Rosenbauer revolutionises roadside assistance with new generator

by Featured NewsProducts

The new RS 14 power generator will fast-charge broken down electric vehicles

Leading manufacturer of firefighting equipment, Rosenbauer, has announced the launch of a new solution for stranded electric vehicles: the RS 14 power generator and matching quick charger. The combination enables mobile charging with an output power of 10.88 kW, equivalent to that of modern wallboxes.

The RS 14 power generator is capable of providing continuous energy for hours and can be used as an emergency power supply during disasters and for charging several batteries in succession during roadside assistance.

The quick charger, which charges all current electric vehicles, has a standardised type 2 plug on the vehicle side and a 400V/16A CEE plug on the other side for fast transmission of three-phase alternating current at 400 V, resulting in 11 kW of power for charging an electric car using all three phases. Residual current monitoring is also integrated to guarantee safe charging of a wide range of electric vehicles.

Roadside assistance

With this new solution, electric vehicles no longer need to be transported away on the loading platform of a roadside assistance vehicle or towed, which can damage the control electronics if the on-board system is not activated. Instead, the RS 14 power generator and quick charger combination provides a faster, less complicated, and more efficient alternative.

The RS 14 is the lightest and most compact unit in its power class (14 kVA), making it suitable for mounting in emergency or roadside assistance vehicles, or permanently installed, transported on trailers with a custom-fit weather protection tarp and equipped with a wheel set to ensure easier handling and quick manual transport to the site of operation.

This elegant retrofit solution is recommended for towing companies, motorist clubs, and fire departments that already have vehicles with a power generator on board. The combination of power generator and quick charger provides a mobile emergency charger for broken-down electric vehicles.

An increasing necessity?

The quick-charging service is expected to become increasingly necessary in the future, as seen in the US, where it is already possible to call mobile chargers to recharge the battery for the journey to the next charging station if the electric vehicle has come to a standstill.

Rosenbauer America announces partnership with IKON Fire

by Featured NewsVehicles

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.”

Saint Paul Fire Department invests in electric fire truck

by Vehicles

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.”

REV Fire Group invests in Ephrata facility

by Featured NewsVehicles

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

by Featured NewsVehicles

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.”

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.”

Grand Canyon West Airport receives Oshkosh firefighting vehicle

by Featured News

Oshkosh Airport Products has announced that Grand Canyon West Airport, located northwest of Peach Springs in Mohave County, Arizona, has taken delivery of its first Oshkosh Airport Products Striker 4×4 ARFF vehicle.

The vehicle will support emergency operations at the airport, which is owned and operated by the Hualapai tribe and situated on the Hualapai Indian Reservation. 

Rick Carlson, CEP ARFF airport operations manager with the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation, said: “We evaluated three different ARFF apparatus, and the Striker offered the features we liked best, with a strong reputation for quality and longevity. The ease of access to the engine compartment for maintenance is also a key attribute which will allow our team to competently maintain the proper service protocols to ensure the vehicle remains a valuable resource for many years to come.” 

Features of Grand Canyon West Airport’s Striker 4×4 ARFF vehicle: 

  • Scania V8 670 hp Tier 4F engine
  • Water capacity: 1,500 gallons (5,678 liters)
  • Foam capacity: 220 gallons (757 liters)
  • Dry chemical capacity: 550 pounds (250 kg) 
  • Oshkosh TAK-4® independent suspension
  • Acceleration of 0-50 mph (0-80 kmh) in under 25 seconds
  • Hydrochem roof turret: 375/750 gpm
  • Bumper turret: 375/750 gpm
  • Dual agent hose reel
  • Oshkosh Eco-EFP™ foam testing system
  • On board generator

Carlson said “I’ve been in the fire service for over 20 years and understand many ARFF vehicles are very different from one another. When you sit in the pilot seat of the Striker 4×4, the cab functionality and operator experience are exceptional. I can confidently say the vehicle is very easy to operate. Our crew also appreciates the Eco EFP foam system so we can facilitate all of our necessary testing without deploying foam on the ground.” 

Jack Bermingham, Business Unit Director for Oshkosh Airport Products, added: “We’ve appreciated having the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Grand Canyon West Airport ARFF operations team to analyse their unique needs and help select the most advanced emergency apparatus to best support each critical mission they may encounter. Our team looks forward to continuing to build our relationship and providing dedicated training and service support in the years ahead.”

