Pierce Manufacturing Hits 1,000th Delivery for PACCAR MX-13 Engine

The Broussard, LA, Fire Department has received Pierce Manufacturing's 1,000th PACCAR MX-13 engine installed in a Pierce 107' Ascendant Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder. The Milestone fire apparatus was bought from Pierce dealer Siddons-Martin Emergency Group and has a Pierce Ultimate Configuration (PUC) pump.

In order to broaden its inventory with a high-performance, fuel-efficient engine supported by a wide North American service network, Pierce started incorporating the PACCAR MX-13 engine into custom chassis offers in 2021. The PACCAR MX-13, which is made in Columbus, MS, and is renowned for its 510 horsepower rating, 1,850 lb-ft of torque, and industry-leading design characteristics, offers fire departments all over the nation outstanding dependability, seamless operation, and easier maintenance.

“Our community continues to grow upward and outward, and we needed an aerial device that can meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s,” said Fire Chief Bryan Champagne, Broussard Fire Department. “The 107' Ascendant Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder gives us the extra height we need with the maneuverability required for our smaller streets. Combined with Pierce’s quality along with the added storage and clean layout of the PUC, this apparatus will serve our city for many years to come.”

The 14 square miles of the quickly expanding Broussard municipality, as well as parts of Lafayette and St. Martin Parishes, are protected by the Broussard Fire Department. The agency looked for an airborne device with outstanding reach, maneuverability and storage capacity because of the city's mix of residential districts, large industrial facilities, complicated traffic flow during business hours, and a train line.

“The delivery of our 1,000th PACCAR engine marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to offer fire departments the best combination of performance, serviceability and long-term value,” said John Schultz VP and General Manager of Pierce Manufacturing. “Fire departments like Broussard trust Pierce because we listen to their needs and collaborate with partners like PACCAR to deliver technology that enhances safety, efficiency and operator confidence.”

This delivery is the first PACCAR-powered equipment for the Broussard Fire Department. The department chose the MX-13 engine due to its excellent performance, parts availability, and easy serviceability after examining demos, customer comments and total lifespan cost.

“Our previous engines required specialized service and sometimes a 50-mile drive to the nearest dealer,” added Chief Champagne. “The PACCAR engine opens up options for local support through nearby Kenworth and Peterbilt service centers. That flexibility, combined with Pierce’s presentation of the engine’s capabilities and cost benefits, made it an easy choice.”

The Broussard Fire Department’s 107' Ascendant Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder features:

• Pierce Enforcer custom chassis
• PACCAR MX-13 510-hp engine / 1,850 lb-ft. torque
• PUC 1500-gpm pump configuration
• 500-gallon water tank
• 107' Ascendant Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder on a single rear axle
• TAK-4Independent Front Suspension
• Expanded compartmentation enabled by PUC design
• Command Zone advanced electronics

The automated setup and operational simplicity of the Ascendant aerial were also key considerations. Chief Champagne added, “Pierce’s programmed safety and stabilization logic minimize operator guesswork, particularly for less experienced users.”

Danny Denais, a sales agent with Siddons-Martin Emergency Group, views this delivery as a personal and professional achievement. In the early 2000s, Denais bought a Pierce truck from the Broussard Fire Department after more than 20 years of service, including 12 years as fire chief.

“It’s an honor to support a department and community that have shaped so much of my life,” said Denais. “Pierce delivers exceptional quality, and the Broussard Fire Department has always placed a high value on long-term reliability and service. Reaching this 1,000th PACCAR engine milestone together makes it even more meaningful.”

Citing an efficient and transparent procedure that made approvals easier for the department and city administration, Broussard funded the equipment through Pierce.

Visit www.piercemfg.com to learn more about Pierce's revolutionary fire apparatus solutions, PACCAR engine offerings, and aerial equipment.