Pierce™ Dispatch Podcast

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From the classroom to the manufacturing floor, the training team works tirelessly to ensure team members build high-quality fire apparatus our customers expect. In the latest episode of the Pierce™ Dispatch, Jamie Boettcher provides us with an inside look at the investments and efforts at the Pierce Training Center. 

Date Aired: 10/23/2026

Featuring: Host Dan Meyer and Jamie Boettcher

Guests:

• Jamie Boettcher is a senior manager of employee training for the Vocational Segment at Oshkosh Corporation.
• Dan Meyer is the vice president of sales at Pierce.

Key Takeaways:

Careers 

• Career Opportunities at Pierce 
• What It’s Like to Work at Pierce Manufacturing
• What It’s Like Being an Intern at Pierce Manufacturing
• Pierce Manufacturing’s Workforce: Why Experience Matters 
• Pierce Manufacturing to Expand Wisconsin Facilities and Add Over 200 Jobs
• Pierce Manufacturing Opens Newly Expanded Training Center

Fire Apparatus Manufacturing

• Fire Truck Manufacturing: The Steps Required to Build Custom Apparatus 
• Purchasing a Fire Truck: The Order Lifecycle
• 5 Ways Pierce Practices Sustainable Manufacturing of Fire Trucks 

Capacity Expansion

• Pierce Capacity Expansion
• Facilities Upgrade Series Part Two: Fabrication and Welding Optimization 
• Facilities Upgrade Series Part One: Painting the Future of Fire Apparatus 
• Investing for the Future: Facility Upgrades and Manufacturing Innovation 
• FDIC International 2026: Featured Fire Apparatus and Technology Innovations 
• Pierce Manufacturing Launches Phase I of High Flow Production Line to Further Accelerate Lead Time Reductions and Enhance Quality 
• Pierce Manufacturing Expands Florida Operations to Increase Production Capacity and Efficiency
• Pierce Manufacturing Expands Facilities and Integrates Advanced Technologies Across Operations as Part of $150 Million in Manufacturing Investments

Join us as we continue to bring together customers, industry professionals and Pierce experts in future episodes, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the advancements and challenges within the firefighting community.

Whether you’re in the market for the latest in fire apparatus technology, or just passionate about the firefighting community and its evolution, this episode of Pierce™ Dispatch is for you.

For any feedback, questions or to subscribe, visit the Pierce™ Dispatch page. 

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In our latest Pierce™ Dispatch episode, hear the story behind Greenville, Texas Fire-Rescue’s Velocity® Pumper. We discover how the multi-purpose engine is designed to meet the department’s operational needs. Deputy Chief Jordan Stogsdill walks us through the department’s fleet, operations and apparatus design. 

Date Aired: 10/9/2026

Featuring: Host Alie Reetz and Jordan Stogsdill

Guests:

• Jordan Stogsdill is a deputy chief for the Greenville, Texas Fire Department.
• Alie Reetz is a marketing associate at Pierce.

Key Takeaways:

Pumpers

• Pierce Custom Pumpers 
• Pumper Comparison 
• Pumper Fire Apparatus: Overview and Examples 
• Pumper Fire Truck Design: 6 Key Features Fire Departments Should Consider 
• BX™ Pumper
• Heavy-Duty Rescue Pumper
• High Flow Industrial Apparatus
• Mini Pumper 
• Traditional Pumper
• Responder
• BX™ Wildland 
• Volterra® Electric Fire Truck
• Multipurpose Fire Trucks
• Advancements in Rescue Pumper Storage

Pierce PUC™ Pump

• PUC™: Pierce Ultimate Configuration 
• Pierce Ultimate Configuration: 9 Key Benefits for Fire Departments

Velocity® Custom Chassis

• Velocity® Custom Chassis

Fire apparatus procurement committee

• 4 Critical Factors for an Effective Fire Truck Procurement Committee 
• How to Conduct a Community Needs Assessment for Fire Truck Procurement
• Building Smarter, Serving Better: Lexington County’s Fire Apparatus Procurement Committee in Action
• Fire Truck Purchasing Guide for Procurement Committees

Fire apparatus design

• Fire Apparatus Design: A Step-By-Step Guide
• 3 Ways to Simplify the Fire Apparatus Design and Ordering Process
• Industrial Fire Truck Design, Selection and Use (With Examples)
• The Order Lifecycle of a Fire Truck
• Fire Truck Ergonomics: 11 Features to Enhance Firefighter Safety
• Fire Truck Storage: Compartment and Storage Systems FAQ  

Join us as we continue to bring together customers, industry professionals and Pierce experts in future episodes, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the advancements and challenges within the firefighting community.

