Pierce Mfg. Prepares to Host 5th Annual Stair Climb for NFFF Benefit

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] company, is hosting its fifth annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at historic Lambeau Field on Saturday, September 16. Co-sponsored by the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, all proceeds raised will benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to assist the families of fallen firefighters and to work within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths. Last year, nearly 2,000 residents, firefighters, and local businesses together raised more than $85,000.

“Participating in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a way to honor those brave firefighters who sacrificed for their fellow citizens,” said Fire Chief David W. Litton of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department. “It is a statement that we will never forget their courage and commitment to duty.”

Stair Climb participants are invited to climb the equivalent of 110 stories – the height of the fallen World Trade Center towers – on the steps of Lambeau Field. The climb will span the entire bowl inside the stadium to accommodate the anticipated large number of climbers paying tribute to the firefighters who gave their lives at the World Trade Center.

“For those who haven’t experienced a stair climb, it’s a solemn, reflective, and inspiring event. We have our sights set on surpassing last year’s record breaking numbers,” said Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president of the Fire & Emergency segment and Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. “We urge the entire region to join the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, and the NFFF in honoring the courage and sacrifice exhibited by 343 firefighters on September 11, 2001.”

Since forming its partnership with the NFFF, Pierce has raised more than $400,000 to assist the NFFF’s mission to help the families of fallen firefighters rebuild their lives through support networks, conferences, workshops, and scholarships. Among several changes intended to optimize attendees’ experiences at this year’s event are the following:

• Due to an increasing number of participants, start times will be organized into 10-minute waves of 343 climbers to help ensure a smooth and safe event.
• Entertainment for supporters and those waiting to climb will be supplied by Paul Cummings, a firefighter and singer/songwriter from Western New York State, who tours the country to salute those who sacrifice for the greater good. 
• Climbers can pre-register AND check in the evening before the climb from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. outside of the Verizon gate at Lambeau Field.
• Pre-registration and other event details are now available at www.piercemfg.com/climb. The cost is $35 per person until August 15th and $40 per person, thereafter.

Each climber will be given a badge with the name and photograph of one of the fallen firefighters, to symbolically complete the climb with one of the fallen. The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is not a timed race and participants can climb to any desired level. (Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult/guardian.) All funds raised will benefit the NFFF and pre-registered participants will receive an official event T-shirt. 

Event times on September 16 include on-site registration beginning at 8:00 a.m., an Opening Ceremony at 9:00 a.m., and the stair climb waves beginning at 9:30 a.m. Visit www.piercemfg.com/climb for more information and to pre-register for the 2017 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

About National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization with a Congressional mandate to honor all firefighters who die in the line of duty in the United States. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is the only fire service organization that represents every facet of the American fire service – career, volunteer and wildland. The Foundation has created education and training programs to reduce firefighter deaths. The Foundation has no allegiance to any special interest. For more information, visit www.firehero.org.

About Pierce Manufacturing
Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] company, is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus, including custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, minipumpers, elliptical tankers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce frontal airbags and the Side Roll Protection system to fire apparatus. Pierce markets its products through the industry’s largest and most comprehensive dealer and service network. The company enjoys a nationwide web of dealerships with over 600 certified and factory trained Service Brigade technicians and over 50 service centers. Visit www.piercemfg.com to learn more about Pierce.

About Oshkosh Corporation
Founded in 1917, Oshkosh Corporation is 100 years strong and continues to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh brings together a unique set of integrated capabilities and diverse end markets that, when combined with the Company’s MOVE strategy and positive long-term outlook, illustrate why Oshkosh is a different integrated global industrial.  The Company is a leader in designing, manufacturing and servicing a broad range of access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency, military and specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®.

Today, Oshkosh Corporation is a Fortune 500 Company with manufacturing operations on four continents. Its products are recognized around the world for quality, durability and innovation, and can be found in more than 150 countries around the globe.  As a different integrated global industrial, Oshkosh is committed to making a difference for team members, customers, shareholders, communities and the environment. For more information, please visit www.oshkoshcorporation.com.