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Let’s talk tillers! 🐍

This episode features an exclusive conversation with Steve Crothers from TractorDrawnAerials.com, discussing the purpose, capabilities and operational benefits of tractor-drawn aerials in the fire industry. Steve explains how tillers offer unmatched maneuverability, extensive compartmentation and an operational edge for firefighters. The episode also covers the importance of procurement considerations, customization options, training and the increasing adoption of tillers across various regions.

Date Aired: 9/26/2025

Featuring: Steve Crothers & host Dan Meyer

Guests:

• Steve Crothers is a tractor drawn aerial trainer and consultant for the national fire service. 
• Dan Meyer is the vice president of sales at Pierce Manufacturing.  

Resources:

Tractor Drawn Aerials by Steve Crothers: 

• Tractor drawn aerial
• Facebook
• Instagram

Tractor Drawn Aerials

• Ascendant class 107 tiller
• New deliveries
• Tractor drawn aerial guide
• Podcast episode
• Aerials
• Aerial ladders
• Ascendant class aerials
• Types of aerial fire trucks
• Podcast episode

Aerial operations

• Aerial placement and operation
• Aerial no-pump vs. aerial with pump and tank
• Pierce ascendant aerial guide
• Types of aerials

Apparatus training

• Pierce parts
• Product support
• Podcast episode
• Fire truck maintenance and service training
• Facts about parts and product support 
• Product support
• 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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The latest episode highlights how Pierce’s aerial delivery training is reaching new heights! 🪜Tune in to learn what happens after delivery, the training agenda and why preparation is crucial before placing the apparatus into service. Pierce delivery training equips firefighters with the skills and knowledge to safely master their aerial operations.

Date Aired: 9/12/2025

Featuring: Aerial delivery technician Ben Schmidt & host Alie Reetz

Guests:

• Ben Schmidt is an aerial delivery technician at Pierce Manufacturing.
• Alie Reetz is a marketing associate at Pierce Manufacturing.  

Resources:

• Apparatus training
  • Pierce Parts
  • Product support
  • Firefighter training podcast
  • Ascendant tower overview podcast
  • Maintenance and service training
  • Pierce Parts & product support
  • Product support
  • Dealer benefits
  • Service and maintenance training podcast
• Aerials
  • Ascendant class
  • New deliveries
  • Types of aerial fire trucks
  • Aerial overview podcast episode
• Aerial configurations
  • Ladders
  • Platforms
  • Ascendant class 107 tiller
  • Tractor drawn aerial
  • Heavy duty aerial tower comparison
  • Ladder truck vs. platform truck
• Aerial operations
  • No pump no tank vs. aerial with pump and tank
  • Pierce ascendant aerial guide
  • Types of aerial devices
• Electrical systems
  • Connected solutions
  • Clearsky Intelligence podcast
• Safety systems

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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Join us for a new episode of the Pierce™ Dispatch with Lee’s Summit Fire Department’s Fire Chief Mike Snider, discussing the acquisition of nine Enforcer™ Pumpers! Chief Snider details the apparatus committee’s strategy for designing each pumper to ensure peak efficiency, standardization and performance. This delivery meets the diverse needs of their community which spans urban, suburban and rural areas.

Date Aired: 8/29/2025

Featuring: Fire chief Mike Snider & host Dan Meyer

Guests:

• Mike Snider is the fire chief of Lee’s Summit Fire Department in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
• Dan Meyer is the vice president of sales at Pierce Manufacturing.  

Resources:

• Lee’s Summit Fire Department, Missouri
  • New Deliveries
• Enforcer™ custom chassis
• Pumpers
  • Traditional pumper
• Community needs assessment
• Fleet Standardization
  • Pumper fire truck design
  • Fire apparatus design
• Fire Apparatus Procurement
  • 4 critical factors for an effective fire procurement committee
  • The order lifecycle of a fire truck

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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Tune into the latest episode of the Pierce™ Dispatch Podcast featuring Pierce senior product training specialist Richard Stockton as we discuss the critical role of emergency vehicle technicians in maintaining and extending the life of fire apparatus. Rich elaborates on the comprehensive training programs offered by Pierce, including hands-on and regional trainings, as well as the prestigious Master Tech certification. Listen now to learn more about the ongoing efforts to keep essential fire apparatus on the front lines. 

Date Aired: 8/15/2025

Featuring: Trainer Richard Stockton & host Dan Meyer

Guests:

• Richard Stockton is a senior product training specialist at Pierce Manufacturing. 
• Dan Meyer is the vice president of sales Pierce Manufacturing.  

Resources:

Pierce parts

Pierce service and maintenance

• Pierce parts and product support
• Maintenance and service training
• Fire apparatus dealer benefits
• Fire truck product support
• Product support
• Pierce® ClearSky Intelligence™ Connectivity Solutions

Training events

Pierce dealers

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. 

Send us Fan Mail

South Jordan City Fire Department in Utah is taking delivery of a Velocity® PUC™ Non-Walk-In Heavy-Duty Rescue, designed to serve their rapidly growing community. Chief Dawson describes the features of their dual-purpose HDR which is equipped with both fire and rescue capabilities. Tune into our latest episode to learn about their HDR design, primary features and the significant impact it will have on enhancing community safety. 💪

Date Aired: 8/1/2025

Featuring: Fire chief Chris Dawson & host Alie Reetz 

Guests:

• Chris Dawson is the fire chief of South Jordan City Fire Department in South Jordan, Utah. 
• Alie Reetz is a marketing associate at Pierce Manufacturing.

