Pierce Manufacturing, already the leading producer of fire apparatus in the U.S., introduced its new chassis line for 2007 in September.  In designing the new line, Pierce did the logical thing and asked firefighters around the country what they would want on the ideal fire truck. Pierce management gathered the feedback, took notes, and then turned their engineers loose and told them to “make it happen.”

PHOTO BY BOB VACCARO The new Velocity from Pierce

The results of their efforts are the new Velocity and Impel. The new vehicles tackled some common problems with improvements such as expanded interior space, increased storage and headroom, improved visibility, safer design, more comfortable seats, and easier maintenance. All in all, a pretty good set of upgrades.

I had the opportunity to attend the unveiling of these new products at the IAFC’s 2006 Fire Rescue International, held in mid-September in Dallas, Texas. Here are some of my firsthand observations:

The Cab

The new cabs were designed with more leg and headroom, increased door width (43 inch front and 38 inch rear), and larger and deeper interior and exterior handles that can be more easily gripped with a gloved hand. Also, a lower door-to-door floor without recessed step wells in the rear now allows for easier entry and exit. And a new one-piece windshield, without a center post provides better visibility.

The cabs also have an advanced HVAC unit with increased capacity and 14 adjustable overhead vents to help cool or heat the cab more efficiently.

PHOTO BY BOB VACCARO The hose bed on the new Velocity

They also have a new molded console and door panels as well as a flat work surface on the officer’s side to provide a desk area for a computer. To reduce cab clutter, there are new integrated compartments where books, maps, or radios can be placed.

And beginning in spring 2007, Pierce will also offer the first fire vehicles to have frontal air bags.

New Mirrors

One of the first things you notice about the new cab and chassis design is the look of the new mirrors. They extend out and hang over the front of the vehicle. My first impression was that they kind of made the truck look a little strange, but after looking more closely at the design, they are probably the best type of mirrors that you could have on a fire truck. The mirrors are intelligently placed so that they minimize the body and head movements of the driver. Also, if you’re  driving, you won’t have to ask the officer to stick his hand out of the window to adjust the right side mirror for your use. You now have visibility down to the front bumper and along the sides of the vehicle. You’ll also save eight inches off the width of the truck compared to one with door mounted mirrors.

PHOTO BY BOB VACCARO The Velocity's new side-view mirrors

Improved Seats

Pierce’s redesigned PS6 Seats have a range of new and improved features that address both safety and comfort. The new seats feature double-length seat belts that give firefighters more room to fit the belts around them while wearing turnout gear. The seat belts also now feature an alarm that will notify the officer if the belts are not being worn.

The seats are better padded for comfort and lumbar support, and also have air bags built in for deployment in case of a rollover. This is in addition to a number of other enhancements, such as integral air curtains, seat belt tensioners and suspension pull downs and hands free SCBA holders.

Easier Maintenance

The cabs also have a small front hood that gives easier access for routine maintenance. There is also an access door through the engine tunnel as well. The mechanic or driver responsible for checking oil, water, transmission fluid, etc., can now do so without having to raise the cab all the way.

All in all, Pierce’s new chassis line represents a step forward in apparatus engineering. Simply put, these guys have really got their act together when it comes to designing new products.

Pierce has been consistent in trying to produce newer, safer fire apparatus for the fire service for a long time. If this is the result of listening to feedback from the fire service, I can’t wait for next year. And hopefully more companies take notice and adopt a similar philosophy.