Pierce Manufacturing Co. - Experts & Thought Leaders

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, is proud to announce Canadian Pierce dealer, Commercial Emergency Equipment Co., has secured an apparatus contract and initial order with the Calgary Fire Department (CFD). The 5-year contract with an additional 4-year option covers all engines and rescues in an unlimited, as-needed capacity and builds on previous contracts for aerials and water tenders, as Pierce remains the primary supplier of all heavy front-line apparatus for CFD over the next eight years. Choosing a partner "Deciding on a partner for our full-fleet engine replacement was not something we took lightly," said Nigel Thorley, Leader of Fleet and Equipment for the Calgary Fire Department. He adds, "Following a rigorous, competitive procurement process, Pierce and Commercial were the clear choice to rely on for our pumpers and rescues. This agreement will help ensure that the Calgary Fire Department continues to evolve with one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities." Initial Order This initial phase marks the beginning of a comprehensive fleet replacement for all Calgary engines and rescues The initial order includes 20 engines and 2 rescues, representing one of the most significant apparatus purchases in Canadian history. This initial phase marks the beginning of a comprehensive fleet replacement for all Calgary engines and rescues, with additional orders planned over the course of the contract. Bob Schulz, President of Pierce Manufacturing, said, "We are honored the Calgary Fire Department has placed its trust in Pierce and Commercial Emergency Equipment for such a significant fleet contract. This agreement solidifies Calgary’s commitment to building one of the largest all-Pierce fleets of fire apparatus in the world, and we are proud to support them in their mission to keep their community safe." Features of the initial order The contract highlights CFD’s focus on fleet standardization, ensuring that all future apparatus will be built on Pierce Enforcer top-mount enclosed chassis. Features of the initial order will include: (20) Pierce Enforcer Top-Mount Enclosed Triple Combination Pumpers 500-gallon booster tank with direct tank fill Waterous CMU 2000 GPM two-stage pump Husky™ 3 Foam System TAK-4® Independent Front Suspension Cummins X10 450 hp engine Hydraulic ladder rack Task Force Tips Monsoon 1250 GPM deluge monitor FRC/Seon InView 360-degree camera system GPS traffic preemption (2) Pierce Enforcer Non-Walk-In Heavy-Duty Rescues Cummins X10 engine 450 hp engine GPS traffic preemption Importance of standardizing Mike Feduniw, Sales Manager at Commercial Emergency Equipment, emphasized the importance of standardizing the fleet. Mike Feduniw said, "Designing a fleet that shares as many components as possible, from drivetrains to cab layouts, ensures both first responders and maintenance technicians benefit from greater efficiency and reliability." The Calgary Fire Department serves a growing community of 1.4 million residents with four platoons of firefighters, 1,415 front-line responders, and 43 fire stations. The department manages over 90,000 service calls annually, providing critical services and protecting the city’s diverse population.

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, is proud to announce the continued momentum of the 2025 Pierce Road Rally as it nears its midpoint, visiting locations across the United States. Since kicking off in April, the Road Rally has brought Pierce’s latest fire apparatus and technology directly to fire departments across the U.S. and now enters an exciting summer stretch of events in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast. Lineup of advanced fire apparatus Each stop provides an immersive experience designed to help units evaluate the tools The 2025 U.S. Road Rally features a rotating lineup of advanced fire apparatus — including the Pierce Volterra™ electric pumper, heavy-duty Ascendant® aerial ladder and mid-mount tower trucks, a heavy-duty rescue, and PUC™ pumpers, along with direct access to Pierce product experts and dealer representatives. Each stop provides an immersive experience designed to help departments evaluate the tools and technologies needed to meet the complex challenges of today’s emergency response needs. Pierce Volterra electric fire truck Participants have the unique opportunity to drive the demonstration vehicles on their community streets, set up and operate aerial fire apparatus, flow water out of the Pierce Volterra electric fire truck, and much more. The Road Rally will continue into August, concluding at the Fire-Rescue International 2025 conference in Orlando, Florida. In-depth product conversations Pierce dealers Commercial Emergency Equipment and L’Arsenal completed a dedicated Canadian Road Rally In May and June 2025, Pierce dealers Commercial Emergency Equipment and L’Arsenal completed a dedicated Canadian Road Rally, which brought hands-on demonstrations and in-depth product conversations to fire departments across 19 stops in Ontario and Quebec.  The Canadian tour included a Pierce Ascendant 107’ heavy-duty aerial ladder, an Ascendant 100’ heavy-duty aerial tower with mid-mount configuration, and a PUC pumper. Real opportunities for collaboration “We’re proud to see the momentum of the Road Rally grow as we reach more departments across North America,” said Bob Schulz, President of Pierce Manufacturing. He adds, “These events deliver more than just product displays. They offer real opportunities for education, collaboration, and innovation to support the fire service at every level.” Upcoming U.S. Road Rally Stops The next U.S. Road Rally stops take place throughout July and August and include 12 locations from Pennsylvania to New Jersey, Maryland to Ohio, and Kentucky to the Carolinas. Events will feature hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to explore advanced Pierce apparatus.

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, announced Reliant Fire Apparatus has acquired Halt Fire, Inc., the current Pierce dealership serving the state of Michigan. The acquisition expands Reliant Fire Apparatus’ exclusive Pierce territory to now include Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and support to fire departments across the Midwest. Reliant continues operations Reliant will continue operations at the current Halt Fire facility in Wixom, Michigan Based in Slinger, Wisconsin, Reliant Fire Apparatus has been a trusted Pierce dealer since 1994, known for its customer-first approach and deep understanding of fire service needs. With the acquisition, Reliant will continue operations at the current Halt Fire facility in Wixom, Michigan, and retain the existing sales, service, and administrative team members to ensure a smooth and consistent experience for customers throughout the region. Future of fire apparatus sales “This transition represents a shared vision for the future of fire apparatus sales and service in Michigan,” said Brett Krueger, CEO of Reliant Fire Apparatus. “We are working closely with the Halt Fire team to make this a seamless transition for both employees and customers."  "Our goal is to invest in the Michigan market—enhancing aftermarket support, increasing sales coverage, and delivering consistent, high-quality service departments have come to expect.” Reliant-supported product lines Krueger emphasized that existing product lines offered via Halt Fire will resume Reliant’s leadership Krueger emphasized that existing product lines offered through Halt Fire will continue under Reliant’s leadership, and the company will explore opportunities to bring additional Reliant-supported product lines to the Michigan market in the future.  “We’d like to express our gratitude to Todd and Janene Lincoln for their partnership and trust and their assistance with the transition process. We look forward to building upon the foundation they have put in place for the future of Pierce fire apparatus sales and service in Michigan.” Reliant Fire Apparatus transition Todd Lincoln, owner of Halt Fire, added, “This transition has been approached with incredible collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to those we serve. I’m incredibly grateful for the partnerships we’ve built with fire departments across Michigan over the years—it’s been an honor to support their vital work." "It has been an absolute pleasure working with Brett, Jason and Bryan from Reliant Fire Apparatus on this transition and I have full confidence in their team’s ability to uphold the standard of service our customers and heroes expect. This next chapter is one of opportunity and growth—for both our employees and the fire departments we proudly serve.” Investments in aftermarket service As part of the expansion, Reliant Fire Apparatus will align Michigan operations with its existing territories in Wisconsin and Iowa, ensuring a consistent and reliable customer experience.  Investments in aftermarket service and lifecycle support are a key focus, aimed at helping departments keep their fleets mission-ready for years to come.

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.