fire, has launched a new fire apparatus service division, Safety Source Mechanical, to serve customers throughout Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Safety Source Fire, headquartered in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, will offer a range of maintenance and repair services for fire apparatus, further enhancing its support for the firefighting community across Atlantic Canada. Safety Source Mechanical The new service division, located at 78 Line Road, Notre Dame in New Brunswick, occupies an 8,000-square-foot facility and will provide a broad range of services, including parts supply, pump testing, water pump repair, vehicle outfitting, general maintenance, inspections, and both in-house and mobile service options. “Previously, we subcontracted a lot of our service work, which presented challenges for our customers, especially with warranty-level repairs,” said Geoff Strain, general manager of Safety Source Fire. maintenance and repair Safety Source Mechanical technicians will be sent to Pierce Manufacturing for specialized training “Now, with our service division, our customers are excited to have direct access to comprehensive service and factory-level expertise, including Pierce warranty repairs.” To further enhance its service offerings, Safety Source Mechanical technicians will be sent to Pierce Manufacturing for specialized training, ensuring they deliver high-quality maintenance and repair work for Pierce fire apparatus. Factory training “Factory training will allow us to offer brand-specific expertise essential for performing warranty work, especially for complex systems such as pumps,” added Strain. “Our goal is to provide our customers with the best service possible, and we’re committed to ensuring their apparatus is fully operational and ready when it’s needed most.” Safety Source Fire’s new service division adds to the dealer’s wide range of offerings, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting firefighters and first responders by keeping their equipment in optimal condition.

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, announced Reliant Fire Apparatus, Inc. has expanded its exclusive Pierce dealership territory to include all of Wisconsin in addition to its current coverage of southern Wisconsin and Iowa. This expansion exemplifies Reliant Fire Apparatus’ position as a major provider of fire apparatus sales and service across the region. guidance and support Reliant Fire Apparatus has been a trusted Pierce dealer since its founding in 1994, delivering exceptional customer service, expert guidance, and reliable support to fire departments. Headquartered in Slinger, Wisconsin, with a second facility in Des Moines, Iowa, the company’s dedicated team is well-versed in fire department operations and is committed to meeting the unique needs of its customers. reliable service and customer care “For the past thirty years, Reliant Fire Apparatus has set the standard for reliable service and customer care,” said Bob Schulz, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “Their team embodies the values Pierce is known for integrity, innovation, and a commitment to empowering fire departments to serve their communities. We are excited to see Reliant bring their expertise to all of Wisconsin.” state-of-the-art service center The company’s expansion is expected to enhance its ability to serve fire departments with faster response times Reliant Fire Apparatus’ dedication to customer service is emphasized by its state-of-the-art service center in Slinger, Wisconsin, and its extensive mobile service capabilities, including preventive maintenance and routine repairs, pump testing, and emergency repairs. The company’s expansion is expected to enhance its ability to serve fire departments with faster response times, expanded resources, and unparalleled expertise and communication. customer-first approach “Reliant Fire Apparatus has always focused on building trust and providing the highest level of support to our customers,” said Brett Krueger, CEO of Reliant Fire Apparatus. “This opportunity to serve fire departments across all of Wisconsin aligns with our mission to support our customers so they can focus on their mission. Reliant embodies a customer-first approach by delivering prompt, responsive, and dependable sales and service support through our dedicated team."  exceptional sales and service standards "We are excited to strengthen this commitment across Wisconsin as we continue to grow our partnership with Pierce Manufacturing.”Reliant Fire Apparatus is committed to maintaining its exceptional standards as it integrates its new territory. Plans include increasing sales and service support, recruiting additional team members, and deploying Pierce-certified technicians to ensure every department’s needs are met.

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, is pleased to announce the delivery of four Ascendant® 107’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladders on Enforcer™ chassis to the New Orleans Fire Department. These four identical trucks, built on a single rear axle chassis, were chosen for their exceptional maneuverability on the city's historic, narrow streets, further strengthening the partnership between the New Orleans Fire Department, Pierce, and Pierce dealer Siddons-Martin Emergency Group. Advanced firefighting capabilities The new aerials are designed to meet the unique demands of New Orleans' urban landscape The New Orleans Fire Department has a long history with Pierce Manufacturing, including the purchase of 21 Pierce pumpers in 2018. The department then added three additional Pierce aerial trucks to their fleet, resulting in a fully Pierce-equipped frontline firefighting operation.  This latest delivery marks a further investment in advanced firefighting capabilities, with the new aerials designed to meet the unique demands of New Orleans' urban landscape. Pierce’s TAK-4® Independent Suspension “We fell in love with the first Pierce Ascendant aerial we added to our fleet, so it made sense to expand with four more,” said Charlie Howley, fleet manager for the New Orleans Fire Department. “These trucks are perfect for maneuvering around curbs and navigating the tight, brick streets of New Orleans. With Pierce’s TAK-4® Independent Suspension, they handle the rough conditions in our older city very well. Our team appreciates their reliability and ease of maintenance.” Advanced technology and performance features The four Ascendant aerial ladders are identical, equipped with advanced technology and performance features, including a 107' steel ladder with 100' horizontal reach, a 500-gallon water tank, and the robust TAK-4 Independent Suspension system. Additional features include: Waterous 1500 GPM pump Telma retarder for advanced braking Rosco Drive Cam system for enhanced incident logging and safety Tip control system for operating the aerial from the ladder tip Best possible equipment “These trucks were designed with practicality and durability in mind, which is crucial for navigating New Orleans’ challenging streets,” said Kirk Givler, vice president of sales for Siddons-Martin Emergency Group.  “The customization and attention to detail reflect our commitment to delivering the best possible equipment for the department’s needs, and we look forward to providing the highest level of service throughout the lifespan of the apparatus.” Class 1 rating Operating out of 31 stations across six fire districts, the unit responds to about 65,000 calls yearly The New Orleans Fire Department maintains a prestigious "Class 1" rating, serving the greater New Orleans area spanning 199,000 square miles with a population of approximately 391,000 residents. Operating out of 31 stations across six fire districts, the department responds to around 65,000 calls annually. The department is uniquely positioned to handle the city's rich historical architecture and vibrant culture, including large-scale events such as Mardi Gras and the Louisiana Jazz & Heritage Festival, as well as numerous conventions and special events throughout the year. Pierce Snozzle®  "We’re thrilled with the results we’ve seen from Pierce," Howley added. "Our aging fleet needed an update, and the new apparatus has exceeded our expectations. They’ve held up well in the humid climate and handle the city's unique challenges with ease." In addition to this latest delivery, the New Orleans Fire Department has recently placed an order for a Pierce Snozzle® and a rescue truck, further expanding emergency service capabilities.

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.