Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a part of Oshkosh Corporation, recently announced that the Columbus Division of Fire in Columbus, Ohio, has placed an order for advanced fire apparatus. The order includes two Pierce Ascendant® 107’ Heavy-Duty Tiller Aerial Ladders along with two Pierce Enforcer™ Pumpers.
This acquisition, made through the efforts of Pierce dealer Atlantic Emergency Solutions, highlights the department's commitment to enhancing its fleet with equipment tailored to meet the demands of high call volumes and varied emergency responses.
Fire Services for a Large Population
The Columbus Division of Fire operates 34 fire stations, catering to nearly 906,000 residents over an area of more than 220 square miles.
Staff includes around 1,700 uniformed personnel and additional civilian support, providing comprehensive fire protection and EMS services in one of the busiest urban regions in the US.
Ensuring Safety and Efficiency
Ascendant Tillers and Enforcer Pumpers are engineered to meet the visibility, maneuverability
According to Dave Reichman, Regional Vice President of Sales for Atlantic Emergency Solutions, "Reliability and operational consistency are critical for a department of Columbus’ size."
Reichman emphasized that the new apparatus would directly support firefighters’ safety and efficiency during operations by offering critical features.
Specifically, the Ascendant Tillers and Enforcer Pumpers are engineered to meet the visibility, maneuverability, and functional needs vital for efficient service delivery in Columbus.
Factors in Selecting Pierce Equipment
Since 2012, Columbus has consistently used Pierce Tillers, tailoring each unit to meet its specific needs. The decision to continue this partnership was driven by the need for consistent customization and the quality assurance offered by the Enforcer Pumpers.
The Build My Pierce™ (BMP™) Program also facilitated prompt delivery timelines, enhancing cost-effectiveness.
Details of the Four Apparatus
The two Pierce Enforcer Pumpers are equipped with the Enforcer custom chassis containing a Cummins L9 engine
The two Pierce Ascendant 107’ Heavy-Duty Tiller Aerial Ladders feature the Enforcer custom chassis with a Cummins X12 engine, a TAK-4® tiller axle, and a tandem-rear axle chassis designed for stability, braking, and traction.
These ladders, providing vertical reach of 107’, come with a highly customized trailer compartmentation aligned with department specifications, and a wireless remote aerial control system for enhanced operational flexibility.
Meanwhile, the two Pierce Enforcer Pumpers are equipped with the Enforcer custom chassis containing a Cummins L9 engine, TAK-4 Independent Front Suspension, a 1,500 gpm pump, a 750-gallon water tank, and a body measuring 152” with extensive compartmentation and a low hosebed design.
Commitment to Reliability and Excellence
Dave Reichman further noted, "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 added, "We appreciate the opportunity to continue supporting the department with apparatus engineered for reliability, safety, and operational excellence."
