The City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has embarked on a transformative journey to modernise its fleet of emergency vehicles, a venture that has been entrusted to Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company.

The company recently announced that the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has placed an order for 18 custom fire apparatus. The deal comprises of 17 Pierce fire trucks and one Frontline Communications mobile command vehicle.

This recent acquisition is the inaugural order in a $52 million fleet replacement initiative by the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, aimed at advancing sustainability and standardising fleet operations and mechanics. The transaction was facilitated through South Coast Fire Equipment, an authorised Pierce dealer.

The order

The new order includes a diverse range of fire apparatus. Notably, it features one Pierce Volterra electric pumper, which supports the City’s sustainability and fleet electrification objectives. Also included are six traditional pumpers, four Ascendant 102’ Heavy-Duty Tiller Aerial Ladders, one Heavy-Duty Rescue Hazmat Unit, two Freightliner 114SD Dry-Side Tankers, three Freightliner M2-106 Type 3 Pumpers, and one Frontline Communications Mobile Command Unit.

James Gaboury, deputy fire chief of San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Logistics Division, remarked: “We purchased our first Pierce fire apparatus in 1991. We’ve developed a trusted 20-plus year relationship with South Coast Fire Equipment, and because of a longstanding proven track record, our goal is to maintain an entirely Pierce fleet to provide a consistent fire apparatus platform for our firefighters and mechanics.”

Pierce’s new fire apparatus come equipped with numerous advanced components, including TAK-4 Independent Suspension, carcinogen reduction features, ergonomic controls, and storage placement that aligns with the department’s operational and safety needs.

Additionally, the Fire-Rescue Department’s new Frontline Communications mobile command vehicle will feature a plethora of high-tech capabilities, including an Avtec dispatch system, a vast array of communication capabilities, and a regional integrated network.

South Coast Fire Equipment President Kevin Newell said: “It has been an honour to collaborate with the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department on a fire apparatus and emergency vehicle order of such significance.”

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, servicing over 1.4 million citizens and responding to nearly 178,000 incidents annually, looks forward to the arrival of the new apparatus, as Chief Gaboury added: “I look forward to seeing the firefighters’ pride and excitement when they welcome the new apparatus into service.”