Pierce™ Dispatch Podcast

Over 2,300 climbers participated at the 12th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field. They shared with us their heartfelt reasons for climbing and experiences. Learn about the importance of honoring those who sacrificed their lives and the sense of community that brings everyone together. If you couldn't attend but wish to contribute, visit firehero.org to donate. Let's honor our heroes together.

Date Aired: 09/20/2024

Featuring: Host Alie Reetz & 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Participants

Donate: https://www.firehero.org/ 

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.

Featuring: Host Dan Meyer & Lieutenant Josh Baltz

Date published: 9/6/2024

🚒🐕 Discover how facility dogs are revolutionizing firefighter mental health!

In this podcast episode, Lieutenant Josh Baltz from the Wilmington Fire Department in North Carolina discusses the impact of their facility dog program. Lt. Baltz details how specially trained dogs are integrated into daily operations to provide crucial support for crisis response and mental health every day. He shares personal experiences and highlights the program's broader effects on the department and the community, emphasizing the cultural shift it has fostered and the improvements in mental health outcomes. Tune in to learn about the logistics of the program, the role of the dogs in the fire service and a valuable model for fire departments looking to implement a program across the nation.

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.

In this episode of the Pierce™ Dispatch Podcast, we welcome Division Chief Oren and Battalion Chief Ben to share about the history and significance of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs, which commemorate the 343 firefighters who died on September 11th, 2001. They share the physical and emotional challenges of the climbs, the evolution of the event and how the climbs have expanded nationally. They highlight the importance of remembrance, community involvement and the funds raised for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s various programs supporting first responders and the FDNY. 

Tune in to learn more about this meaningful event!

Date Aired: 08/16/2024

Featuring: Host Dan Meyer, Division Chief Oren Bersagel-Briese & Ben West

Guests:

• Division Chief Oren Bersagel-Briese of the Castle Rock Fire & Rescue Department established the first stair climb in 2005. He is now a National Coordinator of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). 
• Battalion Chief Ben West of the Gallatin Fire Department is an Advocate for the NFFF. He is the organizer of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Nashville, Tennessee. 
• Dan Meyer is the Vice President of Sales at Pierce Manufacturing.

Discover more information about the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb here: https://www.piercemfg.com/climb 

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

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.

In this episode, Captain Derek Roberts from South County Fire discusses his 20-year career, focusing on engine operations. He shares about his experience and knowledge with spec’ing pumpers and designing an apparatus well suited for the future. Derek shares insights on the role of data and science in modern firefighting and the importance of understanding life safety when configuring fire apparatus. He details the rigorous process behind their latest pumper build, emphasizing the collaboration between operational teams and mechanics to streamline designs for efficiency and longevity. The episode also explores the department's emphasis on training, consulting external experts and how apparatus build can be catered to the future of firefighting.

Date Aired: 08/02/2024

Featuring: Host Dan Meyer & Captain Derek Roberts

Guests:

• Captain Derek Roberts has served on South County Fire for approximately 20 years. He spent eight of those years focusing on company operations where he gained knowledge and experience spec’ing apparatus for the future. He followed din his grandfather’s footsteps to and became a firefighter when he turned 19 years-old. 
• Dan is the Vice President of Sales at Pierce. With extensive experience, he works closely with Pierce's 21 dealers across the US and Canada. He's deeply involved in ensuring that Pierce maintains its status as a premier manufacturer by fostering outstanding dealer relationships. 

Key Takeaways:

• Apparatus build process
  • Fire apparatus design
  • Ordering process
• South County Fire’s Enforcer™ Pumper
• Pumper
  • Traditional pumper
  • Pumper comparison
  • Pumper overview - Podcast
• Compartments and storage design
• Optimize operations
  • The first five minutes
• Apparatus committee
• Pierce dealer
  • Fire apparatus 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.

Ever wondered what it's like to serve in a bustling urban fire department? 

Captain Steve Mayer from the Sacramento Fire Department shares his insights on the challenges and dynamics of serving a densely populated urban area. Captain Mayer discusses the structure and operations of the Sacramento Fire Department, including its extensive call volume, types of emergencies encountered and the department's innovative squad concept to manage overwhelming call volumes. Additionally, he provides a glimpse into the department's apparatus, training programs and the supportive community culture that defines Sacramento's firefighting force. Tune in to understand how urban environments shape the response strategies and operations of one of California's busiest fire departments.