Whether you’re in the market for the latest in fire apparatus technology, or just passionate about the firefighting community and its evolution, this episode of Pierce™ Dispatch is for you.

For any feedback, questions or to subscribe, visit the Pierce™ Dispatch page. 

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🫧 Firefighting foam is engineered to enhance suppression beyond the capabilities of water alone. By utilizing foam, firefighters can serve the mission of the fire industry to protect life and property. In our latest episode, we are joined by Rick Buser, to discuss the benefits, tactics and science behind foam. 

Date Aired: 9/25/2026

Featuring: Host Alie Reetz and Rick Buser

Guests:

• Alie Reetz is a marketing associate at Pierce.
• Rick Buser is a Fire Suppression Product Specialist at Pierce.

Key Takeaways:

Firefighting Foam Systems

• Foam Systems
• Hercules™ CAFS
• Husky™ 3
• Husky™ 12
• Husky™ Industrial
• Fire-Fighting Foam: What It Is and Why Departments Need It

Community Risk Assessment

• How to Conduct a Community Needs Assessment for Fire Truck Procurement
• Regional Fire Apparatus Guide: How to Spec and Maintain a Fire Truck for Your Region

Training

• Maximize Fire Apparatus Uptime: Product Support Offerings to Consider Before Buying a Fire Truck
• Fire Apparatus Design: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pierce Dealers

• Find A Dealer
• Benefits of a Strong Fire Apparatus Dealer Network

Join us as we continue to bring together customers, industry professionals and Pierce experts in future episodes, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the advancements and challenges within the firefighting community.

Whether you’re in the market for the latest in fire apparatus technology, or just passionate about the firefighting community and its evolution, this episode of Pierce™ Dispatch is for you.

For any feedback, questions or to subscribe, visit the Pierce™ Dispatch page. 

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Commemorate 25 years since September 11, 2001, with powerful accounts of the fateful day. Pierce team members recall where they were and what it means to them to serve the fire industry today. 

Date Aired: 9/11/2026

Featuring: Host Alie Reetz and Pierce team members

Guests:

• Nic Balda is a truck owner team lead at Pierce.
• SuAnne Rieckman is curriculum development lead at Pierce.
• Jamie Boettcher is a senior manager of employee training at Pierce.
• Joel Resch is a fleet project requirements manager at Pierce.
• Ken Sebo is a pumper business development manager at Pierce.
• Nick Peppler is the Build My Pierce™ sales manager at Pierce.
• Angela Riedy is the senior manager of product support and pumpers at Pierce. 
• Andrew Griep is a requirements manager associate at Pierce.
• Tyler Mehrl is a product manager of custom cab & chassis at Pierce.
• Nicole Riggles is a product manager of pumper products at Pierce.
• Alie Reetz is a marketing associate at Pierce.

Find a climb near you: https://www.firehero.org/events/9-11-stair-climbs/

Donate to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/pierce26/pledge/sponsor/start

Join us as we continue to bring together customers, industry professionals and Pierce experts in future episodes, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the advancements and challenges within the firefighting community.

Whether you’re in the market for the latest in fire apparatus technology, or just passionate about the firefighting community and its evolution, this episode of Pierce™ Dispatch is for you.

For any feedback, questions or to subscribe, visit the Pierce™ Dispatch page. 

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What keeps a fire department ready when every call brings a new challenge? 

St. Johns County Fire Rescue engineer and PIO Chris Naff breaks down the strategy behind effective emergency response, from training and apparatus design to regional needs and the equipment considerations that shape decisions. Chris shares how a clear sense of purpose, alignment and intentional preparation help the department operate with efficiency and confidence.

