The Minneapolis Fire Department has ordered three Pierce Enforcer Pumpers from Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation business.
The order marks the department’s transition from commercial chassis vehicles to custom fire apparatus designed for urban response operations.
The order was secured through Pierce dealer MacQueen and will support frontline operations across Minneapolis’ 19 fire stations, which are staffed by more than 430 firefighters.
Faster delivery and custom design
According to MacQueen, the apparatus were configured using the Build My Pierce programme, enabling the department to accelerate delivery timelines while maintaining operational specifications tailored to the city’s demands.
Built for harsh urban conditions
Minneapolis operates within a dense metropolitan environment with major interstate traffic corridors and severe winter weather conditions.
The new pumpers have therefore been specified to support both urban mobility and winter response capability.
Each apparatus will feature a Pierce Enforcer custom chassis powered by a PACCAR MX-13 engine producing 510 hp and 1,850 lb-ft of torque.
Other specifications include a Waterous 1,500 gpm single-stage pump, 500-gallon water tank, TAK-4 independent front suspension, rear air ride suspension and OnSpot automatic tyre chains.
Additional safety features include frontal and side roll impact protection, dual cab step access, low hosebed configuration and a Whelen warning light package.
Brad White, Fire Apparatus Sales Representative for MacQueen, said: “Designing these pumpers through the Build My Pierce™ program allowed us to move quickly while still delivering apparatus tailored to Minneapolis’ operational needs.
“Minneapolis has been a Pierce fleet customer for years and has operated Pierce aerials since 2015, so this transition to Pierce custom chassis pumpers builds on an established partnership focused on reliability, performance and long-term support.”
Deputy Chief Olson from the Minneapolis Fire Department, said: “Moving away from a commercial chassis was a major priority for us.
“We wanted to ride on a fire truck that’s built to be a fire truck. Pierce’s Enforcer Pumpers give us a roomy cab, excellent turning radius, and customized space for our crews and equipment, while keeping the overall layout familiar so the transition is seamless.
“Most importantly, we’re getting apparatus designed specifically for firefighting, which means low downtime, few repairs and vehicles built to do exactly what we need.”
“Partnering closely with our Fleet Manager, Chris Metcalf, was critical in evaluating long-term maintenance, repair costs and overall downtime.
“That collaboration helped reinforce our decision to invest in apparatus designed specifically for firefighting.
“The new Enforcer Pumpers will give us the maneuverability we need in an urban environment, the safety features our crews expect and the confidence that these units will spend their time in service and not in the shop.”