Guests:

• Captain Steve Mayer found his calling for the fire industry when he joined the Sacramento Fire Department Reserves in 1995. He has since became a captain on Engine No.4. His crew is responsible for an approximate 4-5 square mile radius around their station. Last year he led his team to respond to almost 6,000 calls. 
• Alie Reetz plays a critical role in supporting social media, web presence, and direct customer interaction at Pierce, ensuring every apparatus meets the precise needs of the firefighters who use them. 

Key Takeaways:

• Fleet standardization and consistency
  • Fire apparatus trends
• Urban firefighting
  • How to find the right aerial fire truck for urban fires
  • Types of fire trucks
  • Maximize aerial fire truck storage
• Enforcer™ 107’ Ascendant® Aerial Ladder
  • Sacramento fire department Aerial
  • Ascendant class
  • Aerials
  • Types of aerial devices
• Custom Chassis 
  • Custom chassis - Enforcer
• Firefighting training
• Clean cab concept
  • Care
  • Safety systems
  • What is fire truck decontamination?

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.

In this episode of the Pierce™ Dispatch, we have an insightful conversation with Chief Jeremy Reeves of the Munford Fire Department in Tennessee. Chief Reeves discusses the department's new Enforcer™ Pumper, emphasizing the importance of having consistent equipment as the department grows. He shares details about the department, including growth in the area, mutual aid with surrounding departments and the unique demands of rural firefighting. Chief Reeves also touches on funding, volunteerism and the importance of training. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the operations and future plans of the Munford Fire Department.

Date Aired: 07/05/2024 

Featuring: Host Alie Reetz & Chief Jeremy Reeves, Munford Fire Department

Guests:

• Chief Jeremy Reeves has been a firefighter since 2006. He joined the Munford Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. In 2008, he became a career firefighter on the department, then a lieutenant in 2010 and now serves as Chief. He is leading Munford Fire Department through a time of rapid growth in their community. 
• Alie Reetz is instrumental in connecting customers with the perfect builds for their unique needs. She plays a critical role in supporting social media, web presence, and direct customer interaction at Pierce, ensuring every apparatus meets the precise needs of the firefighters who use them. 

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, we discuss elements of a rural fire department including: 

• Career and volunteer firefighters 
• Enforcer pumper
  • Enforcer
  • Traditional pumper
• Fleet standardization and consistency 
  • Apparatus trends
• Rural fire apparatus 
• Firefighter training
• Compartmentation
  • Fire truck ergonomics
• Pierce dealers

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.

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.

Welcome back to another episode of the Pierce™ Dispatch! In this episode, we sit down with Jared Rhode, Dickinson Fire Department's Training Captain and North Dakota’s Firefighter Association Instructor of the Year. Captain Rhode discusses his role, the evolution of firefighter training programs and initiatives aimed at youth engagement in firefighting. He highlights the success of high school and college programs, the importance of debriefing and continuous learning and the introduction of their first custom-built aerial platform. He also shares best practices for balancing full-time and part-time staff training and offers advice for fire departments facing large gaps in experience. Tune in to this insightful episode on empowering future firefighters and enhancing community safety!

Date Aired: 06/21/2024

Featuring: Host Alie Reetz & Training Captain Jared Rhode, Dickinson Fire Department

Guests:

• Jared Rhode became the Training Captain of the Dickinson Fire Department in Dickinson, North Dakota in January 2023. In addition, he leads their local school firefighter programs to engage their department with the youth and with the community. In 2023, he was awarded the North Dakota’s Firefighter Association Instructor of the Year. 
• Alie Reetz is instrumental in connecting customers with the perfect builds for their unique needs. She plays a critical role in supporting social media, web presence, and direct customer interaction at Pierce, ensuring every apparatus meets the precise needs of the firefighters who use them. 

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, we discuss apparatus testing including: 

Chapters: 

• Full-time and part-time firefighters
• Training strategies and best practices
• 100’ Steel Aerial Platform 
  • Quint
  • Types of Aerial Fire Trucks
  • Aerials - Platforms 
• Pierce dealers
• Compartmentation 
  • Ergonomics

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.

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.

