Frederick County orders Pierce Manufacturing electric fire truck
Iain Hoey
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Frederick County to deploy electric fire engine from late 2025
Pierce Manufacturing has reported that Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) in Maryland has ordered a Pierce Volterra electric fire truck.
The purchase was facilitated by Pierce dealer Atlantic Emergency Solutions and includes six additional apparatus to serve the county’s 29 fire stations.
The electric fire truck is expected to arrive in late 2025.
Frederick County will complete infrastructure upgrades before the vehicle enters service.
According to Pierce Manufacturing, the purchase was partially funded through a grant from the Maryland Energy Administration, supporting the county’s shift to clean energy for emergency services.
Order includes additional apparatus for operational coverage
The full order includes a mix of electric and diesel-powered fire and rescue vehicles.
Alongside the Volterra electric pumper, the county has ordered one Enforcer Ascendant 107-foot heavy-duty tractor drawn aerial, one Enforcer Ascendant 100-foot heavy-duty aerial tower, three Enforcer pumpers and one Enforcer HAZMAT unit.
Pierce Manufacturing stated that each vehicle will be equipped with TAK-4 Independent Front Suspension, side roll and frontal impact protection, and high-capacity diesel engines, except the Volterra unit which runs primarily on battery power.
The Volterra system includes a 246 kWh battery with a six-year warranty, a 1,500 GPM single-stage pump, a 750-gallon water tank and zero-emissions capability while operating on battery power.
Backup power is provided through an internal combustion engine to ensure operational continuity.
County prioritises health, safety and sustainability goals
Frederick County Fire Chief Thomas E. Coe said: “Placing the Pierce Volterra EV into service reaffirms our commitment to environmental sustainability and, more critically, to the health and safety of our first responders.”
He added: “We feel strongly this new electric fire engine not only allows us to provide critical emergency services in a sustainable manner but also helps us achieve our goals of a healthy work environment for our fire/rescue responders.”
He continued: “The reduced diesel emissions, when running on batteries, will help protect our firefighters from carcinogenic exhaust exposure and help contribute to clean air in our communities.”
Pierce Manufacturing noted that the electric unit also produces significantly lower noise during operations, helping reduce hearing strain and improving communication between crews.
Long-standing relationship with Pierce dealer supports transition
Rodney Guessford, Regional Account Manager at Atlantic Emergency Solutions, said: “Atlantic Emergency Solutions has had a long-standing relationship with Frederick County, and we appreciate their continued trust in our team and in Pierce Manufacturing.”
He added: “After visiting the Pierce facility and conducting a full demonstration of the Pierce Volterra EV, Frederick County was confident this new electric engine would provide the reliability, performance, and sustainability they were seeking.”
According to Atlantic Emergency Solutions, the demonstration showcased the system’s performance under simulated operating conditions, which informed the county’s procurement decision.
Frederick County has maintained a 100 percent Pierce fleet, making annual purchases to support operational readiness.
The department responds to approximately 40,000 emergency calls each year and serves a population of nearly 300,000.
Maryland energy funding backs clean emergency infrastructure
The Maryland Energy Administration contributed grant funding to support the purchase of the Volterra apparatus.
According to Pierce Manufacturing, the grant aligns with the state’s strategy to support clean energy investment in public services.
The funding enabled Frederick County to progress with its clean fleet transition while also preparing required electric vehicle infrastructure.
Pierce Manufacturing explained that the Volterra platform allows zero-emissions pumping and driving under battery operation, with no compromise to response capabilities.
The manufacturer noted that the Volterra platform maintains the operational functionality of traditional diesel engines but with added environmental and health benefits.
Frederick County orders Pierce Manufacturing electric fire truck: Summary
Pierce Manufacturing has announced a new order from Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services in Maryland.
The order includes a Volterra electric fire truck and six additional emergency vehicles.
The electric unit is scheduled for delivery in late 2025.
The order was arranged through Atlantic Emergency Solutions.
Funding support came from the Maryland Energy Administration.
The Volterra unit features a 246 kWh battery, backup engine, and zero-emissions capability.
The other six vehicles include two aerial units, three pumpers and one HAZMAT unit.
Frederick County operates a fully Pierce fleet and responds to around 40,000 calls annually.
The department cited health and environmental benefits as key to its decision.
Atlantic Emergency Solutions provided product demonstrations to inform the procurement.
The Volterra fire truck produces less noise and emissions than traditional vehicles.
Maryland’s energy grant programme supports clean fleet adoption across public services.
Frederick County is updating infrastructure to accommodate electric vehicle deployment.
Pierce Manufacturing stated the order aligns with local sustainability goals.