| The five vehicles ordered will ride on Pierce® Arrow XT™ custom chassis |
Pierce Manufacturing Inc. has received an order including four pumpers and one aerial ladder; all on Pierce Arrow XT chassis from Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (PFRES) in Portsmouth, Va.
Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) Company and North America’s leading fire and rescue apparatus manufacturer, announced it has received an order for five Pierce Ultimate Configuration (PUC) vehicles from Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (PFRES) in Portsmouth, Va. The purchase includes four pumper vehicles and one aerial ladder. All five vehicles will ride on Pierce® Arrow XT™ custom chassis. The vehicles will be placed into service in June 2011.
"We are honored that the PUC was selected by one of America’s earliest fire departments," said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency. "This purchase not only demonstrates the growing popularity of the PUC platform and Arrow XT chassis, it is a testament to the service and support provided by our local dealer, Atlantic Emergency Solutions.”
The PUC’s patented design removes the bulky pumphouse and positions the fire pump below the cab. This lower and space-saving location makes the vehicle easier to use, operate safely, service and maneuver, all without compromising firefighting capabilities. The PUC is available on all Pierce custom chassis in side and top mount configurations, as well as on all aerial ladders.
“Our entire department is looking forward to the addition of these five Pierce units to our fleet,” said Don J. Horton, PFRES fire chief. “The new technologies introduced by Pierce on the Arrow XT chassis and PUC configuration result in vehicles that are safer and more economical to operate. Furthermore, these units will reduce adverse environmental impacts on our beautiful city, while also improving service to our citizens.”
“Atlantic Emergency Solutions is proud to partner with PFRES as they bring the latest in innovation to their fleet of apparatus,” said Joe Pack, Atlantic Emergency Solutions president & CEO. “We welcome the opportunity to provide the city of Portsmouth with solutions that focus on safety, performance and reliability to meet the needs of the community.”
PFRES was organised in 1830 and is one of the oldest professional departments on the eastern seaboard. The department is staffed with 255 highly trained firefighters, paramedics and support personnel who respond to approximately 17,000 service calls each year. PFRES operates eight fire stations located strategically throughout the City of Portsmouth, Virginia.