Rosenbauer America announces partnership with IKON Fire

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Rosenbauer America has announced that it will partner with IKON Fire, LLC for apparatus sales and service in the states of Colorado and Wyoming effective immediately.

IKON Fire brings more than 50 years of apparatus sales and service to the region and is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, 70 miles north of Denver, Colorado and Wyoming departments now have a close resource for sales and service of Rosenbauer apparatus and equipment sales.

Mark Fusco, President of Rosenbauer America, said: “Rosenbauer is thrilled to welcome IKON Fire to our dealer network to serve customers in Colorado and Wyoming.

“IKON is well known and respected throughout the fire industry for the highest levels of integrity and customer service. IKON has convenient brick-and-mortar and mobile service options available for customers throughout Colorado and Wyoming.”

IKON Fire President Ron Weinmeister expressed his excitement about the partnership: “We are proud to represent Rosenbauer and the company’s 150-year-old reputation. We share in Rosenbauer’s mission of saving lives and protecting property.

“We are excited to be an authorised dealer of Rosenbauer’s fire apparatus line, especially its aerial lineup. Colorado and Wyoming are experiencing amazing growth, and these vehicles will serve our community well.

Staffed by EVT-certified technicians, IKON’s 160,000-sq-ft facility provides chassis, engine and driveline service, as well as accident repair and fire pump maintenance.

IKON has revealed plans to display Rosenbauer demo units at the Fire Leadership Challenge, hosted by the Colorado State Fire Chiefs in Keystone, Colo., in mid-October 2023.

Fusco added: “IKON was a natural choice for Rosenbauer to partner with, making IKON Fire, LLC the premium authorized Rosenbauer sales and service dealership for Colorado and Wyoming.”

Atlanta Fire and Rescue order 12 fire apparatus from Spartan

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Spartan Emergency Response, a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc., and leading manufacturer of fire apparatus, has announced that Atlanta Fire Rescue Department ordered 12 fire apparatus including one TDA, eight pumpers, and three TDA support units.

This order is part of a three-year contract between Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and Spartan dealer, Peach State Truck Centers.

Top features of the Spartan TDA include: Spartan Metro Star MFD chassis with flat roof, Cummins X12 500 HP engine with Allison 4000 EVS Transmission and Steel Channel Severe Duty 12.5″ extended front bumper.

Atlanta ordered a total of eight pumpers, with four currently in production with more to follow.

The three TDA Support Units are designed specifically for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department fleet with large storage compartments for tools and equipment, and 149 feet of ground ladders

Chris Wade, Director of Sales, Spartan Emergency Response commented: “Spartan ER is privileged to have the City of Atlanta work with us in meeting their unique apparatus challenges in a constantly growing metropolitan area. Our team looks forward to serving the city and its citizens for the public safety needs utilizing the fire apparatus we manufacture.”

Saint Paul Fire Department invests in electric fire truck

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Saint Paul Mayor Carter and Fire Chief Inks has announced that the Saint Paul Fire Department is embracing green energy to fight fires, becoming the first fire service in Minnesota to purchase an electric fire truck.

In 2020, Saint Paul Fire received demonstrations of the RTX from Rosenbauer, and again in January of 2023. Members of the department’s training division, apparatus selection committee, and vehicle maintenance personnel were impressed with the manoeuvrability, safety features, and functionality during these demonstrations.

Rosenbauer has started the build process on an RTX electric fire truck for Saint Paul, with delivery expected by 2025. Final assembly of the city’s and state’s first electric fire truck will be completed at Rosenbauer’s facility in Wyoming, Minnesota, with delivery expected to coincide with completion of a new Fire Station 7 on the city’s East Side.

Todd McBride, RTX Sales and Marketing Manager of Rosenbauer America said: “The Rosenbauer RTX is the fire truck of the future. With over 10 years of research and development, the RTX is built from the ground up using the most advanced materials and technologies. The RTX is the safest fire truck available – for firefighters, for communities and for the environment.”

A carbon neutral city

The investment in the RTX is in alignment with the City of Saint Paul Climate Action & Resilience Plan, which focuses on achieving carbon neutrality in city operations by 2030 and citywide by 2050.

