Three Pierce Ascendant 107-foot Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladders have been ordered by the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department, according to Pierce Manufacturing. The department's emphasis on improving operating efficiency, mobility, and aerial reach to meet its growing service area is reflected in the order, which was obtained from Pierce dealer Siddons-Martin Emergency Group.

The Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department was founded in 1902 and operates eleven fire stations to serve a population of over 172,000 people. The department provides sophisticated emergency medical services, technical rescue, and fire suppression to a diverse and fast expanding population with 242 uniformed personnel responding to about 25,000 calls yearly.

“Our city continues to grow, bringing new challenges such as increased density, apartment complexes and tighter access areas,” said Deputy Chief Jamie Bigelow of the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department. “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. We’re confident the apparatus will play a critical role in supporting our crews and protecting our city.” 

Pierce was chosen by the department because to its reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and quality, as well as a favorable working relationship with the Siddons-Martin team. The selection was supported by practical demonstrations, chances to assess equipment performance, and the trucks' adaptability to Murfreesboro's unique operational needs.

Features include: 

• Enforcer chassis
• PACCAR MX-13 engine
• Waterous CSU 2,000-gpm pump
• 500-gallon water tank
• 107-foot Ascendant aerial ladder with single rear axle configuration for enhanced maneuverability
• Frontal and side roll impact protection systems
• Integrated body camera system
• 360-degree high-visibility scene lighting
• Pierce Control Zone pump panel
• Remote control aerial operation
• Aerial tip Lyfe pulley rescue system

The Ascendant aerial ladders were created with the department's operational environment in mind. They combine a compact, nimble footprint with an extended vertical reach, making them perfect for navigating tight streets, mountainous terrain, and densely populated locations. 

“The Ascendant aerial ladder delivers the reach, flexibility and performance departments like Murfreesboro need to respond with confidence,” said Kirk Givler, executive vice president of sales with Siddons-Martin Emergency Group. “We’re proud to partner with the department and support their mission with apparatus designed for both current demands and future growth.”

The third piece of equipment will be given to a new ladder company at Station 12, substantially enhancing the department's response capabilities, while the other two will replace the current units, which will go into reserve status.

Deputy Chief Bigelow added, “Throughout the process, the level of support and transparency from the Pierce and Siddons-Martin teams stood out. They took our leadership team to the PACCAR facility to meet with engineers and see the build process firsthand, which gave us a high level of confidence in the apparatus we’re designing. That hands-on experience, along with the collaboration with our fleet services director, made this a very thorough and positive purchasing process.”