Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department in Tennessee has ordered three Pierce Ascendant 107-foot Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladders as it looks to strengthen aerial response, improve maneuverability and support a rapidly growing service area.
The order was placed with Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation business, through Pierce dealer Siddons-Martin Emergency Group. The new apparatus will serve a city of more than 172,000 residents and a department that responds to around 25,000 calls each year from 11 fire stations.
Deputy Chief Jamie Bigelow said the city’s continued growth has created new response challenges, including increased density, apartment complexes and tighter access areas.
“The Pierce Ascendant 107-foot single rear axle aerial ladders provide the maneuverability we need to navigate confined streets and firehouse spaces, along with the reach required to effectively serve multi-story structures,” Bigelow said. “We’re confident the apparatus will play a critical role in supporting our crews and protecting our city.”
According to Pierce, Murfreesboro selected the manufacturer based on its reputation for quality and craftsmanship, as well as the department’s positive experience with the Siddons-Martin team. Hands-on demonstrations and apparatus evaluations also helped inform the decision.
Key specifications on the three Pierce Ascendant 107-foot Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladders include:
Pierce said the Ascendant aerial ladders are designed to deliver extended vertical reach while maintaining a compact, maneuverable footprint, supporting operations in hilly terrain, tight streets and densely developed areas.
Kirk Givler, executive vice president of sales with Siddons-Martin Emergency Group, said the Ascendant aerial ladder provides the reach, flexibility and performance needed by departments such as Murfreesboro.
“We’re proud to partner with the department and support their mission with apparatus designed for both current demands and future growth,” Givler said.
Two of the new aerial apparatus will replace existing units, which will move into reserve status. The third will be assigned to a new ladder company at Station 12, further expanding Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department’s response capabilities.
Bigelow said the purchasing process included support from Pierce and Siddons-Martin, including a visit to the PACCAR facility to meet engineers and review the build process firsthand.
