Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, has announced 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 selected for their exceptional manoeuvrability on the city’s historic, narrow streets. The addition of these trucks further strengthens the long-standing partnership between the New Orleans Fire Department, Pierce, and Pierce dealer Siddons-Martin Emergency Group.
The New Orleans Fire Department has a rich history with Pierce Manufacturing, having purchased 21 Pierce pumpers in 2018. The department also added three additional Pierce aerial trucks to their fleet, creating a fully Pierce-equipped frontline firefighting operation. This latest delivery is another significant investment in enhancing the department’s firefighting capabilities. The new aerials are designed to meet the specific demands of New Orleans’ urban landscape.
Charlie Howley, fleet manager for the New Orleans Fire Department, commented, “We fell in love with the first Pierce Ascendant aerial we added to our fleet, so it made sense to expand with four more. These trucks are perfect for manoeuvring 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.”
The four Ascendant aerial ladders are equipped with advanced technology and performance features. These include a 107′ steel ladder with a 100′ horizontal reach, a 500-gallon water tank, and the robust TAK-4 Independent Suspension system. Additional features include a Waterous 1500 GPM pump, Telma retarder for advanced braking, Rosco Drive Cam system for enhanced incident logging and safety, and a tip control system for operating the aerial from the ladder tip.
Kirk Givler, vice president of sales for Siddons-Martin Emergency Group, remarked, “These trucks were designed with practicality and durability in mind, which is crucial for navigating New Orleans’ challenging streets. The customisation 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.”
The New Orleans Fire Department maintains a prestigious “Class 1” rating, serving the greater New Orleans area, which spans 199,000 square miles and is home to 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 equipped to handle the city’s historic 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.
“We’re thrilled with the results we’ve seen from Pierce,” added Howley. “Our aging fleet needed an update, and the new apparatus have 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 its emergency service capabilities.
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