This work includes strategies to lessen the impacts of climate change through policy and regulatory actions the city can take to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the changing climate, and improve quality of life in the city. In addition to furthering climate goals, this investment helps reduce diesel emissions and supports firefighters’ overall health and wellbeing.

Mayor Carter said: “We’re excited to be the first in the state to invest in this state-of-the-art fire truck. It brings us all the critical green energy benefits of an electric vehicle, while meeting the high safety and efficiency standards we have for all our fire equipment.”

Baltimore County Fire Department orders custom apparatus from Pierce

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Pierce Manufacturing Inc, has announced the Baltimore County Fire Department (BCoFD) in Maryland has placed an order for 23 custom Pierce fire apparatus.

The deal was managed by authorised Pierce dealer Atlantic Emergency Solutions in Virginia and is part of an initiative to improve the department’s strategic emergency response in the communities they serve.

The latest order includes ten Pierce Enforcer 750-gallon pumpers, six Enforcer 1,000-gallon pumpers, two Ascendant 107’ Heavy-Duty Tillers, three Heavy-Duty Rescue engines, one Heavy-Duty Rescue Unit, one Heavy-Duty Rescue Hazmat Unit, and one Freightliner tanker. 

Safety for fire and EMS personnel was a top priority for the fire department and so all the new fire trucks are to be equipped with side roll protection and front airbags and some units will contain decontamination showers.

Fire Chief Joanne Rund said: “Our objective in purchasing the new apparatus is enhanced public safety. Baltimore County Executive John Olszeswki Jr. prioritised this goal and secured the necessary funding to upgrade the fleet to keep our communities safe for many years to come.”

BCoFD’s Fire Maintenance Fleet Manager Michael Huber commented: “Crews are happy with the manoeuvrability and ease of use of Pierce fire apparatus. They are eager to put this most recent order into service.”

“We appreciate Pierce and Atlantic Emergency Solutions working with us to meet our unique specifications and build the safest equipment for our crews,” Huber added.

Protecting the population

All new fire apparatus feature a new black-over-red paint color scheme, a visible representation to the community that BCoFD is working to keep them safe.

The Baltimore County Fire Department serves a population of nearly 850,000 people and responds to approximately 150,000 incidents annually. The department has more than 1,000 sworn and civilian personnel based at 25 career and 29 volunteer fire companies. 

Bob Rosensteel, regional account manager for Atlantic Emergency Solutions. commented: “Working with the Baltimore County Fire Department to upgrade and improve their fleet has been an honor, and we are proud to have earned their trust by providing quality solutions and dedicated service.

“Now operating a full Pierce fleet, with some in reserve, having a manufacturing partner who listens to their needs with convenient service center access are critical factors for Baltimore County as we work to place 55 new fire apparatus in service within the next few years. We are committed to being a trusted resource every step of the way.” 

Coulson Aviation provides Argentina with aerial firefighting support

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Coulson Aviation has announced that it is providing aerial firefighting support services to Argentina via a CDN $6.8 million dollar government to government contract between the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) and Argentina’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MAyDS).

Beginning in January 2023, one of Coulson’s CH-47 helitankers is on a contract for a four-month period to meet Argentina’s aerial fire needs, ensuring quick response to large-scale wildfires. 

Britton Coulson, President and COO, Coulson Aviation said: “The 10,000 liter capacity CH-47 is not only the largest payload commercially available helicopter, it’s also one of the fastest. We have been operating this fleet type worldwide with excellent serviceability and look forward to demonstrating its capabilities to the Argentine Government.” 

The contract comes as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding between CCC and MAyDS to bring Canadian firefighting expertise and technology to Argentina and is financed by Argentina’s National Fire Management Program (Servicio Nacional del Manejo del Fuego – PNMF), which supports the monitoring, prevention and management of the country’s fire emergencies. 

Reid Sirrs, Canadian Ambassador to Argentina, said: “As a country with almost 362 million hectares of forests, Canada understands the importance of protecting this valuable natural resource and stands ready to share firefighting expertise and technology with Argentina.”

In September 2019, Coulson, in partnership with CCC, signed an agreement with the Bolivian government to supply its leading aerial firefighting support services by providing 18 crew members along with three helicopters, including two Sikorsky S-61 helicopters and a custom Chinook CH-47D. Coulson became the first Canadian company to send aircraft and their crews to combat fires in the Bolivian Amazon rainforest. 

