The Santa Rosa Fire Department in California has enhanced its firefighting capabilities with the acquisition of a custom-built Pierce Ascendant 107’ Heavy-Duty Tiller Aerial Ladder. Manufactured by Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a division of Oshkosh Corporation, this state-of-the-art apparatus will support the department’s work in high-density urban areas and rapidly developing zones in downtown Santa Rosa, furthering its mission to protect a population nearing 200,000.
The department’s latest addition, acquired through Pierce dealer Golden State Fire Apparatus, represents an ongoing collaboration that began in 2016. Since then, Santa Rosa has added three tillers and other Pierce apparatus to its fleet, with seven additional units currently on order. According to Fire Captain Gunnar Dean, the department’s satisfaction with Pierce’s quality and performance underpins this longstanding partnership. He highlighted the Ascendant Tiller’s superior reach and maneuverability, which is essential in Santa Rosa’s densely built downtown, an area marked by significant growth and development.
Operating across ten stations, the Santa Rosa Fire Department also offers mutual aid to surrounding areas, covering an extensive region. As part of a broader fleet modernisation effort, the Ascendant Tiller will enable the department to better respond to the growing volume and complexity of emergency calls, which exceeded 34,000 in 2023 and are anticipated to surpass 35,000 this year.
The new tiller will be stationed at Fire Station 1, the busiest in the region, and is equipped with advanced features tailored for urban firefighting. Its 107’ ladder reach allows crews to access high-rise structures and navigate narrow streets in downtown Santa Rosa with precision. The tiller’s design incorporates specialised compartments for equipment essential to auto extrication, low-angle rescues, and hazardous materials responses. The vehicle also features the Pierce Command Zone electronics system, allowing real-time performance monitoring and diagnostics to support operational efficiency.
Captain Dean praised the Santa Rosa City Fleet Services department and City Council for their role in approving the funding needed for this acquisition. As the community expands, the department is also planning to add new stations and units to ensure responsive and robust fire protection across the area. The addition of the Ascendant Tiller marks a crucial step in addressing the city’s unique fire protection needs.
Golden State Fire Apparatus President and Owner, Ryan Wright, expressed pride in the strong relationship with the Santa Rosa Fire Department, underscoring the commitment to quality and ongoing support for the department’s evolving requirements. This latest addition is a reflection of Santa Rosa’s proactive approach to public safety and its dedication to maintaining a resilient and capable emergency response fleet.
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