Appleton, Wis. (May 3, 2010) – Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, today announced a new order from the San Antonio Fire Department in San Antonio, Texas, for seven Pierce® Quantum® chassis-based vehicles. This new Quantum vehicle order includes three aerials, three pumpers and one heavy-duty rescue which will be integrated into the department’s existing fleet that includes 43 Pierce vehicles.
"The Quantum chassis continues to set the industry standard for overall ergonomics, roomy interior and excellent visibility. It’s a truly versatile custom platform as demonstrated by this purchase of seven Quantum vehicles in a wide range of configurations" said Wilson Jones, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency. "We’re extremely pleased that Pierce fire apparatus will continue serving the San Antonio fire department for many years to come."
"Safety for our uniformed personnel is of the greatest importance. The side roll protection system, electronic stability control and visibility provided by the large windshield area are some of the best features of the Quantum chassis," said Fire Chief Charles N. Hood of the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD). "The additional cab space and layout permit our firefighters to comfortably reach equipment within the cab while remaining in seat belted positions during emergency response. All these features combined assist us in providing our uniformed personnel with a round trip ticket home at the end of a shift."
The three pumpers all feature a top-mount-pump-panel configuration, as well as Pierce’s proprietary Husky™ foam system and Hercules™ Compressed Air Foam (CAF) system for unmatched fire knockdown and suppression capabilities. "Two of the engines have been specifically designed and equipped with additional foam capabilities to meet the challenges faced with the increased use and transportation of ethanol fuel blends within San Antonio. All seven vehicles will be a welcome addition to our SAFD Fleet," added Chief Hood.
The three aerials include two 100-foot aluminum ladders and a single 100-foot aluminum aerial platform. The platform is outfitted with a large output, 2,000-gpm pump and Pierce’s new, ergonomically designed aluminum basket with angled doors, an 8-inch walkway on all sides and moveable controls.
The heavy-duty rescue features a tandem rear axle, aluminum body and large storage capacity for a wide variety of rescue tools and equipment. The front of the body features a unique storage compartment with access from the cab so that emergency responders can reach top priority supplies more quickly.
"The challenges faced by the SAFD mirror those across the nation," added Chief Hood. "In light of the current economy and budget constraints, our purchases must meet fiscal responsibility, provide the highest level of functionality and safety for our firefighters and address the changing needs of the citizens we serve."
Since its founding in 1891, the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) has built a strong reputation for serving the citizens of San Antonio. From fire suppression and emergency medical services, to an emphasis on fire prevention and safety education, the department works diligently to meet the changing needs of its community.
The local Pierce dealer, Siddons Fire Apparatus, Inc., of Kirby, Texas, provides service and support to the San Antonio Fire Department.
About Pierce Manufacturing
Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] company, is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include 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. To learn more about Pierce visit www.piercemfg.com
About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corporation manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. The Oshkosh brands are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com
