According to Pierce Manufacturing, the Santa Rosa Fire Department in California has purchased a custom-built Pierce Ascendant 107-foot heavy-duty tiller aerial ladder, intended to support fire operations in Santa Rosa, which serves nearly 200,000 residents.
This vehicle, purchased through Golden State Fire Apparatus, is the latest addition to the department’s fleet and marks another milestone in their fleet modernization strategy.
Since beginning their collaboration with Pierce and Golden State Fire Apparatus in 2016, Santa Rosa Fire Department has added multiple vehicles, with seven more currently on order.
Gunnar Dean, Fire Captain for Santa Rosa Fire Department, highlighted the advantages of the Ascendant tiller for their operations: “The Ascendant Tiller provides unmatched maneuverability and reach, which are critical for accessing high-density residential and commercial properties throughout downtown Santa Rosa, an area that has seen rapid growth and development.”
The tiller will operate from Station 1, a busy downtown station that regularly responds to emergency calls in the urban core.
The Santa Rosa Fire Department’s modernization efforts aim to address the city’s increasing emergency demands.
Santa Rosa’s ten fire stations serve a population exceeding 200,000, including through mutual aid agreements in the region.
The new Pierce Ascendant tiller aligns with these goals, supporting the department’s response to over 34,000 calls in 2023, with projections suggesting an even higher call volume in 2024.
The Ascendant tiller has been specially designed to handle urban firefighting and rescue requirements, integrating features suited to Santa Rosa’s densely built areas.
“This tiller fire apparatus is a game-changer for our operations,” said Captain Dean, emphasizing its ability to navigate tight streets, reach high-rise buildings, and carry essential equipment.
The truck’s stationing at Fire Station 1 will strengthen the department’s capabilities in the city’s central areas.
The Pierce Ascendant 107-foot tiller aerial ladder for Santa Rosa includes an Enforcer custom chassis and TAK-4 independent front suspension, offering the maneuverability needed for dense urban environments.
Additionally, the tiller’s steel ladder allows for a 107-foot vertical and 100-foot horizontal reach, crucial for high-rise rescues.
Equipped with the Pierce Command Zone electronics system, it provides real-time diagnostics and vehicle performance monitoring.
The compartment design has been customized to house specialized equipment for auto extrications, low-angle rescues, and other complex situations, allowing firefighters to address various emergency scenarios efficiently.
This configuration supports the department’s goals to meet diverse emergency response requirements effectively, particularly given the area’s growing population and building developments.
The recent purchase adds to the long-standing relationship between Santa Rosa Fire Department and Golden State Fire Apparatus.
Ryan Wright, President and Owner of Golden State Fire Apparatus, commented: “The Santa Rosa Fire Department has been a valued partner for many years.
This order, which builds upon our existing relationship, is a testament to the quality of Pierce products and our commitment to supporting the department’s evolving needs.”
With additional funding approved for more vehicles and fire stations, the Santa Rosa Fire Department’s acquisition of the Ascendant tiller aligns with the city’s growth and its demand for advanced emergency response capabilities.
The Santa Rosa Fire Department has added a new Pierce Ascendant 107-foot heavy-duty tiller aerial ladder to its fleet, according to Pierce Manufacturing.
The purchase, made through Golden State Fire Apparatus, supports the department’s fleet modernization strategy and will enhance emergency response capabilities, particularly in the city’s high-density areas.
Equipped with advanced maneuverability, a 107-foot ladder reach, and custom compartmentation for specialized equipment, the new tiller is stationed at downtown Fire Station 1 to address Santa Rosa’s growing emergency response needs.
This addition underscores the department’s ongoing collaboration with Pierce and Golden State Fire Apparatus, which began in 2016 and has resulted in multiple apparatus acquisitions to support Santa Rosa’s diverse and expanding community.
