Pierce Manufacturing has announced that its 2026 Road Rally has reached the halfway stage of its multi-month tour.
The rally brings hands-on fire apparatus demonstrations, educational sessions and direct engagement opportunities to fire departments across North America.
Since launching in late April, the Road Rally has completed 20 stops across Illinois, Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi.
Hosted in partnership with authorised Pierce dealers, each event allows firefighters and department leaders to drive, operate and evaluate Pierce fire apparatus in real-world conditions.
Hands-on demonstrations
Marty Bass, President of Pierce Manufacturing, said: “The response to this year’s Road Rally has been outstanding. We’ve welcomed both longtime Pierce customers and departments experiencing our apparatus for the first time.
“The opportunity to get behind the wheel, operate aerial devices and engage directly with our team creates meaningful conversations that help departments evaluate solutions while providing us with valuable customer feedback.”
“In several communities, local Pierce customers have enhanced the experience by bringing recently delivered apparatus to display alongside the Road Rally vehicles.
“These additional displays have provided attendees with firsthand insight into apparatus configurations and technologies currently serving neighboring departments.”
Attendees have been able to experience a range of vehicles, including the Enforcer Ascendant 100′ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower, Enforcer Ascendant 107′ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder, Enforcer Top Mount PUC Pumper, Enforcer Heavy-Duty Rescue Pumper and Saber Pumpers.
Participants have also had the opportunity to drive the apparatus on local roads, operate aerial devices and assess technologies including TAK-4 T3 Tight Turning Technology and ClearSky Intelligence Connected Solutions.
Positive response from firefighters
Pierce said feedback from attendees has highlighted the performance and manoeuvrability of the apparatus. Firefighters praised the Enforcer Ascendant 100′ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower for its smooth operation and ease of use, while others highlighted the tight turning radius and responsive handling provided by TAK-4 T3 technology.
Participants also cited the visibility benefits of the Enforcer Top Mount PUC Pumper and the overall drivability of the vehicle range.
In several communities, existing Pierce customers have also displayed recently delivered apparatus alongside the Road Rally fleet, giving visitors the opportunity to compare vehicle configurations and technologies currently in service with neighbouring fire departments.
Summer tour continues
As the Road Rally continues throughout the summer, upcoming stops are planned across Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky, providing further opportunities for fire departments to engage with Pierce specialists and experience the company’s latest fire apparatus firsthand.
