Santa Cruz Fire Department Takes Delivery of New Aerial Truck

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February 2012

The City of Santa Cruz Fire Department has taken delivery of a new 100 foot Tractor Drawn Aerial Apparatus (tiller truck) from Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton Wisconsin.   The vehicle was constructed entirely in the USA, by the Oshkosh Corporation, based in Oshkosh Wisconsin, of which Pierce Manufacturing is a wholly owned subsidiary.    

The vehicle was purchased with an 80-20 matching grant through the AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant) program, with the federal government contributing eighty 80% of the cost.  This is a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration) program in association with the Department of Homeland Security.  Acting Battalion Chief Grant Parker wrote and solicited this grant application and was an integral part of the resulting apparatus.  The legislation was supported by Congressman Sam Farr, who worked as an advocate for our department.  This was the third award, through the AFG program, made to the Santa Cruz City Fire Dept.  

The new ladder truck meets the most stringent CARB (California Air Resources Board) 2010 emissions requirements.  It includes a hydraulic PTO driven generator, which runs off of the vehicle engine, thus reducing emissions.  All lighting is comprised of LED fixtures, which are low energy use, high output.  All components of construction, down to the type of paint used, were selected with consideration given to minimizing detrimental environmental impact.   

The vehicle includes a solar panel, which charges the vehicle batteries when the vehicle is not in the station.  This reduces electrical charging time and commensurate demand for electricity when it is plugged in to the electrical grid. When Pierce Manufacturing, was researching panels that would withstand the rigors and demands of fire service use, as well as the inevitable environmental degradation due to use, they selected a solar panel designed for use on sailboats sailed in open ocean conditions.  The solar panel was then coincidently sourced from West Marine in Santa Cruz.  

This new truck replaces an 18 year old vehicle, which is powered by an obsolete, gross polluting two stroke diesel engine. Incidentally, that truck was featured in a number of media outlets when it was delivered new in 1994.  

The new apparatus is equipped with antilock brakes, for greater safety of both occupant personnel as well as the public at large.  It is further equipped with a full suite of the most up to date electronic and computerized systems, including a Vehicle Data Recorder (VDR).  This component records all mechanical functions, which can be downloaded to a laptop computer for analysis and system diagnostics, as well as all critical vehicle performance criteria in the event of an accident and/or failure.  

This vehicle is built with the shortest possible tractor wheelbase which is designed for the greatest amount of maneuverability within our City of Santa Cruz.  The result is a vehicle which is a considerably more maneuverable than the truck which it replaces.  The upshot is improved access for an increased level of service to the community.  

The trailer portion includes a much greater amount of compartment space, allowing the Fire Dept. to consolidate the equipment currently carried on 2 separate vehicles, with the result being a more efficient use of personnel.  

Malissa Kaping, Buyer II in the Purchasing Division of the Finance Department, was invaluable in coordinating the myriad of financial, legal and administrative details involved in the RFP (Request For Proposal).  The City had a plethora of fair labor standards and requirements, as well as various insurance and bond conditions, which needed to be met.  She brought definitive knowledge to the process and was integral to our successful outcome.  

Media representatives are encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz City Fire Deparment, at 831-420-5280, to schedule follow up interviews, arrange station visits, tours and/or photo/video opportunities.



Author:Santa Cruz Fire Department Press Release