Resources:

South Jordan City Fire Department, UT

• South Jordan City Fire Department new deliveries
• South Jordan City Fire Department Facebook page

Velocity® custom chassis

Pierce PUC™ pump

• Ultimate configuration benefits
• Multipurpose fire trucks
• Fire truck storage compartment storage systems

Non-Walk-In Heavy-Duty Rescue

• Walk-in versus non-walk-in fire truck
• Best rescue apparatus for your fire department
• Fire truck storage compartment storage systems

PACCAR MX-13 Engine

• Why engine selection matters

Community needs assessment

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 of the Pierce™ Dispatch, we are joined by logistics captain Brandon Sauer and fleet manager Randy Bloomer from Albuquerque Fire Rescue in New Mexico to discuss the fire apparatus lifecycle. We cover procurement, funding, maintenance and maximizing up time. Tune in for expert tips to keep your fleet ready!

Date Aired: 7/18/2025

Featuring: Logistics captain Brandon Sauer, fleet services manager Randy Bloomer & host Alie Reetz

Guests:

• Brandon Sauer is a logistics captain with Albuquerque Fire Rescue in New Mexico.
• Randy Bloomer is the fleet services manager with Albuquerque Fire Rescue in New Mexico.
• Alie Reetz is a marketing associate at Pierce Manufacturing.

Resources:

• Albuquerque Fire Rescue in New Mexico
  • City of Albuquerque Fire Department 
• Fire apparatus maintenance
  • Fire apparatus dealer benefits
  • Benefits of standardizing a fire truck fleet
• Fire Truck Procurement
  • 4 critical factors for an effective fire truck procurement committee
  • Why experience matters
  • Benefits of standardizing a fire truck fleet

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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Join us on this episode of the Pierce™ Dispatch Podcast as we explore the Pierce Volterra® Electric Pumper. Regional vice president, Marc Faluotico, discusses the advanced technology, development process and real-world performance of this cutting-edge apparatus with multiple units in service across North America. Fully manufactured in the U. S. and engineered for sustainability without sacrificing reliability, the Pierce Volterra EV enables fire departments to uphold tradition while advancing their sustainability and safety objectives.

Date Aired: 7/4/2025

Featuring: Regional vice president Marc Faluotico & host Dan Meyer

Guests:

• Marc Faluotico is the regional vice president of the Western region at Pierce Manufacturing.
• Dan Meyer is the vice president of sales at Pierce Manufacturing.  

Resources:

Pierce® Volterra Electric Vehicle

• Reference guide
• Technology
• Pump performance
• Why does an electric fire truck still need a diesel engine

Pierce Volterra EV case studies

• A day in the life
• Portland

Pierce Volterra EV Performance

Charging

• Charging infrastructure
• High voltage overview

Pierce Volterra EV deliveries

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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Procuring a fire apparatus is a significant investment which requires careful planning and collaboration among all stakeholders. Forming the appropriate fire truck procurement committee helps ensure fire departments can secure an apparatus suited to their needs. Tune into this episode featuring Fire Chief M. Kyle Minick from Lexington County Fire Rescue Service in South Carolina as he shares his department’s approach to leveraging a fire apparatus procurement committee. 

Date Aired: 6/20/2025

Featuring: Fire Chief M. Kyle Minick & host Dan Meyer

Guests:

• Fire Chief M. Kyle Minick from Lexington County Fire Rescue Service in South Carolina.
• Dan Meyer is the vice president of sales at Pierce Manufacturing.  

Resources:

• Fire apparatus procurement committee 
• Community needs assessment
• Steps to build a fire apparatus

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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Building the future of fire truck manufacturers 🛠️🚒

Tune into the latest episode of the Pierce™ Dispatch where we discuss our Youth Apprenticeship Program.[SR1] Pierce youth apprentices have the opportunity to explore careers, network and gain valuable experience through the Early Talent Program. Program leader, Jess Utech, shares the difference this program is making in students’ lives and within the industry. 

Date Aired: 6/6/2025

Featuring: Human resources manager Jess Utecht & host Alie Reetz

Guests:

• Jess Utecht is a human resources manager at Pierce Manufacturing.
• Alie Reetz is a marketing associate at Pierce Manufacturing.  

Resources:

Pierce careers

• Additional careers
• Pierce Manufacturing's Workforce: Why Experience Matters

Pierce Manufacturing

• Facility upgrades
• Pierce give back

Steps to build a fire apparatus

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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Tune in to this episode of the Pierce Dispatch as we discuss Pierce custom cab and chassis with product manager Tyler Mehrl. Discover the range of customization options and innovative solutions designed to meet the unique needs of the fire service industry.

Date Aired: 5/23/2025

Featuring: Product manager Tyler Mehrl & host Dan Meyer

Guests:

• Tyler Mehrl is the product manager of cab and chassis at Pierce Manufacturing.
• Dan Meyer is the vice president of sales at Pierce Manufacturing.  

Resources:

Enforcer™

Impel®

Saber®

Velocity®

TAK-4 T3™ Independent Rear Suspension

• Video 1
• Video 2

Enforcer™ Low Profile Cab 

Fire truck procurement

• Find a dealer
• Fire truck purchasing guide
• Fire apparatus design ordering process
• Benefits of standardizing your fire truck fleet

Fire truck design

Engines

• Paccar MX-13

Culture

• Careers

FDIC 

• Pierce at FDIC

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Urban vs rural apparatus

• Urban firefighting
• How to find the right aerial fire truck for urban fires
• Rural fire trucks

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.