Date Aired: 8/28/2026

Featuring: Host Alie Reetz and Chris Naff

Guests:

• Chris Naff is an engineer and PIO for St. Johns County Fire Rescue in Florida.
• Alie Reetz is a marketing associate at Pierce.

Key Takeaways:

Fire Apparatus Design

• 3 Ways to Simplify the Fire Apparatus Design and Ordering Process
• Aerial No Pump No Tank vs. Aerial With Pump and Tank
• 7 Tips to Maximize Aerial Fire Truck Storage
• What Are the Benefits of Standardizing A Fire Truck Fleet?
• Fire Apparatus Design: A Step-by-Step Guide

Operations

• Fire Truck Manufacturing: Supporting the First Five Minutes on the Fireground
• Dickinson Fire Department: Expanding Capabilities with a 100' Aerial Platform

Fire Apparatus Procurement

• 4 Critical Factors for an Effective Fire Truck Procurement Committee
• The Order Lifecycle of a Fire Truck
• Benefits of a Strong Fire Apparatus Dealer Network

Ascendant® 100' Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower

• Ascendant® 100' Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower
• Ascendant® Class of Aerials
• Aerial Placement and Operation: 6 Benefits of Pierce Ascendant Aerials
• Which Pierce Ascendant Aerial Is Best for Your Fire Department?
• 3 Types of Aerial Devices: A Comprehensive Overview
• Types of Aerial Fire Trucks: NFPA Classification Overview

Join us as we continue to bring together customers, industry professionals and Pierce experts in future episodes, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the advancements and challenges within the firefighting community.

Whether you’re in the market for the latest in fire apparatus technology, or just passionate about the firefighting community and its evolution, this episode of Pierce™ Dispatch is for you.

For any feedback, questions or to subscribe, visit the Pierce™ Dispatch page. 

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Date Aired: 8/14/2026

Featuring: Host Alie Reetz & Brian Snodgrass

Guests:

• Brian Snodgrass is the regional sales manager at Oshkosh Airport Products.
• Alie Reetz is a marketing associate at Pierce.

Key Takeaways:

Key Takeaways: ARFF vs. Municipal

• Difference between ARFF vehicles and municipal fire apparatus

ARFF Configurations

• Comparing the Striker ARFF 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8
• Striker 4x4
• Striker 6x6
• Striker 8x8
• Striker
• ARFF Vehicle Reference Guide
• New Deliveries

ARFF Features

• ECO EFP
• K-Factor
• ClearSky Intelligence
• Snozzle HRET
• Four Key Capabilities to Consider When Designing Your Next Striker ARFF Vehicle
• Top 4 Reasons the HRET is a Game-Changing Feature on ARFF Vehicles
• ARFF Vehicle Turrets for Fire Suppression
• Recent Advancements of the Oshkosh Snozzle
• Top Five Features of the Striker ARFF Vehicle

Tak-4® Independent Suspension

• Tak-4 Independent Suspension
• Why to Incorporate Independent Suspensions in ARFF Vehicle Design

Striker® ARFF Configurations

• Comparing the Striker ARFF 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8

Suppression Agents

• Water, Foam and Dry Chemical for ARFF Fire Suppression
• ARFF Foam Testing and Environmental Impact
• Oshkosh's ECO EFP: The Next Step in ARFF Foam Testing

Oshkosh® Striker® Volterra® Electric ARFF

• Striker Volterra Electric ARFF
• Striker Volterra ARFF Vehicle Guide
• Acceleration of Striker Volterra ARFF Truck
• 11 Advanced Features of the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Truck
• Volterra Electric ARFF EV Battery Capabilities
• Electric Vehicle Technology and Why It Matters
• Striker Volterra Electric ARFF Advanced Features Fact Sheet (PDF)

Join us as we continue to bring together customers, industry professionals and Pierce experts in future episodes, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the advancements and challenges within the firefighting community.

Whether you’re in the market for the latest in fire apparatus technology, or just passionate about the firefighting community and its evolution, this episode of Pierce™ Dispatch is for you.

For any feedback, questions or to subscribe, visit the Pierce™ Dispatch page. 

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We are ‘pumped’ for Episode No.53 of the Pierce™ Dispatch! 