Wilson Pearce, Senior Director, Global Business Development Operations, Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) added “For over 75 years, our government to government contracting approach has connected qualified Canadian companies to government buyers around the world. We’re pleased to further this tradition by connecting Coulson Aviation and the government of Argentina through a G2G contract.”

REV Fire Group invests in Ephrata facility

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REV Fire Group, which includes REV GroupInc. manufacturers of E-ONE, KME, Ferrara, Spartan Emergency Response, Spartan Fire Chassis, Smeal, and Ladder Tower fire apparatus brands, has announced the expansion and $1.5 million renovation of its Ephrata, PA facility to allow for the increased manufacturing of aerial apparatus including tractor drawn aerials (TDAs).

The expansion is expected to more than triple the production of TDAs, and nearly double the workforce.

With the leasing of two additional buildings on campus, REV Fire Group has doubled its space to a total of 123,000 square feet among four buildings.

One of the new buildings will be used exclusively to manufacture aerial apparatus for Ladder Tower, KME and Ferrara brands. The other will be used to manufacture TDAs and will include a 20,000 square foot customer experience final inspection center with three bays. 

For the existing two buildings, one will be used for service and refurbishment of all REV Fire Group apparatus, and the other as a full paint shop.

Improving customer satisfaction

Dan DesRochers, President of REV Fire Group said: “We are very excited to create an aerial and TDA manufacturing center of excellence for our brands. For more than 49 years we’ve perfected our process to build the finest ladder truck components. By specialising and taking advantage of the talent and knowledge base, we anticipate continuing to put out the best product in the industry while improving both lead time and customer satisfaction.”

The investment will support upgrades and renovations to increase operational efficiencies including updated paint and signage in the buildings, upgraded paint booths, and new tooling and fixtures to streamline the ladder welding process.

With the expansion of operations comes the need for more employees. The Ephrata facility will hold job fairs in coming months to recruit additional employees with the goal to ultimately double its current labor force.

Madrid equips firefighting fleet with Allison Transmission

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Renault Trucks and Allison Transmission have announced that the Madrid Fire Department has selected Allison-equipped Renault Trucks vehicles as part of the renewal process set out in its 2019-2029 Firefighting Fleet Operational Plan.

The vehicles supplied include seven light urban fire trucks, two automatic aerial ladder trucks and four heavy-duty wildland fire trucks, all equipped with Allison fully automatic transmissions.

The Madrid Fire Department recently took delivery of 13 Allison-equipped Renault Trucks vehicles at a ceremony held at the Caja Mágica complex and attended by José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid; Inmaculada Sanz, Delegate for Security and Emergencies and municipal spokesperson; Loreto Sordo, Councilor for the Usera District; Javier Hernández, General Coordinator for Security and Emergencies; Enrique López, Director General for Emergencies and Civil Protection; and Rafael Ferrándiz, Chief of the Madrid Fire Department.

Ensuring compliance

Juan Antonio Sánchez, Key Account Sales Manager at Renault Trucks España commented: “The most remarkable feature of these vehicles is the spaciousness of the Renault Trucks cab, equipped with individual Bostrom seats and an internal anti-roll cage. This ensures compliance with current legislation and guidelines for vehicles of this type, in addition to providing greater capacities, dimensions and dynamics than those required of category-2 wildland fire trucks.

“An example is the 36º angle of approach. Moreover, Allison’s continuous torque offers greater acceleration and lower power loss when shifting gears.”

Inside the trucks

The seven light urban fire trucks, with Iturri bodywork mounted on the D 2.1 240.12 4×2 FPTL chassis, are fitted with Allison 2000 Series transmissions and feature Renault Trucks double cabs in accordance with the EN 1846 standard. These cabs have a 2-3 seat arrangement with Bostrom co-driver seats and three forward-facing rear seats.

The two automatic aerial ladder trucks, with Flomeyca bodywork mounted on the D 2.1 280.16 4×2 chassis, are equipped with Allison 3000 Series fully automatic transmissions. This model features a 3,500-millimeter wheelbase, special wide wheels on the rear axle and a maximum cab chassis width of 2,395 millimeters.

