Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, has received an order for three Pierce® Aerial Tiller vehicles from the City of Columbus Division of Fire located in Columbus, Ohio. Built on Arrow XT chassis, these are the department’s first Pierce aerial vehicles; all three will be placed into service beginning in June 2012.
“We are pleased and gratified to grow our relationship with the Columbus, Ohio Division of Fire as signified by this first-ever order of Pierce aerial apparatus,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency. “These custom aerial tillers have a tight turning radius to handle narrow and congested streets, and will be an excellent addition to the Columbus fleet.”
Each Pierce Aerial Tiller vehicle will feature a 105-foot Heavy Duty aerial ladder with a radio- controlled monitor, and a 5th wheel tractor with TAK-4® independent suspension. Other features include a Detroit Diesel 13 liter, 500 hp EPA 2010 compliant engine; seating for six firefighters; an EMS cabinet inside the cab; an LED lighting package; roll-up compartment doors; a full complement of ground ladders (ranging from 10-35 feet long); and a 20 kilowatt diesel generator.
“These three Pierce aerial ladders will be front line vehicles that respond to emergencies of all types, from high-rise fires to trench rescue calls,” said Steve Martin, research and development captain for the Columbus Division of Fire. “My job is to make certain we get the best ladder trucks possible for our firefighters, and I’m looking forward to having these Arrow XT tillers join our fleet.”
The City of Columbus Division of Fire provides fire and rescue, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, bomb response, and other services to Metro Columbus, an area encompassing close to 400 square miles with a population of 1.7 million.
Founded in 1972, Pierce dealer Finley Fire Equipment Co., Inc., of McConnelsville, Ohio provides local service and support.
