Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, announced the Columbus Division of Fire in Columbus, Ohio, has placed an order for two Pierce Ascendant® 107’ Heavy-Duty Tiller Aerial Ladders and two Pierce Enforcer™ Pumpers.
The order, secured through Pierce dealer Atlantic Emergency Solutions, emphasizes the department’s dedication to equipping its crews with fire apparatus tailored for high call volume and diverse emergency response needs across the city.
Fire protection and EMS services
The Columbus Division of Fire operates 34 fire stations and serves nearly 906,000 residents within the city’s boundaries, spanning more than 220 square miles.
With approximately 1,700 uniformed personnel supported by civilian staff, the department provides both fire protection and EMS services in one of the nation’s busiest metropolitan areas.
Firefighters’ safety and efficiency
“Reliability and operational consistency are critical for a department of Columbus’ size,” said Dave Reichman, Regional Vice President of Sales for Atlantic Emergency Solutions.
He adds, “The new apparatus are designed to perform under pressure, with features directly supporting firefighters’ safety and efficiency on scene. The Ascendant Tillers and Enforcer Pumpers will provide the visibility, maneuverability, and functionality needed to serve Columbus residents effectively.”
Key factors in choosing Pierce tillers
Columbus has exclusively relied on Pierce Tillers since 2012, with each unit customized to meet the city’s unique specifications.
For this order, consistency and customization were key factors in choosing Pierce tillers, while the Enforcer Pumpers offered quality assurances, availability, and cost-effectiveness through Pierce’s Build My Pierce™(BMP™) Program, which allowed for expedited delivery timelines.
The four apparatus
Two (2) Pierce Ascendant 107’ Heavy-Duty Tiller Aerial Ladders
- Enforcer custom chassis with Cummins X12 engine
- TAK-4® tiller axle
- Tandem-rear axle chassis for improved stability, braking, and traction
- Steel ladder construction offering 107’ of vertical reach
- Highly customized trailer compartmentation to meet department specifications
- Wireless remote aerial control system for enhanced flexibility
Two (2) Pierce Enforcer Pumpers
- Enforcer custom chassis with Cummins L9 engine
- TAK-4 Independent Front Suspension
- 1,500 gpm pump
- 750-gallon water tank
- 152” body with extensive compartmentation and low hosebed design
Reliability, safety, and operational excellence
Dave Reichman added, "The apparatus are designed to meet the demands of a large metropolitan city with a very high call volume. The tillers provide fast aerial setup, quick control movement, and superb visibility, while the pumpers feature thoughtful compartmentation and low hosebeds to maximize efficiency."
He continues, "We appreciate the opportunity to continue supporting the department with apparatus engineered for reliability, safety, and operational excellence."