Pierce™ Dispatch Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Pierce™ Dispatch, we highlight the Build My Pierce™ Program, which allows customers to design custom-built fire apparatus with a streamlined and accelerated process. Sales representative for Pierce dealer, MacQueen, Dave Polkow highlights the program's key benefits, including shorter lead times and efficient communication. Additionally, Assistant Chief Lopez from Tamarac Fire Rescue in South Florida shares his department’s experience with the program, noting the ease and flexibility in meeting his department’s needs. The episode emphasizes how the BMP™ program benefits customers by offering tailored solutions and efficient production timelines.

Date Aired: 11/29/2024

Featuring: Host Alie Reetz & Dave Polkow, Pierce Sales Representative for MacQueen and Assistant Chief Jeffrey Lopez of Tamarac Fire Rescue in South Florida

Guests:

• Dave Polkow a Pierce sales representative for MacQueen, in Northern Indiana. 
• Assistant Chief Jeffery Lopez is on Tamarac Fire Rescue in South Florida.
• 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:

• Build My Pierce Program
  • Fire apparatus configurator benefits
• Fire Apparatus Build Process
  • Fire apparatus design ordering process
• BMP delivery: Gary Fire Department, Gary, Indiana
• Heavy-Duty Rescue Pumper 
  • Advancements in rescue pumper storage
  • Multipurpose fire trucks
• 75’ Heavy-Duty Aluminum Aerial Ladder 
• 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

In this episode of the Pierce™ Dispatch, Dave McAlice, the Northeast regional vice president of sales at Pierce Manufacturing discusses aerial apparatus. He provides an in-depth look at the functions of aerial ladders, platforms and tillers. He shares aerial design tactics and tips to meet specific community needs. We discuss the procurement of an aerial apparatus, and how to optimize a fire department’s efficiency and effectiveness. Dave also shares some of his most memorable customer experiences from various fire departments including Salem, Massachusetts, Providence, Rhode Island, New Hartford, Connecticut and Cooperstown, New York.

Date Aired: 11/15/2024

Featuring: Pierce regional vice president of sales Dave McAlice & host Alie Reetz

Guests:

• Dave McAlice serves as the regional vice president of sales for the Northeast region at Pierce Manufacturing. He collaborates closely with Pierce dealers and customers to ensure seamless apparatus procurement. For the past 16 years, he has managed the Northeast region in collaboration with the Pierce dealer network. With his firefighting roots and his hands-on experience with customers regarding their aerial apparatus, Dave is an expert in aerial apparatus.

Resources:

Aerials

• Types of aerial devices
• Types of aerial fire trucks
• Types of fire trucks

Ascendant® Class of Aerials

• Ascendant aerial guide

Aerial Ladders
Aerial Platforms

Tillers

• Tractor drawn aerial

Aerial Operations

Aerial Design

• Aerial no pump and no tank vs. aerial with pump and tank
• Maximize aerial fire truck storage
• How to find the right aerial fire truck for urban fires
• What is a quint fire truck
• Fire apparatus design ordering process

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

In this episode of the Pierce™ Dispatch, we welcome customers who are completing final inspections on their new apparatus from across the nation. Assistant Chief Ryan Harrigan of the Roseville Fire Department in California introduces their new Type 1 engine, highlighting its custom features and their upcoming station opening. Fire Chief Jeremy Wade from Sand Springs Fire Department in Oklahoma discusses the procurement of a new pumper which supports consistency within their fleet and operations. Todd Rishling, President of the Wonder Lake Fire Protection District’s Board of Trustees in Illinois, talks about their Enforcer™ engine designed to meet community needs. Chief John Baker from the Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Department in Connecticut shares about their Enforcer™ Ascendant® 107’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder. He elaborates on how these upgrades enhance their fire suppression and extrication capabilities, while also improving community engagement and team motivation.

