New Orleans Fire Department Expands Fleet with Four Pierce Ascendant® 107' Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladders
APPLETON, Wis. (November 19, 2024) – Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) business, is pleased to announce the delivery of four Ascendant® 107’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladders on Enforcer™ chassis to the New Orleans Fire Department. These four identical trucks, built on a single rear axle chassis, were chosen for their exceptional maneuverability on the city's historic, narrow streets, further strengthening the partnership between the New Orleans Fire Department, Pierce, and Pierce dealer Siddons-Martin Emergency Group. The New Orleans Fire Department has a long history with Pierce Manufacturing, including the purchase of 21 Pierce pumpers in 2018. The department then added three additional Pierce aerial trucks to their fleet, resulting in a fully Pierce-equipped frontline firefighting operation. This latest delivery marks a further investment in advanced firefighting capabilities, with the new aerials designed to meet the unique demands of New Orleans' urban landscape.
“We fell in love with the first Pierce Ascendant aerial we added to our fleet, so it made sense to expand with four more,” said Charlie Howley, fleet manager for the New Orleans Fire Department. “These trucks are perfect for maneuvering around curbs and navigating the tight, brick streets of New Orleans. With Pierce’s TAK-4® Independent Suspension, they handle the rough conditions in our older city very well. Our team appreciates their reliability and ease of maintenance.”
The four Ascendant aerial ladders are identical, equipped with advanced technology and performance features, including a 107' steel ladder with 100' horizontal reach, a 500-gallon water tank, and the robust TAK-4 Independent Suspension system.
Additional Features Include:
- Waterous 1500 GPM pump
- Telma retarder for advanced braking
- Rosco Drive Cam system for enhanced incident logging and safety
- Tip control system for operating the aerial from the ladder tip
“These trucks were designed with practicality and durability in mind, which is crucial for navigating New Orleans’ challenging streets,” said Kirk Givler, vice president of sales for Siddons-Martin Emergency Group. “The customization and attention to detail reflect our commitment to delivering the best possible equipment for the department’s needs, and we look forward to providing the highest level of service throughout the lifespan of the apparatus.”
The New Orleans Fire Department maintains a prestigious "Class 1" rating, serving the greater New Orleans area spanning 199,000 square miles with a population of approximately 391,000 residents. Operating out of 31 stations across six fire districts, the department responds to around 65,000 calls annually. The department is uniquely positioned to handle the city's rich historical architecture and vibrant culture, including large-scale events such as Mardi Gras and the Louisiana Jazz & Heritage Festival, as well as numerous conventions and special events throughout the year.
"We’re thrilled with the results we’ve seen from Pierce," Howley added. "Our aging fleet needed an update, and the new apparatus have exceeded our expectations. They’ve held up well in the humid climate and handle the city's unique challenges with ease."
In addition to this latest delivery, the New Orleans Fire Department has recently placed an order for a Pierce Snozzle® and a rescue truck, further expanding emergency service capabilities.
For more information on Pierce's Ascendant aerial ladders and other innovative fire apparatus, visit www.piercemfg.com for specs, videos, and images.
