Pierce Road Rally brings fire apparatus demonstrations to US departments
Iain Hoey
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Road Rally showcases fire apparatus to US departments
Pierce Manufacturing has reported the continued progress of its 2025 Road Rally event, which features demonstrations of its latest fire apparatus across the United States.
The company said the tour began in April and is now entering its summer phase, with upcoming stops planned in the Northeast, Midwest and Southeast.
Pierce explained that the Road Rally includes a rotating selection of vehicles such as electric pumpers, aerial ladders, towers, heavy-duty rescue trucks and pumpers.
Attendees are able to operate the equipment, test features including water flow, and consult directly with Pierce product experts and dealer representatives.
The U.S. Road Rally will run until August and conclude at the Fire-Rescue International 2025 conference in Orlando, Florida.
Equipment available at Road Rally events
According to Pierce Manufacturing, the fire apparatus on display include the Volterra electric pumper, Ascendant aerial ladders and towers, and the PUC pumper range.
The company added that the vehicles are brought to each tour stop for hands-on evaluation.
Fire departments can operate the equipment on local streets and set up full demonstrations, including ladder extensions and water discharge.
The organisation stated that each event is designed to assist decision-makers in assessing operational needs and equipment options.
Dealer representatives are available at each location to provide further technical insight and product comparisons.
Canadian Road Rally completes 19-stop tour
Pierce confirmed that a separate Canadian Road Rally was conducted in May and June 2025, organised in partnership with dealers Commercial Emergency Equipment and L’Arsenal.
The company reported that the Canadian tour visited 19 fire departments across Ontario and Quebec.
Apparatus featured on this leg of the tour included a 107-foot Ascendant aerial ladder, a 100-foot Ascendant aerial tower with mid-mount configuration, and a PUC pumper.
Events were similarly hands-on, with local crews engaging directly with the equipment and representatives.
The company stated the format was aimed at helping departments in Canada make informed procurement decisions.
Upcoming U.S. locations in July and August
Pierce stated that the next phase of the U.S. Road Rally will take place throughout July and August 2025.
The events will be held in 12 locations including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio, Kentucky and the Carolinas.
Fire departments in these areas will be able to assess the equipment in person and conduct field demonstrations.
The company noted that each stop offers full participation opportunities, including driving test vehicles and water flow exercises.
The final stop will be at the Fire-Rescue International 2025 conference in Orlando, Florida.
Executive remarks on Road Rally’s development
Bob Schulz, President of Pierce Manufacturing, said: “We’re proud to see the momentum of the Road Rally grow as we reach more departments across North America.”
He added: “These events deliver more than just product displays.”
He said: “They offer real opportunities for education, collaboration, and innovation to support the fire service at every level.”
The company reiterated that departments have responded positively to the opportunity for in-person trials.
It added that demand for demonstration stops has remained high throughout the tour.
Pierce Road Rally brings fire apparatus demonstrations to U.S. departments: Summary
Pierce Manufacturing is continuing its 2025 Road Rally across the United States.
The event features fire apparatus demonstrations at locations nationwide.
Vehicles include electric pumpers, aerial ladders, towers and rescue trucks.
Departments are given the chance to operate equipment and consult product experts.
The Road Rally began in April and runs through August 2025.
A Canadian version of the tour took place in May and June 2025.
The Canadian route included 19 stops in Ontario and Quebec.
Upcoming U.S. stops will occur in 12 states during July and August.
The tour concludes at the Fire-Rescue International 2025 event in Orlando.
Pierce President Bob Schulz said the event supports collaboration and education.