Minneapolis Fire Department Bolsters Front-Line Fleet

The Minneapolis Fire Department has ordered three Pierce Enforcer Pumpers, according to Pierce Manufacturing Inc. The order, which was obtained through Pierce dealer MacQueen, signifies the department's transition from commercial chassis pumpers to Pierce custom fire equipment made to satisfy the operating requirements of the biggest city in Minnesota.

“Moving away from a commercial chassis was a major priority for us,” said Deputy Chief Sean Olson of the Minneapolis Fire Department. “We wanted to ride on a fire truck that’s built to be a fire truck. Pierce’s Enforcer Pumpers give us a roomy cab, excellent turning radius, and customized space for our crews and equipment, while keeping the overall layout familiar so the transition is seamless. Most importantly, we’re getting apparatus designed specifically for firefighting, which means low downtime, few repairs and vehicles built to do exactly what we need.”

434 firefighters support the Minneapolis Fire Department, which has 19 fire stations. The department sought equipment that would have exceptional agility, ensure crew safety, and assist in managing long-term maintenance requirements because it serves a densely populated area with significant interstate corridors and severe winter road conditions.

“Designing these pumpers through the Build My Pierce™ program allowed us to move quickly while still delivering apparatus tailored to Minneapolis’ operational needs,” said Brad White, fire apparatus sales representative for MacQueen. “Minneapolis has been a Pierce fleet customer for years and has operated Pierce aerials since 2015, so this transition to Pierce custom chassis pumpers builds on an established partnership focused on reliability, performance and long-term support.”

The department listed MacQueen's ongoing fleet maintenance support and Pierce's unique cab and chassis safety features as important considerations for making their purchase. In comparison to earlier equipment orders, Minneapolis also reported far reduced wait times, which enabled the department to proceed without sacrificing requirements.

Each new apparatus will feature an Enforcer custom chassis, PACCAR MX-13 engines (51-hp, 1,850-lb.-ft. torque), Pierce TAK-4 independent front suspensions with rear air ride suspension, Waterous 1,500-gpm CSU single-stage pumps with narrow pumphouse, 500-gallon water tanks (no foam cell), 152-inch pumper bodies with customized compartmentations, dual cab step design for easy cab access, frontal and side roll impact protection, low hosebeds and OnSpot automatic tire chains for winter operations and Whelen warning light packages.

Deputy Chief Olson added, “Partnering closely with our Fleet Manager, Chris Metcalf, was critical in evaluating long-term maintenance, repair costs and overall downtime. That collaboration helped reinforce our decision to invest in apparatus designed specifically for firefighting. The new Enforcer Pumpers will give us the maneuverability we need in an urban environment, the safety features our crews expect and the confidence that these units will spend their time in service and not in the shop.”