John Schultz, Pierce’s vice president and general manager, takes a deep dive on the pumper products and the evolution of the Pierce PUC™ Pump. He shares his first-hand perspective on watching the Pierce PUC Pump transform from a new innovation into a core feature in today's industry. Tune in now for exclusive configuration insights and design offerings. 

Date Aired: 7/31/2026 

Featuring: Host Dan Meyer and John Schultz

Guests:

• John Schultz is the vice president and general manager at Pierce.
• Dan Meyer is the vice president of sales at Pierce.

Key Takeaways:

Pumpers

• Pumpers
• Pumper Comparison Blog
• Pumper Fire Apparatus: Overview and Examples
• Pumper Fire Truck Design: 6 Key Features
• BX™ Pumper
• Heavy-Duty Rescue Pumper
• High Flow Industrial Apparatus
• Mini Pumper
• Pumper
• Responder
• BX™ Wildland
• Pierce® Volterra®
• Multipurpose Fire Trucks
• Advancements in Rescue Pumper Storage

Pierce PUC™ Pump

• Pierce PUC™
• Pierce Ultimate Configuration: Key Benefits

Custom Chassis

• Enforcer™
• Impel®
• Saber®
• Velocity®

Commercial Chassis

• Commercial Chassis
• Freightliner
• International
• Kenworth

Foam Systems

• Foam Systems
• Hercules™ CAFS
• Husky™ 3
• Husky™ 12
• Husky™ Industrial
• Fire-Fighting Foam: What It Is and Why Departments Need It

Fire Suppression

• Fire Suppression

Regional Factors

• Urban Firefighting: Design and Configuration Examples
• How Does Elevation Impact Pump Performance?
• Fire Trucks and Features That Best Serve Rural Markets
• Wildland Fire Truck Case Study
• Wildland Urban Interface Fire Trucks: 11 Key Design Features
• How to Winterize Your Fire Truck
• 6 Summer Tips for Keeping Your Fire Truck Cool

Fire Apparatus Procurement Committees

• 4 Critical Factors for an Effective Procurement Committee
• How to Conduct a Community Needs Assessment
• Lexington County's Procurement Committee in Action
• Fire Truck Purchasing Guide

Fire Apparatus Design

• Fire Apparatus Design: A Step-by-Step Guide
• 3 Ways to Simplify the Design and Ordering Process
• Industrial Fire Truck Design, Selection and Use
• The Order Lifecycle of a Fire Truck
• Fire Truck Ergonomics: 11 Features to Enhance Safety
• Fire Truck Storage: Compartment and Storage Systems FAQ

Pierce Road Rally

• Pierce Road Rally
• 2026 Road Rally Reaches Midpoint

Join us as we continue to bring together customers, industry professionals and Pierce experts in future episodes, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the advancements and challenges within the firefighting community.

Whether you’re in the market for the latest in fire apparatus technology, or just passionate about the firefighting community and its evolution, this episode of Pierce™ Dispatch is for you.

For any feedback, questions or to subscribe, visit the Pierce™ Dispatch page. 

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In this episode, we discuss the operational and maintenance benefits of fire apparatus fleet consistency. Division chief, John Clamp shares Little Rock Fire Department’s efforts to achieve a consistent fleet to strengthen responses and maximize apparatus uptime. Listen now.

Date Aired: 7/17/2026

Featuring: Host Alie Reetz and John Clamp

Guests:

• John Clamp is a Division Chief for the Little Rock Fire Department.
• Alie Reetz is a marketing associate at Pierce.

Key Takeaways:

• Fleet Consistency
  • New delivery: Little Rock
  • Standardizing your fire truck fleet
  • Supporting the first five minutes
  • Fire apparatus trends
  • Product support
• Apparatus Service & Maintenance
  
  
  • Maintenance and service training
  • Parts and product support
  • Product support
  • Winter maintenance tips
  • First five minutes
  • Podcast: Service and maintenance training
  • Podcast: Lifecycle
• Pierce Parts
  • Parts and product support
• Fire Apparatus Procurement Committees
  • Fire truck purchasing guide
  • Lexington Fire Dept.
  • How to conduct a community needs assessment
• Pierce Dealers
  • Dealer benefits
• Pumpers
  • Pumper comparison
  • Pumper fire apparatus
• Ascendant® 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower
  • Heavy duty aerial truck comparison
  • Aerials
  • Ascendant class

Join us as we continue to bring together customers, industry professionals and Pierce experts in future episodes, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the advancements and challenges within the firefighting community.