The four heavy-duty wildland fire trucks, with Iturri bodywork mounted on the D 2.1 280.14 4×4 CCR chassis, are equipped with the Allison 3000R transmission with output retarder for enhanced braking and reduced brake wear. These trucks feature Renault Trucks EN 1846-compliant double cabs with a 2-3 seat arrangement, Bostrom co-driver seats and three forward-facing rear seats, in accordance with the NFX61517 standard.

Sánchez continued: “The Allison 3000 Series with retarder guarantees the performance needed to satisfy the specific requirements of rural firefighting. Above all, I would highlight the contribution of the Allison fully automatic transmission when tackling long descents or steep grades.”

Trond Johansen, Director, European Area Sales at Allison Transmission, said: “It is a pleasure to work with Renault Trucks in fitting out this type of vehicle and bringing automation to the fire department. Obviously, a contract like this with the Madrid City Council reflects the fact that Allison automatic transmissions are highly valued for their great reliability, increased vehicle acceleration capacity of up to 35%, smoothness, uninterrupted power during gear shifts and total vehicle control, all of which are vital in extreme emergency situations.”

Sánchez added: “Renault Trucks and Allison have been working together for decades and are leaders in the industry. With so many drivers assigned to the same truck, Allison fully automatic transmissions ensure maximum vehicle performance in terms of safety, speed and maneuverability.”

Rosenbauer restructures service areas in Europe

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Rosenbauer has announced that, as of 1 January 2023, it has restructured its service areas by combining Western and Eastern Europe (formerly NISA and CEEU) into a single EUROPE area.

The firefighting vehicle manufacturer said aim of this is, among other things, to further exploit the synergies between the service locations and to facilitate comprehensive service concepts.

With 16 Service Centers across the region, Rosenbauer Customer Service said it will ensures proximity and commitment to the customer in order to offer reliable, top notch, and transparent service for all Rosenbauer products. For unrestricted availability and constant optimisation.

‘Just a starting point’

Markus Brunner, Head of the Europe Service Area, explained: “With the reorientation of sales and service in the new EUROPE area, we can now respond to market requirements in an even more targeted manner.

“Across our 16 service branches at present and the mobile service teams, supported by the spare parts warehouses, training centers and helpdesk specialists at all production locations, more than 250 Rosenbauer service employees currently form a service network across Europe that is unrivaled in the fire service industry. In addition to this, several service partners further expand our coverage.

“However, this is just a starting point, not least because of the rapidly increasing volume of Rosenbauer products in these markets, but also when considered against the background of new technologies and changing customer needs.

“Constant further development – in the area of training and number of technicians, infrastructure, and service centres, but also in market-specific and individual service offers – is critical in this regard. Therefore, we are constantly evaluating customer feedback, market developments, and ourselves: in order to be able to ensure first-class service tomorrow as well as today.”

Allegiance Fire & Rescue named Pierce Dealer of the Year

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Pierce Manufacturing Inc. has awarded authorised dealer Allegiance Fire & Rescue, a division of Massachusetts-based Allegiance Trucks, LLC, as Pierce Dealer of the Year Award for 2022.

The award recognises a dealership’s outstanding customer service, the impact it has made on in the fire service community, and growth as a company over the past year.

In addition to the award, Allegiance is celebrating the near completion of a significant expansion of its service network throughout Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. 

Bill O’Connor, vice president of Allegiance Fire & Rescue commented: “Our entire team displayed such outstanding effort and dedication over the past year, and I am so proud of everyone in our organisation who have raised the bar for providing exceptional service for our customers. It is humbling to receive this award recognising the commitment of our team to serve those who serve their communities.”

Investing in a robust network of service and repair centres and resources throughout New England, the centres offer certified Pierce master technicians at every location, ample service bay space, mobile services, pump testing, preventative maintenance programs, and extensive parts inventories.

Allegiance Fire & Rescue service centre locations include: Auburn, Maine; Bangor, Maine; Fort Kent, Maine; Saco, Maine; Jericho, Vermont; Foxboro, Massachusetts; and Methuen, Massachusetts.

O’Connor added: “Our goal has always been to grow into New England’s most valued fire apparatus dealer and service provider for emergency vehicles, while going above and beyond for our customers. We are excited about the opportunity to continue building strong, long-term relationships with new and existing customers in the region. The breadth of service centers and their offerings provide diverse opportunities and spacious and productive work environments to ensure we maintain the highest level of service for our customers.”