Pierce™ Dispatch Episode No.8 – Heavy-Duty Rescue Pumpers with Chief Dan DiRenzo

On this episode of the Pierce™ Dispatch, hosted by Pierce Manufacturing, we discuss Heavy-Duty Rescue Pumpers with Chief Dan DiRenzo. Bellmawr Fire Department is taking delivery of an Enforcer™ Heavy-Duty Rescue Pumper and an Enforcer 75’ Heavy-Duty Steel Aerial Ladder. In this episode, we dive into the capabilities, versatility, operation and design of a HDRP. 

Date Aired: 06/07/2024

 Featuring: Host Alie Reetz & Chief Dan DiRenzo, Bellmawr Fire Department

 Guests:

• Dan DiRenzo is the Fire Chief of the Bellmawr Fire Department, Federal Emergency Management Agency Urban Search and Rescue System member, New Jersey Task Force One member and is approaching retirement from the Cherry Hill Fire Department as a Rescue Captain. His journey in the fire industry began 25 years ago, when graduated from high school, following in his father’s footsteps. 
• Alie Reetz is instrumental in connecting customers with the perfect builds for their unique needs. She plays a critical role in supporting social media, web presence, and direct customer interaction at Pierce, ensuring every apparatus meets the precise needs of the firefighters who use them.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, we discuss apparatus testing including: 

● Heavy-Duty Rescue Pumper

• Advancements in rescue pumper storage

● 75’ Heavy-Duty Steel Aerial Ladder

● Multipurpose Fire Trucks

● Compartmentation 

• Fire truck ergonomics 

● Lighting

• Emergency warning lights

● Graphics 

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.

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.

Welcome to another episode of the Pierce™ Dispatch, hosted by Pierce Manufacturing, where we discuss the topic of apparatus testing with Scott Mumford, Pierce’s Production Manager who has 23 years of fire apparatus manufacturing experience. In this episode, Scott shares his knowledge and expertise on fire apparatus testing. We discuss the benefits, strategies and importance of testing a fire apparatus.

Key Takeaways:

• Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Testing 
• Aerials
• Pumpers
• Rescues
• Tankers
• Foam systems
• Build process
• Pierce Volterra Electric Fire Truck
• Pierce Careers

Acronyms: 

• FPE – Final Product Evaluation
• ABS – Automatic Braking System 
• UL – Underwriter’s Laboratories
• ULC – Underwriter’s Laboratories of Canada
• NPD – New Product Development 
• MRL – Manufacturing Release Line
• Zone 5 – Final Assembly 
• Zone 6 – Checkout and Graphics 

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.

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.

We have something special in store for Pierce™ Dispatch listeners this week… a bonus episode! We sat down with attendees at FDIC International 2024. Tune in to hear voices of the fire industry from all over the country on their experience at the show.

Date Aired: 05/17/2024

Featuring: Host Alie Reetz & Pierce Booth Attendees

Guests:

• Alie Reetz is a Marketing Associate at Pierce Manufacturing. 
• Philip Drangula is the Chief of Cinnaminson Fire Department in Cinnaminson, New Jersey. 
• Richard Wendt is the Chief of Bexar County ESD No.11 in San Antonio, Texas. 
• Michael Marchesani is a Fire Marshal and is Captain on the Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company in Walkersville, Maryland. 
• Virgil White is the Chief of South Charleston Fire Department in South Charleston, West Virginia. 
• Tia Free is the PIO for Michigan City Fire Department in Michigan City, Indiana.
• Kyle Toman is a firefighter on Greenville Volunteer Fire Rescue in Greenville, Wisconsin. 
• Hunter Cobb is a firefighter on Alliance Fire Department in Alliance, Ohio. 
• Ryan Summers is a firefighter on the Alliance Fire Department, Sebring Fire and EMS and Lexington Township Fire Department. 

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, we meet with Pierce booth attendees during FDIC International 2024. 

• TAK-4 Independent Suspension
• Apparatus lease
• Build process 
  • Fire apparatus design
• Apparatus delivery 
• Pierce PUC™ Pump
• Pierce® Volterra™ Electric Fire Truck 
  • Electric fire truck reference guide

Apparatus Mentioned:

• Bexar County Emergency Services District No.11: Enforcer Pumper
• Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company: Velocity Non-Walk-In Heavy-Duty Rescue 

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.