City of Madison Fire Department orders electric pumper from Pierce

by Featured NewsVehicles

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.”

Rosenbauer Wins Collective Tender in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

by Featured NewsVehicles

Rosenbauer has again been entrusted with the manufacture and delivery of firefighting vehicles by the State Office for Central Tasks and Technology of the Police, Fire Protection, and Disaster Control of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

After winning the contract for 265 portable water pump vehicles (TSF-W) three years ago, the new order includes up to 40 fire engines (LF 20) in accordance with DIN 14530-11, the orders for 37 of which have already been confirmed.

The prototype vehicle will be produced in the first half of 2023, with series production beginning after its acceptance. From 2024, the firefighting vehicles will be handed over to the State Office in monthly instalments, with the State Office then distributing them to the individual fire departments.

Rosenbauer will equip the vehicles with a  AT body, one of the hallmarks of which is the integrated double crew cab with automatic revolving doors for safe entry and exit. The LF 20s are built on an MB Atego 150 AF chassis, with all-wheel drive and twin tires on the rear axle and a total permissible weight of 16 tons.

The extinguishing technology consists of a Rosenbauer N25 fire pump (FPN 10-2000), which can also be switched on while driving for pump & roll operation at walking speed, as well as the Rosenbauer RFC Admix Variomatic 12 pressure proportioning system (EN 16327), which can deliver up to twelve liters of foam compound per minute and supply three spray points with a continuously adjustable proportioning rate of between 0.1% (wetting agent operation) and 6%.

The water tank has a usable capacity of 2,500 litres, with the foam tank having a capacity of 120 litres. The extensive vehicle equipment also includes a NAUTILUS submersible pump, a FANERGY high-performance fan, an RS 14 SUPER SILENT power generator, and the new Rosenbauer RTE one-person reel hose.

A new training method

Rosenbauer is also breaking new ground with its portable fire pump vehicles. For the first time, as the result of a request from the State Office of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, vehicle training is offered online. This both saves the fire departments travel time and provides crew members with the opportunity to complete the training at any time.

After receiving personalised access to the Rosenbauer e-learning platform, drivers and machinists are familiarised with all the functions of the TSF-W and its operation through numerous and detailed videos, then complete a test at the end and receive a certificate to print out upon passing.

Ghana International Airports Receive Two Oshkosh Strikers

by Featured NewsVehicles

Oshkosh Airport Products has announced that Ghana Airports Company Limited has taken delivery of two Oshkosh® Airport Products Striker® 6×6 ARFF vehicles.

The vehicles will support emergency operations at two of the region’s largest airfields, including Kumasi International Airport and Tamale International Airport, which serve over 600,000 travelers annually.

Adding to a full Oshkosh Airport Products fleet, the new ARFF vehicles were delivered in 2022 and offer enhanced features and fleet continuity for ease of operation and efficiency.

Features of Ghana’s Striker 6×6 ARFF vehicles:

  • Deutz 500 Kw (670 BHP) Tier 3 engine
  • Water capacity: 12,500 liters (3,302 gallons)
  • Foam capacity: 1,750 liters (460 gallons)
  • Dry chemical capacity: 250 kg (550 pounds)
  • Roof turret: High flow­–minimum of 6,000 lpm (1,585 gpm) and low flow of 3,000 lpm (792 gpm)
  • Bumper turret: Low flow rate of 2,365 lpm (625 gpm) and high flow of 4,731 lpm (1,250 gpm)Hawi added, 

Salim Hawi, Vice President of international sales for Oshkosh Airport Products commented: “What makes the new Striker ARFF vehicles for Ghana Airports Company’s Kumasi and Tamale International Airports unique is the incredible water, foam, and dry chemical capacities.”

“We are confident the new apparatus will meet Ghana’s international airports’ performance expectations for many years to come. We look forward to continuing to build on the long-standing relationship to provide this dedicated team of emergency responders with dependable apparatus and dedicated training and service support.” 

Ghana is a country in West Africa, situated on the coast of the Gulf of New Guinea. The Ghana Airports Company is comprised of six airports: Kotoka International Airport, Kumasi International Airport, Tamale International Airport, Sunyani Airport, Wa Airport, and Ho Airport.

The company manages and maintains all airports and airfields in Ghana and is an implementing agency under the Ministry of Transport.

To learn more about Oshkosh Airport Products and Ghana International Airports’ new Striker 6×6 ARFF vehicles, visit www.oshkoshairport.com.