City of Madison Fire Department orders electric pumper from Pierce

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Pierce Manufacturing Inc., has announced that the City of Madison Fire Department in Wisconsin has placed an order for a Pierce Volterra electric pumper.

The purchase order agreement follows an 18-month placement of a Pierce Volterra pumper at the department’s busiest station, Station No. 8, making it the first electric fire truck in service in North America.

The City of Madison Fire Department was one of three fire departments across the United States to collaborate and provide daily operational data to assist with the final development, evaluation, and on-highway certification processes.

The department’s thorough vetting, testing and operational use over the last 18-months resulted in the City of Madison solidifying its commitment in Pierce’s proven electric vehicle technology.

Scott Bavery, assistant fire chief of the City of Madison Fire Department said: “We were honoured to be a part of the testing process for the Pierce Volterra electric pumper and worked closely with Pierce representatives to ensure we were equipped with a highly capable fire apparatus to tackle our daily missions.

“Our positive experience with this electric fire truck and the support team, along with our community’s dedication to meeting environmental sustainability goals, were all factors in our decision to purchase a Pierce Volterra apparatus and make it a prominent addition to our fleet.” 

Truck configuration

City of Madison Fire Department’s Pierce Volterra Electric Vehicle Configuration Includes: Pierce Enforcer custom chassis with seating for 6, TAK-4® Independent Front Suspension, 246 kWh battery solution with standard 6-year warranty, consolidated, safety focused, high voltage integration, and industry-leading underbody ground clearance.

Its compartmentation has a full height, full depth, formed aluminum construction with over 155 cu. ft. of storage, uninterrupted by high voltage battery integration, and it features a 1,500 GPM single stage pump, 500-gallon water tank, Intuitive Command Zone™ purpose-built electrical control system , and CZ Connect™ Telematics for remote access and service support.

The Pierce Volterra Electric Vehicle Operation features: Traditional control for simplified and standardized apparatus operation, Oshkosh patented parallel-electric drivetrain featuring an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission, Zero-emissions pumping and driving in EV mode, with the ability to provide continuous and uninterrupted power to the pumping system or drive system through the backup internal combustion engine, exceptional operational range tailored to the fire department’s needs and duty cycle for full-shift operation, and fire station-based, all-encompassing vehicle charging infrastructure offers a thorough, simple, and fast charging solution through Madison Gas and Electric.

Driving environmental change

City of Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, and Fleet Superintendent Mahanth Joishy, both took part in the introduction of the Pierce Volterra electric fire truck in Madison in June 2021, sharing their agenda and municipal plan to drive environmental change.  

Joishy commented: “Since 2018, the city went from zero to 94 electric vehicles, added 160 hybrid vehicles, and the Pierce Volterra pumper represents the first electric fire truck to support our fire department’s brave first responders. Fire trucks are among the hardest vehicles to electrify and it’s incredible to be part of this special moment in history.”

Mayor Rhodes-Conway described the City of Madison’s Climate Forward Agenda, the function of electric fleet vehicles, and the impact on a state-wide and national scale. City officials strongly supported purchasing a Pierce Volterra electric fire truck because the technology demonstrator exceeded expectations.

‘Impactful conribution’

Rhodes-Conway said: “Purchasing a Pierce Volterra pumper will make an immediate and impactful contribution to the city’s commitment towards environmental change. Through reduced diesel fuel usage, the pumper is expected to eliminate over 31.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) from being emitted into the environment every year.

“The Pierce Volterra electric fire truck not only gives us confidence our fire department will have the most advanced equipment to support their needs, but also drives environmental change as we take meaningful action toward building a clean energy economy.”

The City of Madison Fire Department is made up of 14 fire stations serving an area of nearly 100 square miles and a population of over 250,000. The city is a long-time Reliant Fire Apparatus customer with a full Pierce fleet dating back to their first Pierce purchase in 1997. 

Jason Krueger, director of sales for Reliant Fire Apparatus, added: “It’s been an exciting process to work alongside Pierce and the City of Madison Fire Department to place the first electric fire truck in service in North America and evaluate its performance.

“Our team is honoured to be part of a monumental movement setting a precedent for the future of the fire service. We look forward to continuing to provide support through the production process and as a service partner for many years to come.”