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.”