Whether you’re in the market for the latest in fire apparatus technology, or just passionate about the firefighting community and its evolution, this episode of Pierce™ Dispatch is for you.

For any feedback, questions or to subscribe, visit the Pierce™ Dispatch page. 

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Fire apparatus compartmentation and pump panel design are critical factors when procuring a fire apparatus. In Episode No.51 of the Pierce™ Dispatch Podcast, deputy chief Chad Graves of the Paris Fire Department discusses the compartmentation and pump panel design of their new Enforcer™ Ascendant® 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower. Tune in to learn more about how their department designed this apparatus to best serve their needs for every response.

Date Aired: 7/3/2026

Featuring: Host Dan Meyer and Chad Graves

Guests:

• Dan Meyer is the vice president of sales at Pierce.
• Chad Graves is the deputy chief for Paris Fire Department in Paris, Texas.

Key Takeaways:

• Ascendant® 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower
  • Heavy duty aerial truck comparison
  • Types of aerials
  • Ascendant class aerial guide
  • Podcast episode: All things aerials
  • Podcast episode: Monument fire district
  • Podcast episode: Aerial overview
  • Podcast episode: Ascendant tower overview
  • What is a quint
• Compartmentation
  • Maximize aerial fire truck storage
  • Compartment storage systems FAQ
  • Podcast episode: pumper design
• Apparatus Service & Maintenance
  • Podcast episode: Best practices
  • Service and maintenance guide
  • Parts and product support
  • Maintenance and service training
  • Product support offerings
  • Product support
  • Winter maintenance tips
  • First five minutes
  • Podcast episode: Service and maintenance training
  • Podcast episode: Fire apparatus lifecycle
• Pierce dealers
  • Find a dealer
  • Dealer benefits

Join us as we continue to bring together customers, industry professionals and Pierce experts in future episodes, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the advancements and challenges within the firefighting community.

Whether you’re in the market for the latest in fire apparatus technology, or just passionate about the firefighting community and its evolution, this episode of Pierce™ Dispatch is for you.

For any feedback, questions or to subscribe, visit the Pierce™ Dispatch page. 

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In emergency response, there's no room for equipment failure. When communities dial 911, they expect an immediate, reliable response from their fire department. This expectation places enormous responsibility on fire apparatus and the maintenance programs in place to keep them operational. Our latest episode with Jon Lamers, customer service manager of technical support and fleet, covers fire apparatus maintenance best practices including routine maintenance, regional service factors and more. Tune in now. 

Date Aired: 6/19/2026

Featuring: Host Alie Reetz and Jon Lamers

Guests:

• Alie Reetz is a marketing associate at Pierce.
• Jon Lambers is the customer service manager of technical support and fleet at Pierce.

Key Takeaways:

• Apparatus Service & Maintenance
  • Maintenance and service training
  • Fire truck product support
  • Product support
  • Winter maintenance tips
  • First five minutes
  • Podcast: Service and maintenance training
  • Podcast: Lifecycle
• Pierce Parts
  • Parts and product support
• Regional Maintenance 
  • How to winterize your fire truck
  • Tips to keep your fire truck cool
  • Elevation and pump performance
  • HVAC system advancements
• ClearSky Intelligence™ Connected Solutions
  • Electrical systems
  • Benefits of fire truck telematics
  • Benefits of connected systems
  • Podcast: FDIC 2026
  • Podcast: ClearSky Intelligence Connected Solutions
• Pierce Dealers
  • Dealer benefits
• Pierce Careers
  
  
  • Why an experienced workforce matters

Join us as we continue to bring together customers, industry professionals and Pierce experts in future episodes, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the advancements and challenges within the firefighting community.

Whether you’re in the market for the latest in fire apparatus technology, or just passionate about the firefighting community and its evolution, this episode of Pierce™ Dispatch is for you.

For any feedback, questions or to subscribe, visit the Pierce™ Dispatch page.