Date Aired: 11/01/2024

Featuring: Sand Springs Fire Department in Oklahoma, Wonder Lake Fire Protection in Illinois, Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Department in Connecticut, Roseville Fire Department in California and Host Alie Reetz

Guests:

• Assistant Chief Ryan Harrigan – Roseville Fire Department in California
• Fire Chief Jeremy Wade – Sand Springs Fire Department in Oklahoma
• President of the Board of Trustees Todd Rishling – Wonder Lake Fire Protection District in Illinois
• Chief John Baker – Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Department in Connecticut

Resources:

• Enforcer™ Pumper – Roseville Fire Department, Roseville, California
  • Job Number: 38915
  • Dealership: Golden State Fire Apparatus, Inc. 
• Velocity® Pumper – Sand Springs Fire Department, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
  • Job Number: 38942
  • Dealership: Conrad Fire Equipment, Inc. 
• Enforcer™ Pumper – Wonder Lake Fire Protection District, Wonder Lake, Illinois
  • Job Number: 39890
  • Dealership: MacQueen
• Enforcer™ Ascendant® 107’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder – Stony Hill Fire Department, Bethel, Connecticut
  • Job Number: 42321
  • Dealership: Firematic Supply Company, Inc. 
• Fire Apparatus
• Fire Apparatus Design: A Step-By-Step Guide: 

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

In this episode we discuss post-traumatic stress disorder in the fire industry with Conrad Weaver, a filmmaker and podcast host from Emmitsburg, Maryland. Conrad shares his experiences while creating and sharing the documentary PTSD911 with firefighters across America. He describes the challenges first responders face with recognizing and addressing PTSD, the impact of trauma and the importance of a supportive culture in firehouses. Conrad also shares the role of leadership in promoting mental health and wellness.

Date Aired: 10/18/2024

Featuring: Conrad Weaver & Alie Reetz

Guests:

• Conrad Weaver has worked with first responders from across the country to create and share the documentary film PTSD911. He also hosts The Wellness Channel for First Responders podcast. 
• 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. 

Resources: 
If you or someone you know in the fire industry is struggling with PTSD, please visit ResponderStrong: https://responderstrong.org/ or call (206) 459-3020 for assistance. 

If you are interested in learning more about Conrad Weaver’s film or podcast to support first responders visit the links below:

• https://ptsd911movie.com/  
• https://www.youtube.com/@TheWellnessChannel4First 

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

Tune in to hear Chris Medlock, Pierce’s product manager of connected solutions, share on the cutting-edge Pierce technology, ClearSky Intelligence™ Connectivity Solutions. We discuss the details of ClearSky Intelligence Connectivity Solutions. and its integration with Command Zone™—a proprietary multiplexed electrical system built for fire apparatus. Chris explains how ClearSky Intelligence gathers performance data from fire apparatus, enabling users to receive real-time alerts and increase vehicle uptime. The benefits in which ClearSky Intelligence offers to the fire service include customized reporting, geo-fencing, enhanced troubleshooting, predictive maintenance and more. ClearSky Intelligence is revolutionizing the way fire departments manage their apparatus.

Date Aired: 10/04/2024

Featuring: Host Alie Reetz & Chis Medlock, Pierce Product Manager – Connected Solutions  

Guests:

• Chris Medlock is the product manager of connected solutions at Pierce. He serves as the Battalion Chief on the Village of Bristol Fire Department in Bristol, Wisconsin. Chris works close with Pierce customers in relation to the connected solutions Pierce offers. 
• 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:

⁠Pierce® ClearSky Intelligence™ Connectivity Solutions⁠

• ⁠Video Demo 1⁠
• ⁠Video Demo 2⁠

⁠Pierce Command Zone™⁠

• ⁠Video Demo 1⁠
• ⁠Fire Truck Telematics⁠

⁠Fleet standardization and consistency⁠

• ⁠Fire apparatus trends⁠

⁠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

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. 

Send us Fan Mail

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. 

Send us Fan Mail

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. 

Send us Fan Mail

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. 

Send us Fan Mail

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?
• Pierce dealers
• Pierce history

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.